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.

MDDF Works with the United Way to Support Homeless Veterans

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

The Maryland Defense Force will partner with the United Way of Central Maryland to support their Project Homeless Connect initiative on September 19, 2013 from 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m. This initiative at the Baltimore Convention Center is also being co-sponsored by the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Human Services. The goal is to provide access to key health and human services for Baltimore’s homeless population. Food and beverages will also be provided.

A Maryland Defense Force task force under the command of Col. (MDDF) James F. Coleman will provide escorts and support personnel to help homeless veterans through the services screening process. Maryland Defense Force personnel from various units including the 10th Medical Regiment, the Chaplain Corps, Troop Command and the Judge Advocate Corps have volunteered to participate in the task force in order to provide assistance to the homeless veterans.

Col. (MDDF) Coleman commented that “This is a very important mission. We have to do everything we can to take care of those that have sacrificed so much to take care of us.” “Helping homeless veterans get back on their feet is simply the right thing to do. No one is ever left behind.”

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.

Defenders Day Festivities at Fort McHenry a Success with MDDF Support

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
15 September 2013

The Maryland Defense Force’s support was critical to the success of the Defenders’ Day commemoration on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. A Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) task force under the command of Col. (MDDF) George Rich provided logistical and medical assistance to the National Park Service during this special event. “Over 10,000 visitors came to Fort McHenry for the festivities and it would not have run as smoothly without the help and support of the MDDF,” said National Park Service Ranger Amato Mongelluzzo.

This celebration of Defenders’ Day, Baltimore’s oldest holiday honors the successful defense of the city from British attack during the Battle of Baltimore in September of 1814. This historic battle was fought by Maryland Militiamen alongside the U.S. Army who repulsed the planned invasion of Baltimore by British forces during the War of 1812. The heroic efforts of the Maryland Militiamen alongside the U.S. Army at Fort McHenry helped to inspire Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner poem which later became our national anthem.

The Defenders’ Day festivities included the participation of the U.S. Army Old Guard, the U.S. Army Drill Team and the U.S. Army Field Band. Speakers for this special occasion included Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Congressman John Sarbanes. Former U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes was also in attendance. Gov. O’Malley even participated in the ceremonies as a War of 1812 re-enactor wearing the uniform of an early 19th century U.S. Army major general and riding atop a black Clydesdale named “Slurpee”.

Col. (MDDF) Rich noted that “The MDDF task force performed superbly and I couldn’t be more proud of their execution of this mission.” “This event was a big success and we are gratified to have been a part of this historic commemoration.”

MDDF Supports Defenders Day Festivities at Fort McHenry

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
13 September 2013

The Maryland Defense Force will support the Star Spangled Banner Weekend Defenders’ Day commemoration on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. This celebration of Defenders’ Day, Baltimore’s oldest holiday honors the successful defense of the city from British attack during the Battle of Baltimore in September of 1814. This historic battle was fought by Maryland Militiamen alongside the U.S. Army who repulsed the planned invasion of Baltimore by British forces during the War of 1812. The heroic efforts of the Maryland Militiamen alongside the U.S. Army at Fort McHenry helped to inspire Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner poem which later became our national anthem.

During the festivities on Saturday, a procession of the U.S. Army Old Guard will include a horse drawn caisson that will carry an exact replica of the famous Star-Spangled Banner Flag. This replica was hand stitched by volunteers at the Maryland Historical Society using authentic materials like those that were used on the original flag which is displayed in the Smithsonian. The flag will be ceremonially raised over the fort and the U.S. Army Drill Team will then provide a drill and ceremony performance. A cannon firing demonstration will also illustrate some of the tactics used to defend Baltimore during the planned British invasion. This will be followed by a performance of the U.S. Army Field Band and fireworks.

A Maryland Defense Force task force under the command of Col. (MDDF) George Rich will provide logistical and medical assistance to the National Park Service during this special event. “This event is very important for us because the modern day Maryland Militia is represented by the Maryland National Guard and the Maryland Defense Force,” explained Col. (MDDF) Rich. He also shared that, “It is important for Marylanders to know that two-hundred years later, we are still ready, willing and able to serve in a time of need.”

