By CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
February 25, 2012
On February 23, 2012 Dr. Steven A. Arndt, commander of the Maryland Defense Force’s (MDDF) 121st Engineer Regiment received the federal government’s Engineer of the Year Award by the National Society of Professional Engineers. Col. (MDDF) Arndt is a senior technical advisor in the Office of the Nuclear Reactor Regulation at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). He has held that post since 2007 and has more than 30 years of professional experience as a nuclear engineer, the last 24 of which with the federal government.
Col. (MDDF) Arndt has also served as a professor of nuclear engineering which includes a stint at the United States Naval Academy, and was appointed to the Maryland State Board of Engineering by the Governor of Maryland in 2006 and currently serves as the Board’s Vice Chairman. During the Fukushima, Japan nuclear power plant incident Dr. Arndt responded to the NRC Operation Center and supported the Japanese government as well as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan in his role as a severe accident analyst. Col. (MDDF) Arndt continues to support the NRC – Japan lessons learned initiatives and is involved in the screening of recommendations for U.S. nuclear power plants.
“Dr. Steven Arndt is an outstanding professional, who has made substantial contributions to the work of the NRC over many years,” said NRC Chairman Jaczko. “I congratulate him on being named Federal Engineer of the Year, which is a great honor and well-deserved recognition for Dr. Arndt. We are proud that he is part of the NRC staff.” This award is the only one of its kind to solely recognize outstanding engineers employed in the federal government.
When asked about the recognition received on Thursday, February 23, at a ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, Dr. Arndt said, “I’ve devoted my professional life to nuclear engineering and I’ve enjoyed the opportunities to make contributions. I’m honored to receive this award.”
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: http://mddf.maryland.gov.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Maryland Defense Force Receives Cyber Security Presentation from Brig. Gen. Guy Walsh
By CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
February 7, 2012
On February 7, 2012 Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel were briefed on cyber security by U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Guy Walsh. Brig. Gen. Walsh is currently detailed at the Guard and Reserve Directorate of the U.S. Cyber Command in Fort Meade, Maryland. In this role, he coordinates reserve component support for the U.S. Cyber Command mission.
Prior to the presentation, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force and Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Fred Smalkin welcomed Brig. Gen. Walsh to the Pikesville Military Reservation. The presentation was coordinated by Maj. (MDDF) Jane Ohlmacher, commander of the Maryland Defense Force Cyber Security Unit.
Gen. Walsh’s presentation included the display of an historical timeline illustrating the proliferation of cyber domain growth over the last twenty years. He also discussed the “Future of Warfare” as well as cyber offense and cyber defense in relation to national security priorities. The presentation concluded with a question and answer session followed by a discussion of the importance of cyber security at the state and local level.
After the presentation, Brig. Gen. Walsh thanked the Maryland Defense Force personnel for their commitment and service to the State of Maryland. He stated “As a former commander of the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Wing I know firsthand of the MDDF’s superb professionalism and performance.” “I thank you for your important service to this state.”
Brig. Gen. Walsh graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1979 and started his career flying the F-4 Phantom. He has commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels during his 31 year career with the U.S. Air Force and the Air National Guard. Gen. Walsh is rated as a command pilot and has logged 4,200 flight hours in seven different aircraft. He retired in 2010 as a pilot of the A-10 Warthog. His last assignment was commander of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. Gen. Walsh retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2010.
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: http://mddf.maryland.gov.
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
February 7, 2012
On February 7, 2012 Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel were briefed on cyber security by U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Guy Walsh. Brig. Gen. Walsh is currently detailed at the Guard and Reserve Directorate of the U.S. Cyber Command in Fort Meade, Maryland. In this role, he coordinates reserve component support for the U.S. Cyber Command mission.
Prior to the presentation, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force and Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Fred Smalkin welcomed Brig. Gen. Walsh to the Pikesville Military Reservation. The presentation was coordinated by Maj. (MDDF) Jane Ohlmacher, commander of the Maryland Defense Force Cyber Security Unit.
