By 2LT (MDDF) Anthony Granado
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
10 July 2014
The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) supports the Maryland Army National Guard, the Maryland Air National Guard, and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, with a dedicated and professional body of men and women who volunteer their time and talent for the good of Maryland and its citizens.
One of these talented individuals is Capt. (MDDF) James Howard, Chief of Information Management Branch (MDDF, D6). Capt. (MDDF) Howard works to provide information resources to the MDDF and other related agencies and has been an invaluable part of the MDDF since November, 2006.
This past May, Captain Howard finished his dissertation in completion of his Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where his research focused on the economic and social impacts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program. In his research, Capt. (MDDF) Howard explored how the benefits of flood insurance are distributed regionally, how the government benefits from the program, and how the program provides a framework for analyzing other disaster management regimes. With this information, Capt. (MDDF) Howard believes the government can better provide and price flood insurance to homeowners.
Capt. (MDDF) Howard brings a background as a statistical expert providing high level economic, policy and data consulting to Federal agencies and other clients. Currently, he is employed as an applied analytics scientist and machine learning engineer at Eagle Ray, Inc. and has previously served the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as an internal consultant on statistical computing. Capt. (MDDF) Howard is also a passionate educator, teaching at the University of Maryland University College and the University of Baltimore.
The motto of the MDDF is Officio Vocante Parati – “Ready When Called.” Capt. (MDDF) Howard exemplifies the talent and professionalism of the men and women of the MDDF who are always ready and able when called to serve the people of the State of Maryland.
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.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
MDDF Medical Support is Again Critical for the Successful EagleMan Triathlon
By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
10 June 2014
For the second year, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) provided onsite medical support for the nearly 2,000 participants and an equal number of spectators in the EnduraFit Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Triathlon that took place on June 8, 2014 in Cambridge, Maryland. This competition at Great Marsh Park featured a 1.2 mile swim, followed by a 56 mile bike ride. After the bike ride, the race ended with a 13.1 mile run. This competition was sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT) and organizers followed the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) rules.
In order to support this major event, the MDDF activated Operation Eagleman under the command of Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Stanley Minken. Operation Eagleman successfully utilized MDDF assets from the 10th Medical Regiment, Finance Corps, the new Pioneer Detachment and Troop Command to succeed in this mission. Building on previous experience, the MDDF staffed a “mobile hospital” that was operational for the duration of the competition with support from the Delmarva Regional Health Care Mutual Aid Group.
MDDF medical personnel were busy throughout the competition and treated 168 athletes during the event. Some athletes who were in need of follow-up medical care were transported to Dorchester General Hospital with MDDF medical staff coordination. More than 500 volunteer man hours were provided by MDDF personnel. The Operation successfully prevented hundreds of patients from converging on the local medical system. The cooperative relationship between the organizers of the competition, Dorchester County Emergency Management, Dorchester County EMS and the MDDF set the standard on collaborations and provides crucial training on surge capacity medical care.
Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken commented that, “Our MDDF team was able to build on lessons that we learned during last year’s event that helped to enhance our operational effectiveness. Participating in this event is a win-win because the athletes get great medical care and our state soldiers gain valuable experience. We hope to build on this activity and continue to improve our service delivery model for many years to come.”
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
10 June 2014
For the second year, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) provided onsite medical support for the nearly 2,000 participants and an equal number of spectators in the EnduraFit Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Triathlon that took place on June 8, 2014 in Cambridge, Maryland. This competition at Great Marsh Park featured a 1.2 mile swim, followed by a 56 mile bike ride. After the bike ride, the race ended with a 13.1 mile run. This competition was sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT) and organizers followed the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) rules.
In order to support this major event, the MDDF activated Operation Eagleman under the command of Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Stanley Minken. Operation Eagleman successfully utilized MDDF assets from the 10th Medical Regiment, Finance Corps, the new Pioneer Detachment and Troop Command to succeed in this mission. Building on previous experience, the MDDF staffed a “mobile hospital” that was operational for the duration of the competition with support from the Delmarva Regional Health Care Mutual Aid Group.