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 Band to Perform at the Dundalk United Methodist Church

By CPT (MDDF) Rick Barnes
Maryland Defense Force Band Public Affairs
28 August 2013

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Band will present a concert of wind and brass band favorites on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at the Dundalk United Methodist Church located at 6903 Mornington Road, Dundalk, MD. The concert will include several selections popular in America during the 19th Century. Featured soloists will include Brig. Gen. Peter Hinz, the Assistant Adjutant General – Army on violin, trombonist Jared Denhard, and guitarist Richard McCready.

Serving since 1930, Dundalk United Methodist Church’s Christ-centered, people-oriented mission has been to serve God by worshiping, and to serve the community by evangelizing and recognizing and meeting human needs. Dundalk United Methodist Church was organized as a mission of Patapsco Methodist Episcopal Church. The Bethlehem Steel Company donated the present site early in 1937. For more information call (410) 284-4818. Directions are available at http://www.dundalkumc.org/information/directions/.

Widely known as “Maryland’s Musical Ambassadors,” the Maryland Defense Force Band is a ceremonial unit of the MDDF. The MDDF Band provides musical support to the Maryland Military Department and provides ceremonial support to the State of Maryland. For more information on the MDDF Band: www.mddf.maryland.gov/band/.

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 about the MDDF: www.mddf.maryland.gov.

MDDF Holds NCO Induction Ceremony

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
20 July 2013

On July 20, 2013 nine Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) State Soldiers were inducted into the MDDF non-commissioned officer (NCO) corps. The induction ceremony was held at the NCO Club at the Pikesville Military Reservation. Sgt. (MDDF) Karen Holmes coordinated the event and the master of ceremonies was Sgt. Maj. (MDDF) Loren Finch. At the beginning of the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. (MDDF) Finch provided an explanation of the ceremony’s tradition that is traced to the Prussian Army of Frederick the Great.

Afterward, three candles were lit. The red candle represented valor and hardiness. The white candle represented purity and innocence and the blue candle represented vigilance, perseverance and justice.

After the reading of the “NCO Charge” by Command Sgt. Maj. (MDDF) Ronald Scott, the inductees walked under a saber arch which symbolized “taking the steps to become a leader,” according to Sgt. Karen Holmes. The inductees then recited the “NCO Creed” before listening to an inspiring keynote address from Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Beyard of the Maryland Army National Guard’s 29th Combat Aviation Brigade.

Opening remarks were made by Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm commented that the “MDDF NCO corps is the backbone of our state military reserve component.” “We count on our NCO corps to provide leadership and to serve as the glue that keeps our organization together.” Command Sgt. Maj. (MDDF) Scott added that the newly inducted “NCOs have proven their ability, willingness and capacity to lead.”

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 Band to Perform at the Lurman Woodland Theater in Catonsville

By CPT (MDDF) Rick Barnes
Maryland Defense Force Band Public Affairs
15 July 2013

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Band will present a concert of wind and brass band favorites on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lurman Woodland Theater located at 614 Hilltop Road, Catonsville, MD. The concert will include several selections popular in America during the 19th Century. Featured soloists will include Brig. Gen. Peter Hinz, the Assistant Adjutant General – Army on violin, trombonist Jared Denhard, and guitarist Richard McCready.

Lurman Woodland Theatre is an outdoor community amphitheater located in a beautiful, naturally wooded setting. Lurman encourages you to come and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere where children can play and you can lie back and enjoy the music under tall oak trees. Entertainment at Lurman is free.

Widely known as “Maryland’s Musical Ambassadors,” the Maryland Defense Force Band is a ceremonial unit of the MDDF. The MDDF Band provides musical support to the Maryland Military Department and provides ceremonial support to the State of Maryland. For more information on the MDDF Band: www.mddf.maryland.gov/band/.

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 about the MDDF: www.mddf.maryland.gov.