Maryland Defense Force Lt. Col. Brett Schaffer Passes Away

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
30 May 2013

On May 4, 2013 Lt. Col. (MDDF) Brett Schaffer passed away. Lt. Col. (MDDF) Schaffer served with distinction in the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) for several years. He most recently served as the executive officer of the MDDF Troop Command and performed in the MDDF Band as a percussionist and section leader. Lt. Col. (MDDF) Schaffer’s military career started with the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG) where he served as an infantryman in the 115th Infantry Regiment. His military service continued as a member of the 229th Band of the MDARNG. Lt. Col. (MDDF) Schaffer initially joined the MDDF as an officer in the Judge Advocate Corps before transferring to the Troop Command.

As a civilian, Lt. Col. (MDDF) Schaffer worked as a civil litigator with the prestigious Baltimore law firm of Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg and Katzenberg, P.A. Prior to joining the firm, Lt. Col. (MDDF) Schaffer served the State of Maryland as Assistant Attorney General and as Assistant State’s Attorney for Baltimore County.

Lt. Col. (MDDF) Schaffer was a consummate professional musician. He performed in the Baltimore area for several years as a commercial instrumentalist for social events. During his career he played for several bands including Kol Chayim and Lox and Vodka. Lt. Col. (MDDF) Schaffer had nearly 60 years of experience as a percussionist.

Lt. Col. (MDDF) Brett Schaffer was a proud graduate of Pikesville High School and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He continued his education at Loyola University in Maryland where he received a master’s degree in clinical psychology and at the University of Baltimore School of Law where he received his juris doctor degree.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF stated that,”Lt. Col. (MDDF) Schaffer was an outstanding state soldier and will always be remembered for his many contributions to the MDDF.” “He worked tirelessly no matter what the mission and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

Click here to view the Baltimore Sun obituary of Lt. Col. (MDDF) Schaffer.

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 Band Kicks Off the "Red, White and Blue" Concert Series at Hagerstown Community College

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

The Maryland Defense Force Band will present a concert of wind and brass band favorites on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at 6:15 p.m. at the Hagerstown Community College Alumni Amphitheater. The concert will include several selections popular in America during the 19th Century. The “Red, White and Blue” concert series is hosted by the Hagerstown Community College Alumni Association and sponsored by the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

From June through September this concert series will feature several military bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Maryland National Guard as well as the Maryland Defense Force. For more information about the concert series, call 240-500-2346, or email lsstewart@hagerstowncc.edu.

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: http://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: www.mddf.maryland.gov.

Maryland Defense Force Band to Perform at the Gettysburg Festival

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

Music of the Civil War Era Awaits Listeners as the Maryland Defense Force Band Commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Band will present a concert of wind and brass band favorites on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary Hill Unger Pavilion located at 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg. The concert will include several selections popular in America during the 19th Century.

The Gettysburg Festival has grown to become a yearly tradition for both area residents and tourists alike. With an average attendance of 23,000 people, the Festival celebrates local talent within the community in the areas of visual arts, culinary arts, theater, film, music and children's events. In the past five years, the Gettysburg Festival has presented more than 3,000 artists, musicians and performers.

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: http://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: www.mddf.maryland.gov.

MDDF Completes Third Annual Initial Entry Training

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
12 May 2013

Twenty-six Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel completed Initial Entry Training (IET) at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation in Reisterstown, Maryland on May 12, 2013. The graduation ceremony capped off a MDDF specific basic training program that was held over two weekends. The training curriculum included various modules to included leadership development, MDDF history, basic first aid, drill and ceremony and military customs and courtesies. Even military veterans joining the MDDF are expected to go through the program in order to get a better understanding of the states volunteer reserve component and its critical role within the State of Maryland.

Capt. (MDDF) Salvatore Simonetta, the IET superintendent stated that it was, “great to see the class come together over the course of the training and develop real esprit de corps.” “They don’t just look sharp, they also really know their stuff.”

The class honor graduate is Capt. (MDDF) Evelyn Kloos who has been assigned to the 10th Medical Regiment. Capt. (MDDF) Simonetta commented that, “She distinguished herself in each phase of the training.” “Capt. (MDDF) Kloos stood head and shoulders above a very talented class which made her selection an easy one for the cadre.”

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF served as the keynote speaker for the event. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm commented that, “This training program lays an important foundation for each MDDF volunteer.” “IET makes each volunteer better in their individual roles and collectively it makes the MDDF better equipped to serve the citizens of this wonderful state.”

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 Completes Third Annual Initial Entry Training

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
12 May 2013

Twenty-six Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel completed Initial Entry Training (IET) at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation in Reisterstown, Maryland on May 12, 2013. The graduation ceremony capped off a MDDF specific basic training program that was held over two weekends. The training curriculum included various modules to included leadership development, MDDF history, basic first aid, drill and ceremony and military customs and courtesies.