MDDF medical personnel were busy throughout the competition and treated 168 athletes during the event. Some athletes who were in need of follow-up medical care were transported to Dorchester General Hospital with MDDF medical staff coordination. More than 500 volunteer man hours were provided by MDDF personnel. The Operation successfully prevented hundreds of patients from converging on the local medical system. The cooperative relationship between the organizers of the competition, Dorchester County Emergency Management, Dorchester County EMS and the MDDF set the standard on collaborations and provides crucial training on surge capacity medical care.
Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken commented that, “Our MDDF team was able to build on lessons that we learned during last year’s event that helped to enhance our operational effectiveness. Participating in this event is a win-win because the athletes get great medical care and our state soldiers gain valuable experience. We hope to build on this activity and continue to improve our service delivery model for many years to come.”
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, May 26, 2014
Maryland Society of Professional Engineers Award Named for MDDF Colonel
By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
26 May 2014
The Maryland Society of Professional Engineers (MDSPE) recently established the David Thaler Leadership Award in honor of Col. (MDDF) David S. Thaler of the Maryland Defense Force. This prestigious award will be presented to professional engineers who exemplify the leadership and ideals of Col. (MDDF) Thaler. This new honor will be given “only in very special instances where an individual whose leadership within the engineering community has been transformational and who has mobilized and unified people, organizations, or causes that improve the engineering profession” according to a MDSPE statement.
Col. (MDDF) David S. Thaler previously served within the 121st Engineering Regiment and currently serves as executive advisor to Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF. A civil engineer by profession, Col. (MDDF) Thaler is the president and managing principal of D.S. Thaler & Associates, Inc. a Baltimore based civil and environmental engineering firm. He also serves as a lecturer on land use policy as a visiting scholar at the University of Baltimore School of Law. In addition, Col. (MDDF) Thaler serves as a fellow with the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm shared that “We are extremely proud of Col. (MDDF) Thaler and this special recognition he has received. He serves as a wonderful example of the depth and breadth of professional expertise that exists within the MDDF. Given the talent within our ranks, we remain positioned to fulfill our mission and support the State of Maryland 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.
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
26 May 2014
The Maryland Society of Professional Engineers (MDSPE) recently established the David Thaler Leadership Award in honor of Col. (MDDF) David S. Thaler of the Maryland Defense Force. This prestigious award will be presented to professional engineers who exemplify the leadership and ideals of Col. (MDDF) Thaler. This new honor will be given “only in very special instances where an individual whose leadership within the engineering community has been transformational and who has mobilized and unified people, organizations, or causes that improve the engineering profession” according to a MDSPE statement.
Col. (MDDF) David S. Thaler previously served within the 121st Engineering Regiment and currently serves as executive advisor to Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF. A civil engineer by profession, Col. (MDDF) Thaler is the president and managing principal of D.S. Thaler & Associates, Inc. a Baltimore based civil and environmental engineering firm. He also serves as a lecturer on land use policy as a visiting scholar at the University of Baltimore School of Law. In addition, Col. (MDDF) Thaler serves as a fellow with the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm shared that “We are extremely proud of Col. (MDDF) Thaler and this special recognition he has received. He serves as a wonderful example of the depth and breadth of professional expertise that exists within the MDDF. Given the talent within our ranks, we remain positioned to fulfill our mission and support the State of Maryland 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.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
The Maryland Defense Force Band Pays Tribute to 60 Years of Baseball in Baltimore
By CPT (MDDF) Richard Barnes
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
4 May 2014
Step right up. Get your popcorn, peanuts and crackerjack. The big game is about to start! Well, actually, the big concert about the big game was about to start. On Sunday, May 4th, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Band performed an afternoon concert of music honoring America’s great pastime – baseball! The band was led by its founding commander, Lt. Col. (MDDF) Jari Villanueva, who is an avid baseball fan himself.
After performing our National Anthem to start the program, the MDDF Band played a sprightly march by the Finnish composer Timo Forsström entitled Castle Park and the Festival Overture on the American National Air by Dudley Buck. The themes contained in this complex overture for wind band were taken from The Star Spangled Banner as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of its composition by Francis Scott Key this year.