Gen. Walsh’s presentation included the display of an historical timeline illustrating the proliferation of cyber domain growth over the last twenty years. He also discussed the “Future of Warfare” as well as cyber offense and cyber defense in relation to national security priorities. The presentation concluded with a question and answer session followed by a discussion of the importance of cyber security at the state and local level.
After the presentation, Brig. Gen. Walsh thanked the Maryland Defense Force personnel for their commitment and service to the State of Maryland. He stated “As a former commander of the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Wing I know firsthand of the MDDF’s superb professionalism and performance.” “I thank you for your important service to this state.”
Brig. Gen. Walsh graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1979 and started his career flying the F-4 Phantom. He has commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels during his 31 year career with the U.S. Air Force and the Air National Guard. Gen. Walsh is rated as a command pilot and has logged 4,200 flight hours in seven different aircraft. He retired in 2010 as a pilot of the A-10 Warthog. His last assignment was commander of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. Gen. Walsh retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2010.
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: http://mddf.maryland.gov.
Monday, November 14, 2011
121st Engineer Regiment Honors Veterans and Conducts Field Training
By CPT(MD)Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
November 14, 2011
On November 11th and 12th, the 121st Engineer Regiment of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) honored U.S. military veterans and conducted a field training exercise at the Maryland National Guard’s Lauderick Creek Training Facility in Edgewood, Maryland. Personnel from the MDDF’s Signal Corps, Chaplain Corps and 10th Medical Regiment also participated in the training activities. The training exercise provided all of the participants with an excellent opportunity sharpen military skills and practice orienteering in an operational environment.
On Friday November 11th the MDDF training exercise attendees hosted a Veterans Day dinner and ceremony in honor of America’s heroes. Ten local U.S. military veterans were the guests of honor and each gave a short autobiography of their military service. Col. (MDDF) Steven Arndt presided over the ceremony and Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF served as the keynote speaker for the evening. In his remarks, Gen. Kelm expressed his heartfelt appreciation for all that the honorees did while in uniform and for what they continue to do as patriotic citizens.
Early on November 12th, the training exercise commenced with roll call, breakfast and a two mile hike. After a short briefing on land navigation and radio communications procedures, the training mission was provided. By the end of the day, MDDF personnel had successfully set-up a field based Emergency Operaertions Center, erected a Radio Command Post and worked their way through an elaborate land navigation course. The training mission’s officer in charge, Capt. (MDDF) Jeff James commented that it was, “gratifying to see the MDDF personnel accomplish the mission objectives and execute the operation with such proficiency.” Col. (MDDF) Steven Arndt, commander of the 121st Engineers added that, “a commitment to teamwork was the backbone of the training module’s success and it is the foundation of our support to the Maryland Military Department.”
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: http://mddf.maryland.gov.
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
November 14, 2011
On November 11th and 12th, the 121st Engineer Regiment of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) honored U.S. military veterans and conducted a field training exercise at the Maryland National Guard’s Lauderick Creek Training Facility in Edgewood, Maryland. Personnel from the MDDF’s Signal Corps, Chaplain Corps and 10th Medical Regiment also participated in the training activities. The training exercise provided all of the participants with an excellent opportunity sharpen military skills and practice orienteering in an operational environment.
On Friday November 11th the MDDF training exercise attendees hosted a Veterans Day dinner and ceremony in honor of America’s heroes. Ten local U.S. military veterans were the guests of honor and each gave a short autobiography of their military service. Col. (MDDF) Steven Arndt presided over the ceremony and Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF served as the keynote speaker for the evening. In his remarks, Gen. Kelm expressed his heartfelt appreciation for all that the honorees did while in uniform and for what they continue to do as patriotic citizens.
Early on November 12th, the training exercise commenced with roll call, breakfast and a two mile hike. After a short briefing on land navigation and radio communications procedures, the training mission was provided. By the end of the day, MDDF personnel had successfully set-up a field based Emergency Operaertions Center, erected a Radio Command Post and worked their way through an elaborate land navigation course. The training mission’s officer in charge, Capt. (MDDF) Jeff James commented that it was, “gratifying to see the MDDF personnel accomplish the mission objectives and execute the operation with such proficiency.” Col. (MDDF) Steven Arndt, commander of the 121st Engineers added that, “a commitment to teamwork was the backbone of the training module’s success and it is the foundation of our support to the Maryland Military Department.”