Even military veterans joining the MDDF are expected to go through the program in order to get a better understanding of the states volunteer reserve component and its critical role within the State of Maryland. Capt. (MDDF) Salvatore Simonetta, the IET superintendent stated that it was, “great to see the class come together over the course of the training and develop real esprit de corps.” “They don’t just look sharp, they also really know their stuff.”

The class honor graduate is Capt. (MDDF) Evelyn Kloos who has been assigned to the 10th Medical Regiment. Capt. (MDDF) Simonetta commented that, “She distinguished herself in each phase of the training.” “Capt. (MDDF) Kloos stood head and shoulders above a very talented class which made her selection an easy one for the cadre.”

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF served as the keynote speaker for the event. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm commented that, “This training program lays an important foundation for each MDDF volunteer.” “IET makes each volunteer better in their individual roles and collectively it makes the MDDF better equipped to serve the citizens of this wonderful state.”

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.

Retired Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. to speak at the MDDF Annual Muster

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
8 March 2013

On March 23, 2013 the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) will hold 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 will commence at 9:00 a.m. The keynote speaker for this year’s muster will be Cmdr. (Ret.) Everett Alvarez, Jr. Cmdr. (Ret.) Everett Alvarez, Jr. served with distinction in the U.S. Navy for twenty years.

As a naval aviator during Operation Pierce Arrow, he was shot down over North Vietnam on August 5, 1964 and taken prisoner. At the time, Lt. j.g. Alvarez was the first American aviator shot down over North Vietnam and he was subsequently held as a prisoner of war (POW) for eight and a half years. Cmdr. (Ret.) Alvarez was held at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” and finally released on February 12, 1973. Cmdr. (Ret.) Alvarez is the second longest-held POW in American history.

After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Cmdr. (Ret.) Alvarez continued with his public service career serving as Deputy Director of the Peace Corps and Deputy Director of the Veterans Administration. He also served as chairman of the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) Commission which aims to improve health care and service delivery for American veterans. Currently, Cmdr. (Ret.) Alvarez is Chief Executive Officer of Alvarez & Associates, an information technology and executive management services company.

Cmdr. (Ret.) Alvarez’s military decorations include the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and two Purple Heart Medals. Recently, he was honored with the 2012 Lone Sailor Award for his post military achievements. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF stated that he was “thrilled that Cmdr. Alvarez will be speaking at the Annual Muster.” “He is a true patriot and exemplifies the Navy tradition of strength and honor.” “His life’s work has been not for self but for country and we are truly privileged to have him.”

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/.

MDSGA Selects New Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Edward L. Salas Memorial Enlisted Soldier of the Year

By CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
30 December, 2013

The Maryland State Guard Association (MDSGA) has recently selected their new Enlisted Soldier of the Year named in honor of former Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Edward L. Salas who passed away in 2011. At the recent MDSGA Holiday Ball, Sgt. (MDDF) Karen Holmes was selected to receive this prestigious award and replace the reigning 2011 award winner, Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Paul Swenson. The award is given by the MDSGA upon the recommendation of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Council.

Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Swenson, the outgoing award winner was selected in December 2011 for his selfless service and outstanding contributions to the MDDF. Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Swenson is a founding member of the MDDF Band where he plays the French Horn, as well as supporting the MDDF Band Drumline on bass drum. In addition, Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Swenson served as the lead developer of the refreshed MDDF web presence, which he continues to support on an as needed basis. He was also an early member of the MDDF Rapid Action Team. Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Swenson is also the recipient of the MDDF Achievement Medal.

In the civilian world, Swenson is a lead systems engineer working onsite at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland supporting the upcoming LADEE lunar mission launching in August, 2013. He also plays Alto Horn with the Federal City Brass Band (a Civil War reenactor band), and is an avid skier. MDDF Band commander, Maj. (MDDF) Jari Villanueva recently commented that “Staff. Sgt. Swenson has been invaluable to the success of the MDDF and the band in particular.”

Sgt. (MDDF) Karen Holmes, the incoming award winner was selected for her dedication, professionalism and tireless commitment to the MDDF. Sgt. (MDDF) Holmes currently serves as the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) NCO as well as the administrative coordinator for the MDDF Honor Guard Detachment. Capt. (MDDF) Darrell Hervey, the MWR officer stated that “Sgt. (MDDF) Holmes has gone the extra mile to support the well being of MDDF personnel and is very deserving of this honor.”

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, “The MDDF is blessed to have a strong NCO corps that serves as the backbone of our state reserve component.” “It is an honor for the MDSGA to support the MDDF and recognize these outstanding individuals.”

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/.