Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
3 May 2014
On May 3, 2014 the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) held its Annual Muster at the Pikesville Military Reservation. The Annual Muster is a mandatory all day training activity for all Maryland Defense Force personnel. Company formation and ceremonies commenced at 9:00 a.m. The keynote speaker for this year’s muster was Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins, the adjutant general of Maryland.
Maj. Gen. Adkins is the 28th adjutant general of Maryland and has served in that role since 2008. As Maryland’s adjutant general, he manages the operations of the Maryland Military Department (MILDEP) which includes the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG), the Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG), the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF). Maj. Gen. Adkins also serves as a senior advisor to the governor while overseeing a state department of more than 7,200 military and civilian personnel.
Maj. Gen. Adkins’ military career includes more than 30 years of service in both the enlisted and officer ranks. He has served in various staff assignments and at almost every level of command. His distinguished service includes assignments in intelligence, infantry and cavalry units in the United States and overseas. Some of his many military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross and the Order of the White Cross from the Republic of Estonia.
Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force shared that, “It is always an honor for the MDDF to host Gen. Adkins at our annual muster. His leadership and career of selfless service is an inspiration to our state soldiers. He thanked us for the volunteer work that we do but we also appreciate his stewardship and professional example.”
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.
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