MDDF Supports 138th National Guard Conference

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
13 September 2016

The Baltimore City Convention Center was home to the National Guard Association of the United States’ (NGAUS) 138th General Conference and Exhibition from September 9 thru September 12, 2016. The goal of the NGAUS at its founding in 1878 and still today is to obtain better equipment and training for the National Guard. The NGAUS General Conference serves as the association’s annual business meeting with more than 2,000 Army and Air Guard officers from all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia. At the conference the association set its legislative agenda and heard from America’s civilian and military leaders.

In support of the Maryland National Guard (MDNG) which played host to the NGAUS conference, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Band, widely known as “Maryland’s Musical Ambassadors,” performed three concerts of patriotic music. On September 9, the MDDF Ceremonial Band performed at the Columbus Center in Baltimore for a reception, hosted by Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, the adjutant general of Maryland. On September 12, the MDDF Band performed two concerts. The first performance consisted of a Jazz Combo at Government House in Annapolis, Maryland which serves as the Maryland Governor’s residence. This luncheon reception for the spouses of the adjutants general in Maryland for the NGAUS conference was attended by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. The second performance consisted of a Woodwind Quintet at the Baltimore Convention Center that played for a VIP reception.

Also, during the NGAUS conference, the State of Maryland commemorated the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a ceremony on September 11, 2016 at Baltimore’s World Trade Center. This ceremony honored Maryland residents that perished during the 9/11 attacks and featured a speech by Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford. The MDDF Band performed during the solemn ceremony under the command of Lt. Col. (MDDF) Jari Villanueva.

Lt. Col. (MDDF) Villanueva stated, "It was an honor to support NGAUS and represent the MDDF through our music. Former adjutant general for Ohio and Chairwoman of NGAUS, retired Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst, commented favorably on the music from the band. She started her military career in the U.S. Army Band program as a clarinetist and was surprised and pleased to have a band from the state militia participate in the conference." The Maryland Defense Force Band is a ceremonial unit of the MDDF that provides musical support to the Maryland Military Department and provides ceremonial support to the State of Maryland.

In order to provide logistical support for the MDNG and the conference, the MDDF launched a ten volunteer task force under the leadership of 1st Lt. Christopher Girard. He commented, “Our responsibilities were wide ranging and included staffing the information booth, assisting with registration, transportation of materials and supporting the military police units.” He continued, “We also helped with event set-up and the escort of dignitaries.” “We were kept pretty busy and we’re happy to have played such an integral part in the conference’s success.”

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 250 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 Supports Critical Mission of MDNG 70th Regiment

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
1 September 2016

The Maryland Army National Guard’s (MDARNG) 70th Regiment is a regional training institute for the military. Their stated mission is to “provide a professional learning environment, quality instruction and training support for all military members.” Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground Edgewood area, the 70th Regiment manages the MDARNG’s Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Candidate School and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) schools. The 70th Regiment provides essential leadership training for the Maryland Military Department.

For the past six years, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) has provided essential support to help the 70th Regiment succeed in its important mission. The MDDF 70th Detachment (and later the MDDF Task Force 70th) has provided volunteer personnel officers, operations officers, supply officers and communications officers to augment the 70th Regiment’s activities. The MDDF has also provided the 70th Regiment with chaplains, safety officers and public affairs officers to supplement their ranks.

While providing general administrative support, MDDF personnel officers have processed important paperwork for each of the 70th Regiment’s training academies. MDDF operations officers assisted in drafting operational orders and mission planning activities. Meanwhile, MDDF supply officers have handled logistics for various 70th Regiment training phases, written standard operating procedures and assisted in unit accreditation.

MDDF communications officers have ensured the timely flow of information and MDDF chaplains have provided counseling and support for the 70th Regiment. Public affairs officers from the MDDF have assisted in documenting the training missions and providing appropriate media coverage. Currently, Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Matthew Markle is providing continued MDDF staff support to the 70th Regiment as the assistant training non-commissioned officer.

Command Chief Warrant Officer (MDDF) Thomas Insley has the distinction of having served the longest with the MDDF 70th Detachment. He commented, “Our integration into the 70th Regiment has helped them to fill billets and complete their mission, while also giving the MDDF insight into MDNG operations.” “This will make it even more seamless when we need to fill in and support their efforts during an emergency.” He continued, “This is a win-win for the Maryland Military Department and we are happy to do our part.”

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 250 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 Commanding General Reflects on Tenure

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
13 May 2015

After a distinguished 26 year career in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps, then Capt. Brian R. Kelm retired in 2003. Three years later he put on a different uniform as a colonel in the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) and commander of the newly formed Engineer Corps. After five years as commander of a unit that eventually became the 121st Engineer Regiment, Col. (MDDF) Kelm was promoted to brigadier general and commanding general of the MDDF in 2011.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm will step down as commanding general of the MDDF on Saturday, May 16 during the MDDF Annual Muster at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore, Maryland. After four years of leadership he will turn over the reins of a very different state military reserve component than the one he inherited. At the change of command ceremony, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) James F. Coleman, chief of staff and deputy commanding general of the MDDF will take on the responsibilities of commanding general of the MDDF.

