MDDF Judge Advocate Corps Completes Fall Muster

By MAJ (MDDF) Matthew Fox
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
28 October 2013

On October 19, 2013 the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Judge Advocate Corps (JAC) assembled for its Fall Muster. At the onset, a change of command ceremony took place, in which Col. (MDDF) Dennis Cuomo transferred command of the unit to Col. (MDDF) Michael May. In addition, Lt. Col. (MDDF) Laurie Kwiedorowicz was appointed as the unit’s executive officer. Col. (MDDF) Cuomo commented, “It was my honor to serve as your commander for the past two years. We are in good hands with Col. (MDDF) May.” Col. (MDDF) Cuomo was also given a plaque by the unit as a token of their thanks for his enthusiastic leadership and tireless efforts.

At the muster, three new JAC officers were sworn in. The new officers included 1st Lt. (MDDF) Jarrod Sharp, Capt. (MDDF) Colleen Clary and Lt. Col. (MDDF) David Weber. Col. (MDDF) Joseph Pokempner was introduced as the new Equal Employment Opportunity Officer for the entire MDDF, and he spoke as to his role and duties.

Guests at the muster included members of the University of Maryland JustAdvice Program which provides low cost legal consultation to Maryland residents. Sharity Bannerman and Eric Lee, student-attorneys with JustAdvice, introduced the program and took part in a discussion of how the JAC and JustAdvice can work together to best serve the citizens of Maryland.

Senior JAC officers also briefed the unit on the status of current assignments, including the Ft. Meade Project, the 70th Regiment Augmentation Group, and Col. (MDDF) Thomas Beach’s appointment as JAC Liaison Officer to MDDF Field Detachment Alpha in Hagerstown, Maryland. Afterward, Col. (MDDF) May provided instruction on the technicalities of the Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban, often called the “Lautenberg Amendment,” a law which prohibits persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or persons under a protective order from possessing firearms. This is an issue of vital importance to the service members the JAC represent.

Finally, the JAC conducted SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention) training, now a mandatory yearly training requirement in the MDDF and all branches of the military. Col. (MDDF) May shared that, “This is serious stuff. There will be zero tolerance for this kind of behavior.” The muster concluded with an awards ceremony, in which several JAC officers received the State of Maryland State Service Ribbon for five years of continuous service to the State. Additionally, the MDDF Honorable Service Ribbon was awarded to Maj. (MDDF) Matthew Fox, Lt. Col. (MDDF) Laurie Kwiedorowicz and Col. (MDDF) J. Michael Lawlor.

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.

MDDF Completes Fourth Initial Entry Training Program

By 2LT (MDDF) Anthony Granado
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
27 October 2013

Fourteen Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel completed the fourth installment of the Initial Entry Training (IET) program at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation in Reisterstown, Maryland on October 27, 2013. The graduation ceremony capped off an MDDF specific basic training program that was held over two weekends. The training curriculum included various modules including leadership development, MDDF history, basic first aid, drill and ceremony and military customs and courtesies.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF served as the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony. He told the graduates that “servant leadership is the strongest level of leadership” they could provide. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm also reminded the graduates that it was militia like them who defended the City of Baltimore from British attack during the War of 1812 nearly 200 years ago. He added that the new graduates would be carrying forward this tradition of service.

Capt. (MDDF) Dominic Pompa, the IET superintendent stated that it was an excellent session of IET. He added that over the course of two weeks, he saw a team develop “who were able to adapt and overcome problems both in the classroom and out in the field.” The class honor graduate was Capt. (MDDF) Steven Andrews who was honored for his performance and display of exceptional leadership during the training program.

In addition, 1st. Lt. (MDDF) Nancy Kelly who formerly served in the U.S. Air Force remarked about how proud she was “to be a part of the MDDF” and that “IET was a rewarding experience.” “Being a part of the MDDF,” 1st. Lt. (MDDF) Kelly stated, provides her with “the ability to fulfill my wish to perform community service and support my son who has served tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan.”
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.

STEM Event Draws More Than 450 Scouts

The Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) News posted an article on page 5 of their October 3, 2013 issue regarding Maryland Defense Force participation in the 3rd Annual STEM in Scouting day. Click here to view the issue / article.

MDDF Sgt. Karen Holmes Honored as SGAUS 2013 Soldier of the Year

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
18 October 2013

The State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) recently selected Sgt. (MDDF) Karen Holmes as their 2013 Soldier of the Year. At the SGAUS national conference, held in Charleston, South Carolina in conjunction with the Defense Support of Civilian Authorities (DSCA) National Symposium and Expo, Sgt. (MDDF) Holmes beat out state soldiers from across the United States in winning this prestigious award. She now has the distinct honor of reigning as America’s top state soldier until a new awardee is picked in late 2014.

Sgt. (MDDF) Karen Holmes is no stranger to recognition and was honored as the Maryland State Guard Association’s (MDSGA) Enlisted Soldier of the Year in 2012. She was nominated by the MDSGA and the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) for the national honor earlier this year. Sgt. (MDDF) Holmes was selected as the SGAUS 2013 Soldier of the Year for her leadership, competence and infectious enthusiasm for the MDDF and the MDSGA.

Sgt. (MDDF) Karen Holmes currently serves as the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) NCO as well as the administrative coordinator for the MDDF Honor Guard Detachment. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF stated that “Sgt. (MDDF) Holmes perseveres through any and all obstacles in her efforts to complete a mission. She is very deserving of this honor and she continues to impress us all.”

In her civilian career, Sgt. (MDDF) Holmes is a federal government safety officer and active volunteer. She works with the American Red Cross for the National Capital Region. Working with the Red Cross, she is part of the Disaster Action Team and oversees MASS Care for the Prince George’s County chapter. She has also served in the Medical Reserve Corps and as a volunteer for the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission Park Police.

Col. (MDDF) Michael Barrett, president of the MDSGA said that, “Sgt. (MDDF) Holmes brings honor and distinction to the MDDF and the MDSGA through her superior service. It was an honor for us to nominate her for this national recognition.”

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.