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: http://mddf.maryland.gov.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Maryland Defense Force 10th Medical Regiment Gets New Commander
By CPT(MD) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
06 September 2011
On September 6, 2011 Col. (MDDF) Walter Hettinger assumed command of the Maryland Defense Force’s 10th Medical Regiment from the previous regimental commander, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Stanley Minken. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken transitioned to a new position as the Medical Advisor to the commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm.
Dr. Walter Hettinger graduated from Kenwood High School in Baltimore County prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army where he rose to the rank of staff sergeant. While serving in the U.S. Army, Col. (MDDF) Hettinger studied Russian at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey California and specialized as a voice interceptor.
Following his military service, Col. (MDDF) Hettinger attended Johns Hopkins University where he received a bachelor’s degree in biophysics and also did graduate work in the same field. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University, Col. (MDDF) Hettinger attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine. While he was enrolled as a medical student, Dr. Hettinger received the prestigious Maryland Family Practice Scholarship and a Bureau of Indian Affairs Scholarship. While in his senior year in medical school, he received a commission from the U.S. Public Health Service as an ensign and worked at the Quinault Indian Reservation in Taholah, Washington. As a Native American member of the Yankton Sioux tribe this important mission was of special significance to Col. (MDDF) Hettinger.
After graduation from medical school Dr. Hettinger completed a family medicine residency and an obstetrics and gynecology fellowship in family medicine. Since his residency, Dr. Hettinger has worked in emergency medicine at hospitals from Maryland’s Eastern Shore to the Baltimore region. He is currently Board Certified in emergency medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. Currently he serves as an attending physician at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson, Maryland.
While serving with the MDDF, Dr. Hettinger has coordinated various officer candidate and post deployment health assessment missions with the Maryland National Guard. In 2007 he also participated in an Air National Guard humanitarian mission to the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Col. (MDDF) Hettinger is the recipient of the Maryland Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Maryland Commendation Medal (three awards), the Maryland Defense Force Achievement Medal, the Maryland Emergency Service Medal (two awards) and the Maryland Humanitarian Service Medal.
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.
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
06 September 2011
On September 6, 2011 Col. (MDDF) Walter Hettinger assumed command of the Maryland Defense Force’s 10th Medical Regiment from the previous regimental commander, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Stanley Minken. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken transitioned to a new position as the Medical Advisor to the commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm.
Dr. Walter Hettinger graduated from Kenwood High School in Baltimore County prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army where he rose to the rank of staff sergeant. While serving in the U.S. Army, Col. (MDDF) Hettinger studied Russian at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey California and specialized as a voice interceptor.
Following his military service, Col. (MDDF) Hettinger attended Johns Hopkins University where he received a bachelor’s degree in biophysics and also did graduate work in the same field. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University, Col. (MDDF) Hettinger attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine. While he was enrolled as a medical student, Dr. Hettinger received the prestigious Maryland Family Practice Scholarship and a Bureau of Indian Affairs Scholarship. While in his senior year in medical school, he received a commission from the U.S. Public Health Service as an ensign and worked at the Quinault Indian Reservation in Taholah, Washington. As a Native American member of the Yankton Sioux tribe this important mission was of special significance to Col. (MDDF) Hettinger.
After graduation from medical school Dr. Hettinger completed a family medicine residency and an obstetrics and gynecology fellowship in family medicine. Since his residency, Dr. Hettinger has worked in emergency medicine at hospitals from Maryland’s Eastern Shore to the Baltimore region. He is currently Board Certified in emergency medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. Currently he serves as an attending physician at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson, Maryland.