At the Dundalk United Methodist Church, the MDDF Band then celebrated 60 years of baseball in Baltimore. Almost all of the music performed by the band was centered on the theme of baseball. The band played such memorable selections as Take Me out to the Ballgame. America’s “March King,” John Philip Sousa, wrote a march dedicated to baseball entitled, The National Game, which the band performed with great precision. “Guest musician” Master Sgt. (retired) Jan Holland, formerly with The U.S. Army Field Band at Fort Meade, MD, assisted the MDDF Band by performing the harp as the band played themes from the baseball movie, The Natural. Lt. Col. (MDDF) Villanueva, a noted music historian in his own right, unearthed a march dedicated to the early days of Baltimore’s baseball team entitled, Our Orioles. This march was written at a time when baseball “fans” were referred to as baseball “cranks.”
Music from the Band’s woodwind ensemble delighted the audience as they brought the feeling of summer to the concert with a medley of Gay Nineties favorites by Bill Holcombe. The performance by this quintet of woodwind players included several well-known melodies including: A Bicycle Built for Two, The Sidewalks of New York, In the Good Old Summertime and the Band Played On.
The highlight of the afternoon, however, was the narration of the dramatic essay Casey at the Bat, which was presented by Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force, accompanied by the band. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm’s enthusiastic interpretation of this perennial favorite definitely knocked this one “out of the park!”
The concert ended with a stirring rendition of Irving Berlin’s God Bless America and the Maryland Defense Force’s state service song, Maryland, My Maryland.
Widely known as “Maryland’s Musical Ambassadors,” the MDDF Band is a ceremonial unit of the Maryland Defense Force. Members of the band include retired and former members of our nation’s military service bands, music educators and students from all over the state. The band provides musical and ceremonial support to the Maryland Military Department and the State of Maryland. There are 22 states (plus the commonwealth of Puerto Rico) that have State Defense Forces to provide additional uniformed volunteer support to the National Guard. Of that number, Maryland is only one of two states to have a State Defense Force band.
The summer schedule of the MDDF Band for this year includes a concert at the amphitheater of Hagerstown Community College on Sunday, June 22nd at 6:15 p.m., participation in the Independence Day parade on the Fourth of July at 3:00 p.m. in Catonsville, a concert at the Lurman Woodland Theater in Catonsville on Saturday, July 19th at 6:30 p.m. and a concert at the Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park on Saturday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m. All MDDF Band concerts are free and open to the public.
For more information about the band’s performances, contact the MDDF Band’s Public Affairs Officer, Capt. (MDDF) Rick Barnes, at rbarnes@mddf.us.
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
4 May 2014
Step right up. Get your popcorn, peanuts and crackerjack. The big game is about to start! Well, actually, the big concert about the big game was about to start. On Sunday, May 4th, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Band performed an afternoon concert of music honoring America’s great pastime – baseball! The band was led by its founding commander, Lt. Col. (MDDF) Jari Villanueva, who is an avid baseball fan himself.
After performing our National Anthem to start the program, the MDDF Band played a sprightly march by the Finnish composer Timo Forsström entitled Castle Park and the Festival Overture on the American National Air by Dudley Buck. The themes contained in this complex overture for wind band were taken from The Star Spangled Banner as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of its composition by Francis Scott Key this year.
At the Dundalk United Methodist Church, the MDDF Band then celebrated 60 years of baseball in Baltimore. Almost all of the music performed by the band was centered on the theme of baseball. The band played such memorable selections as Take Me out to the Ballgame. America’s “March King,” John Philip Sousa, wrote a march dedicated to baseball entitled, The National Game, which the band performed with great precision. “Guest musician” Master Sgt. (retired) Jan Holland, formerly with The U.S. Army Field Band at Fort Meade, MD, assisted the MDDF Band by performing the harp as the band played themes from the baseball movie, The Natural. Lt. Col. (MDDF) Villanueva, a noted music historian in his own right, unearthed a march dedicated to the early days of Baltimore’s baseball team entitled, Our Orioles. This march was written at a time when baseball “fans” were referred to as baseball “cranks.”