“I am extremely proud of the work that the MDDF has done during my tenure as their commander and I’m even more excited about what the future holds,” said Kelm. “Over the last four years the MDDF state soldiers have volunteered over 200,000 man hours and saved the State of Maryland nearly $24 million dollars. It’s been a very busy four years, “he continued.

“We deployed in support of the state during hurricanes Irene and Sandy.” “The MDDF played a major role in the state’s support of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 during Sailabration in 2012 and Star Spangled Spectacular in 2014.” “A new unit, the MDDF Pioneer Company was launched at Anne Arundel Community College last year and last semester, the 121st Engineer Regiment taught an infrastructure course at the University of Maryland,” Kelm also shared.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm also expressed immense pride that the “10th Medical Regiment has operated mobile hospitals for international ironman competitions and triathlons for the past two years while the 121st Engineers last year renovated the War of 1812 exhibit at the Maryland Military Museum at no charge to the state.” “I’m so proud of the men and women who wear the MDDF uniform,” Kelm concluded.

In addition, under Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm’s leadership the MDDF has won some very prestigious awards. In April 2012 Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins who was serving as the adjutant general of Maryland at the time awarded the MDDF 10th Medical Regiment the Outstanding Unit Award. In 2013, the MDDF received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maryland National Guard (MDNG) Freestate ChalleNGe Academy for exceptional support of the youth development program. Finally, in 2014 Salute Magazine named the MDDF 10th Medical Regiment the Unit of the Year. The 10th Medical Regiment beat out active duty, National Guard and reserve military units from across the country to achieve this special honor.

“I am most proud of the fact that the MDDF has become further integrated into the support of the MDNG during my service in the command billet.” “Our units have become more operational and more professional over the last four years and it was a joy to be a part of that progressive change.” “The MDDF will be in excellent hands under the leadership of Brig. Gen. (MDDF) James F. Coleman and I will be ready to support him and the MDDF in whatever capacity that is needed,” Kelm noted.

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 Rallies for Baltimore

By MAJ (MDDF) Bryan Fischer
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
8 May 2015

As dawn broke over Baltimore City, a few miles away Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel were loading up their gear preparing to deploy alongside their Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG) counterparts to stand up a field hospital at Oriole Park at what would become known as Forward Operating Base (FOB) Raven. During the recent State of Emergency in Baltimore, the Maryland Defense Force, Maryland’s uniformed volunteer state military force mobilized forty-three key personnel to complement and augment Maryland National Guard forces deployed to Baltimore.

With doctors, nurses and other medical support personnel at FOB Raven to logistics support personnel pitching in at the Pikesville Military Reservation (PMR) to help de-mobilize the Maryland National Guard (MDNG) as it returned from the city, the MDDF played a key role in the recent mission. MDDF personnel were also embedded into Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) at the Camp Fretterd Military Reservation.

At FOB Raven, the Maryland Defense Force 10th Medical Regiment personnel provided medical services over the course of five days of sustained operation. The MDDF also provided medical personnel at the Fifth Regiment Armory as well as Chaplain support at the Fifth and two other troop staging areas. MDDF forces have not seen a longer deployment since the deployment to Jefferson Parish, Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina relief in 2005. Meanwhile, MDDF operations officers were embedded into the planning and operations staff at Camp Fretterd providing real time updates to command and control and ensuring that personnel were deployed to maximum effectiveness.

As calm had returned to the streets of Baltimore, the next major mission would be to ensure that all Maryland National Guard personnel returned home efficiently and quickly. The Reverse JRSOI (Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration) Operation commenced on Friday morning and the call came out for additional MDDF support. The MDDF personnel mobilized to support the JRSOI effort allowed MDNG personnel with specialized logistics training to be used more effectively as MDDF personnel backfilled for them as force multipliers.

The MDDF supplied personnel to the Joint operations ranged from private first class to colonel. With less than 6 hours notification, the MDDF was able to provide critical professional and technical support to the emergency operations proving once again that nearly 100 years on, the Maryland Defense Force is “Ready When Called. “

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 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.

Nineteen MDDF State Soldiers Receive MEMS Certifications

By COL (MDDF) Michael Barrett
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
29 March 2015

Chief Warrant Officer (MDDF) Eric Drummer, Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Academy Director, for the State of Maryland, announced today that nineteen Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel were presented with their Basic, Senior and Master badges, at the graduation ceremony on March 21, 2015, held at Pikesville Military Reservation in Pikesville, Maryland. Thirteen new MEMS qualified personnel earned their Basic Badge, four earned their Senior Badge and two received their Master Badge, the highest award issued by the MEMS Academy.

The MEMS badge is awarded only after completion of a rigorous course of on-line and classroom study combined with several years of practical experience and hands-on participation with local emergency management agencies. The MEMS Academy was created and is administered by the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) to further the educational advancement of state guard personnel from all fifty states and Puerto Rico.

Col. (MDDF) Michael E. Barrett, president of the Maryland State Guard Association, the local SGAUS affiliate, said that “the MDDF commanding general, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm has placed great emphasis over the past four years on having all MDDF personnel take part in this important and vital training program because emergency management is a core mission of the MDDF.” Currently, almost 30% of the entire MDDF force strength is MEMS qualified.

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.

Passing of BG Frank T. Barranco Sr.

28 March 2015

The Maryland Defense Force is sad to announce the passing of BG Frank T. Barranco Sr., Commanding General of the Maryland Defense Force from 1993 to 1996.