While serving with the MDDF, Dr. Hettinger has coordinated various officer candidate and post deployment health assessment missions with the Maryland National Guard. In 2007 he also participated in an Air National Guard humanitarian mission to the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Col. (MDDF) Hettinger is the recipient of the Maryland Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Maryland Commendation Medal (three awards), the Maryland Defense Force Achievement Medal, the Maryland Emergency Service Medal (two awards) and the Maryland Humanitarian Service Medal.
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.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Maryland Defense Force Mobilizes to Support State of Maryland Response to Hurricane Irene
By CPT(MD) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
05 September 2011
As part of the State of Maryland’s preparation for the effects of Hurricane Irene, elements of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) mobilized to support the total force response of the Maryland Military Department. In total, eight MDDF units were engaged and 70 MDDF personnel contributed to the effort. These MDDF personnel accumulated 2,156 hours of service over four days and saved the State of Maryland $100,548.39.
MDDF Rapid Action Team (RAT) personnel were activated to augment the Maryland National Guard Adaptive Battle Staff at the Maryland Joint Operations Center. They served as liaison officers and provided twenty-four hour support for three positions that facilitated the coordination of relief and recovery efforts. In addition, the MDDF Operations and Training Unit established a Tactical Operations Center to manage MDDF assets in the field of operations.
Posted at the Easton Armory in order to provide direct support to Maryland residents that were in the path of the storm were personnel from the MDDF’s 121st Engineering Regiment, 10th Medical Regiment, Field Detachment Delta and Chaplain Corps. Field operations conducted by these units included structural damage assessments and tree removal to aid civilian transportation on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The overall MDDF effort was augmented by leadership from the MDDF command staff, technical support from the Information Technology and Communications Unit and the activation of MDDF assets assigned to the Maryland National Guard County Liaison Team (CoLT).
Col. (MDDF) James F. Coleman served as the Officer In Charge of the MDDF mobilization. He proudly noted that, “Our officers and enlisted personnel throughout the state showed pride and professionalism in the performance of their duties.” Capt. (MDDF) Michael Behringer, the commander of the RAT expressed that, “This gave us a great opportunity to test and refine our operational integration with other elements of the Maryland Military Department for future emergencies.” Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm simply stated, “Our motto is that we are Ready When Called. This mobilization gave us another opportunity to show that we stand behind those words.”
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: http://mddf.maryland.gov.
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
05 September 2011
As part of the State of Maryland’s preparation for the effects of Hurricane Irene, elements of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) mobilized to support the total force response of the Maryland Military Department. In total, eight MDDF units were engaged and 70 MDDF personnel contributed to the effort. These MDDF personnel accumulated 2,156 hours of service over four days and saved the State of Maryland $100,548.39.
MDDF Rapid Action Team (RAT) personnel were activated to augment the Maryland National Guard Adaptive Battle Staff at the Maryland Joint Operations Center. They served as liaison officers and provided twenty-four hour support for three positions that facilitated the coordination of relief and recovery efforts. In addition, the MDDF Operations and Training Unit established a Tactical Operations Center to manage MDDF assets in the field of operations.
Posted at the Easton Armory in order to provide direct support to Maryland residents that were in the path of the storm were personnel from the MDDF’s 121st Engineering Regiment, 10th Medical Regiment, Field Detachment Delta and Chaplain Corps. Field operations conducted by these units included structural damage assessments and tree removal to aid civilian transportation on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The overall MDDF effort was augmented by leadership from the MDDF command staff, technical support from the Information Technology and Communications Unit and the activation of MDDF assets assigned to the Maryland National Guard County Liaison Team (CoLT).
Col. (MDDF) James F. Coleman served as the Officer In Charge of the MDDF mobilization. He proudly noted that, “Our officers and enlisted personnel throughout the state showed pride and professionalism in the performance of their duties.” Capt. (MDDF) Michael Behringer, the commander of the RAT expressed that, “This gave us a great opportunity to test and refine our operational integration with other elements of the Maryland Military Department for future emergencies.” Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm simply stated, “Our motto is that we are Ready When Called. This mobilization gave us another opportunity to show that we stand behind those words.”
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: http://mddf.maryland.gov.
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