MDDF Finance Corps Brings Talent and Financial Expertise to the MDDF and the MDNG

By 2LT (MDDF) Anthony Granado
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
30 April 2015

The Finance Corps of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is essential to the men and women of the MDDF and the Maryland National Guard (MDNG). This unit, also referred to as D8 is now a full section of the MDDF headquarters staff and it is commanded by Col. (MDDF) John J. Forberger. Col. (MDDF) Forberger is a licensed investment management professional who is assisted by a cadre of multi-talented financial industry experts with a wide range of experience. Unit members have experience in banking, insurance, accounting, energy, corporate finance, government contract auditing and information management security.

“The Finance Corps offers excellence and experience in service to the MDDF and the men and women of the MDNG. The services we offer are essential for maintaining effective troop readiness,” says Col. (MDDF) Forberger. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, commanding general of the MDDF recognizes just how essential the D8 section is in maintaining the effective readiness of Maryland Defense Force and the Maryland National Guard. “I don’t know what we would do without this fine group of talented men and women. Their contribution and talent ensures we are able to carry out our mission,” says Gen. (MDDF) Kelm.

The operations and training component has been the “workhorse” of D8 for many years according to Col. (MDDF) Forberger. Operations include support of the MDNG Yellow Ribbon Program which services members and their families who are briefed before, during, and after deployment by D8 personnel relating to family financial matters. Some of the topics covered in the briefing include banking, insurance, wills, powers of attorney, and some practical advice with regard to home and auto matters.

Operations also include participation in the soldier readiness programs, recruit sustainment programs, and retirement briefs – all in support of the Maryland National Guard. The MDDF Finance Corps may support these programs four or five times in a single month and sometimes even more often. D8 personnel also work in the finance and accounting section of MDDF and MDNG operation centers when they are set up for active state missions. For example, D8 has participated in missions in support of triathlons, hurricanes, and even an urban heat emergency to deliver water, food and ice to residents affected by widespread power outages.

The accounting, audit, and budget component of the D8 offers support to the MDDF and its other units for any financial management needs that they may have. For example, D8 routinely assists senior command with annual budgets, and recently designed and built an electronic point of sale and inventory system to improve the accountability of monetary transactions and inventory control. The Finance Corps provides essential mission support that allows the Maryland Defense Force and the men and women of the Maryland National Guard, to carry out their service to the people of the state of Maryland effectively and consistently.

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.