Music from the Band’s woodwind ensemble delighted the audience as they brought the feeling of summer to the concert with a medley of Gay Nineties favorites by Bill Holcombe. The performance by this quintet of woodwind players included several well-known melodies including: A Bicycle Built for Two, The Sidewalks of New York, In the Good Old Summertime and the Band Played On.
The highlight of the afternoon, however, was the narration of the dramatic essay Casey at the Bat, which was presented by Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force, accompanied by the band. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm’s enthusiastic interpretation of this perennial favorite definitely knocked this one “out of the park!”
The concert ended with a stirring rendition of Irving Berlin’s God Bless America and the Maryland Defense Force’s state service song, Maryland, My Maryland.
Widely known as “Maryland’s Musical Ambassadors,” the MDDF Band is a ceremonial unit of the Maryland Defense Force. Members of the band include retired and former members of our nation’s military service bands, music educators and students from all over the state. The band provides musical and ceremonial support to the Maryland Military Department and the State of Maryland. There are 22 states (plus the commonwealth of Puerto Rico) that have State Defense Forces to provide additional uniformed volunteer support to the National Guard. Of that number, Maryland is only one of two states to have a State Defense Force band.
The summer schedule of the MDDF Band for this year includes a concert at the amphitheater of Hagerstown Community College on Sunday, June 22nd at 6:15 p.m., participation in the Independence Day parade on the Fourth of July at 3:00 p.m. in Catonsville, a concert at the Lurman Woodland Theater in Catonsville on Saturday, July 19th at 6:30 p.m. and a concert at the Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park on Saturday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m. All MDDF Band concerts are free and open to the public.
For more information about the band’s performances, contact the MDDF Band’s Public Affairs Officer, Capt. (MDDF) Rick Barnes, at rbarnes@mddf.us.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Maryland Adjutant General Addresses MDDF at 2014 Annual Muster
By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
MDDF Supports 2014 Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition
By COL (MDDF) Gary Stoneburner
23 April 2014
The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) led a multi-component military unit in support of the National CyberWatch Center’s 2014 Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (MACCDC) hosted by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. The competition held during March 28th and 29th was the mid-Atlantic regional event of a national competition whose sponsors include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, the National Science Foundation, the US Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), and the US Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). In its ninth year, this event allowed college students in cyber related fields to test their experience and training by defending against a highly-capable team of cyber attackers.
This year’s competition scenario had eight area college teams. Each team defended their own computer network simulating the information technology essential for county aid distribution as part of Maryland’s emergency response to a devastating blizzard. Responding to the simulated devastation was compounded by a simulated cyber attack by a fictitious terrorist organization. The teams were scored in large part on their ability to keep their network operational despite cyber attacks. An outstanding group of cybersecurity professionals served during the competition as the red team simulating the “terrorist hackers.”
Col. (MDDF) Gary Stoneburner, the MDDF Chief Information Officer and Assistant Chief of Staff for Information Technology and Communications, led the military team comprised of members of the MDDF, the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG) Computer Network Defense team, the Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG) Cyber Warfare Squadron, and US Navy reservists with SPAWAR. The military team established a simulated Maryland Military Department (MILDEP) Computer Defense Operation Center (CDOC) that worked with the college teams in defending their emergency management networks as the notional CDOC might assist Maryland state agencies in responding to cyber attacks. Col. (MDDF) Stoneburner, commented that, “The exercise was a great learning opportunity for the college students as future cyber professionals and it also served as an outstanding training opportunity for our military team.” “We look forward to participating in this event for many years to come.”
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, communications, cyber security, information technology, finance, medical, chaplain, field support, and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: www.mddf.maryland.gov.
23 April 2014
The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) led a multi-component military unit in support of the National CyberWatch Center’s 2014 Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (MACCDC) hosted by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. The competition held during March 28th and 29th was the mid-Atlantic regional event of a national competition whose sponsors include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, the National Science Foundation, the US Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), and the US Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). In its ninth year, this event allowed college students in cyber related fields to test their experience and training by defending against a highly-capable team of cyber attackers.
