Maryland Defense Force Plans Wellness Newsletter Spring Kick-Off

By: CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
February 14, 2012

In April, Capt. (MDDF) Carlos Martinez, a member of the 10th Medical Regiment’s operations and training unit, will roll out a new wellness newsletter for Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel. The aim of this electronic newsletter is to improve the health and wellness of MDDF personnel to ensure that they are “fit for duty,” and “fit for life.” This electronic newsletter will provide tips on diet, nutrition, and the importance of exercise. The newsletter will also promote the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and the principle that a “healthy mind is a healthy body.” Capt. (MDDF) Martinez is uniquely qualified to spearhead this effort.

A native of Panama, Carlos Martinez immigrated to the United States in 1972 and represents the best of America’s immigrant tradition. Understanding the importance of education, Capt. (MDDF) Martinez received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from the University of Maryland University College, has taken social work graduate courses at Virginia Commonwealth University, and is currently enrolled at the Master’s International School of Divinity studying interdisciplinary graduate studies.

As a healthcare and fitness professional Carlos worked for 14 years as a senior recreation specialist at St. Elizabeths Hospital, Dept. of Mental Health, in Washington, DC. In this position he was responsible for managing indoor and outdoor recreational activities for the residential treatment facility. He worked with a special population of refugees from the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Capt. (MDDF) Martinez has worked for 32 years in the field of substance abuse and mental health with a focus on crisis intervention, prevention, education, and family challenges. He has worked across Northern Virginia providing his services to youth, immigrants, and male populations. Capt. (MDDF) Martinez is currently working at the Community Service Board/Alcohol and Drug Services Men’s Day Treatment Facility in Fairfax County Virginia. His achievements were recently recognized by the Fairfax County government and he was given the Outstanding Achievement Award for his exemplary performance. He was specifically noted for the fitness and safety programs he has implemented in his counseling role.

To supplement a very active lifestyle, Capt. (MDDF) Martinez has studied martial arts for 28 years and is a specialist in Tae-Kwon-Do, Jiu-Jitsu, and boxing. In addition, he enjoys playing soccer, cycling, swimming, and jogging. He has also completed several medical certifications and plans to bring all of his health, fitness, and counseling expertise to the new MDDF electronic wellness newsletter. Capt. (MDDF) Martinez shared, “I see service as my patriotic duty and I want to help guarantee that all MDDF personnel are fit to tackle any challenge that comes their way.”

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support, and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: www.mddf.maryland.gov.