This year’s competition scenario had eight area college teams. Each team defended their own computer network simulating the information technology essential for county aid distribution as part of Maryland’s emergency response to a devastating blizzard. Responding to the simulated devastation was compounded by a simulated cyber attack by a fictitious terrorist organization. The teams were scored in large part on their ability to keep their network operational despite cyber attacks. An outstanding group of cybersecurity professionals served during the competition as the red team simulating the “terrorist hackers.”
Col. (MDDF) Gary Stoneburner, the MDDF Chief Information Officer and Assistant Chief of Staff for Information Technology and Communications, led the military team comprised of members of the MDDF, the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG) Computer Network Defense team, the Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG) Cyber Warfare Squadron, and US Navy reservists with SPAWAR. The military team established a simulated Maryland Military Department (MILDEP) Computer Defense Operation Center (CDOC) that worked with the college teams in defending their emergency management networks as the notional CDOC might assist Maryland state agencies in responding to cyber attacks. Col. (MDDF) Stoneburner, commented that, “The exercise was a great learning opportunity for the college students as future cyber professionals and it also served as an outstanding training opportunity for our military team.” “We look forward to participating in this event for many years to come.”
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, communications, cyber security, information technology, finance, medical, chaplain, field support, and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: www.mddf.maryland.gov.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
MDDF Holds Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Graduation Ceremony
By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
15 April 2014
The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) held a ceremony on April 12, 2014 for recent graduates of the Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Academy, managed by the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS). The ceremony was sponsored by the Maryland State Guard Association. Graduates of the academy are authorized to wear the MEMS Specialist badge on the uniform. The Basic MEMS Specialist, Senior MEMS Specialist and Master MEMS Specialist badges were awarded at the ceremony based upon the training level that was completed by the individual MDDF volunteer.
The MEMS training qualification program prepares state military volunteers to “effectively operate and function in local or statewide military emergency management mobilizations,” according to SGAUS. After earning the Basic MEMS Specialist badge, the volunteer should be able to effectively operate in an emergency operations center. A recipient of the Senior MEMS Specialist Badge should also be able to work effectively in a joint operations center. A recipient of the Master MEMS Specialist Badge must participate in a capstone course, train other specialists and receive advanced emergency management training.
At the ceremony there were nineteen recipients of the Basic MEMS Specialist Badge, two recipients of the Senior MEMS Specialist Badge and the sole recipient of the Master MEMS Specialist Badge was Col. (MDDF) John B. Carter. Col. (MDDF) Michael Barrett, President of the Maryland State Guard Association served as the master of ceremonies. Tom Gilboy, who formerly served as the Director of the Emergency Management Professional Program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) served as the keynote speaker. He shared important insights and career advice from his lengthy and rewarding emergency management career.
Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF stated that, “The MEMS qualification badge training is the core of our mission and purpose as a state military organization. We need to be able to effectively support our state in an emergency. I would like to see all of our volunteers get the required training and earn this badge.”
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
15 April 2014
The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) held a ceremony on April 12, 2014 for recent graduates of the Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Academy, managed by the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS). The ceremony was sponsored by the Maryland State Guard Association. Graduates of the academy are authorized to wear the MEMS Specialist badge on the uniform. The Basic MEMS Specialist, Senior MEMS Specialist and Master MEMS Specialist badges were awarded at the ceremony based upon the training level that was completed by the individual MDDF volunteer.
At the ceremony there were nineteen recipients of the Basic MEMS Specialist Badge, two recipients of the Senior MEMS Specialist Badge and the sole recipient of the Master MEMS Specialist Badge was Col. (MDDF) John B. Carter. Col. (MDDF) Michael Barrett, President of the Maryland State Guard Association served as the master of ceremonies. Tom Gilboy, who formerly served as the Director of the Emergency Management Professional Program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) served as the keynote speaker. He shared important insights and career advice from his lengthy and rewarding emergency management career.
Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF stated that, “The MEMS qualification badge training is the core of our mission and purpose as a state military organization. We need to be able to effectively support our state in an emergency. I would like to see all of our volunteers get the required training and earn this badge.”
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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