MDDF Officer Receives Prestigious Volunteer Service Award

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
29 November 2014

Earlier this year, Maj. (MDDF) Jacob Gerstein of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF)’s 10th Medical Regiment was awarded the Excellence in Federal Career Gold Award in the Volunteer Service (Individual) category from the Baltimore Federal Executive Board. This award honors federal employees that have demonstrated “outstanding volunteer service” over a twelve-month period. Maj. Gerstein was recognized for his noteworthy volunteer service with the Maryland Defense Force and with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).

Maj. (MDDF) Gerstein also currently serves with the rank of major in the Civil Air Patrol and is assigned to their National Headquarters as part of CAP’s National History Staff. The Civil Air Patrol is the United States Air Force Auxiliary whose missions are to promote aerospace education, train CAP cadets and provide emergency services when necessary. During the award period, Maj. (MDDF) Gerstein served as a public affairs officer within CAP’s Maryland Wing and worked diligently to raise the organization’s profile. He drafted articles, took pictures and helped to maintain websites to educate the public about CAP’s activities and accomplishments.

As an officer with the MDDF’s 10th Medical Regiment, Maj. (MDDF) Gerstein often provides staff operational support during medical missions. He has participated in missions as varied as the 10th Medical Regiment’s support of nationally-recognized triathlons in Cambridge to the regiment’s support of the 100th anniversary Boy Scout Camporee in Cockeysville. “He is a superb state military officer and he adds value to each mission,” noted Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF. He continued, “Maj. Gerstein is an asset to the MDDF, the Civil Air Patrol and the federal workforce. Wherever he is, he works hard to add value and he is very deserving of this prestigious honor.”

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 Cyber Security Unit Helps Defend Maryland from Attack

By LTC (MDDF) Jane Ohlmacher
Maryland Defense Force Cyber Unit
30 September 2014

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Cyber Security Unit was created in 2010 at the request of the Adjutant General of Maryland, Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins. He realized that the threat of a cyber emergency in the State of Maryland was growing and wanted to tap as much private sector talent as possible to supplement the Maryland Air and Army National Guard cyber teams.

The MDDF Cyber Security Unit’s mission statement includes providing support to the Maryland Military Department, improving the security stance of the State of Maryland agencies and being prepared to respond with the Maryland Military Department in case of a cyber emergency. In order to complete this mission, the MDDF Cyber Security Unit trains on a monthly basis with the Maryland Army National Guard. In addition, they participate in quarterly joint training exercises with members of the Maryland Air National Guard and with various state agencies.

In addition to external training and support, the MDDF Cyber Security Unit provides training to members of the unit and is an excellent venue for getting hands on experience to enter or advance in this field. In fact recently some MDDF Pioneers, a group of college level state soldiers, trained along with seasoned professionals who are top level experts in cyber security.

The MDDF Cyber Security Unit has many aspiring plans for the near future. The unit is negotiating with the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development to train a group of wounded warriors to be able to start new professions in Cyber Security. Additionally, training requests for different units of the Maryland Military Department have been coming in already and are now being processed. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF stated that he is, “thrilled that our cyber unit is recognized as an essential augmentation component in the defense of Maryland’s networks.”

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 Support Helps Make Star Spangled Spectacular a Success

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice and 2LT (MDDF) Anthony Granado
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
17 September 2014

Over the course of several days, various elements of Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) provided volunteer support for the Star Spangled Spectacular’s festivities. These units, including the MDDF Band, the 10th Medical Regiment and the D9 Recruiting Unit served under the direction of Col. (MDDF) George Rich, the task force commander of Operation Early Light. Their support helped to ensure that the festivities honoring the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the National Anthem were an unparalleled success.

On September 11, 2014, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Band performed twice for the 200th anniversary ceremony of the Battle of North Point. The first performance at Patterson Park in Baltimore City preceded the ceremonial march of five hundred members of the Maryland National Guard (MDNG) 175th Infantry Regiment (Fifth Maryland) from Patterson Park to Battle Acre Park in Dundalk, Maryland. This march replicated the six mile route that the Maryland Militia took two hundred years ago to engage the British in battle and protect the City of Baltimore from attack. At the end of the march in Dundalk, the MDDF Band played again for a special wreath laying ceremony conducted by Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley and representatives from the British Embassy.

On September 13, 2014 the MDDF Band performed on the public stage at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine for the National Anthem Celebration. Some of their musical selections included the National Anthem, America the Beautiful, Gold Bless America, The Stars and Stripes Forever and My Maryland. This historic event included speeches by Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley and U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. The evening concluded with a demonstration of the largest fireworks display in Baltimore City’s history.

On September 14, 2014 the MDDF Band performed for the historic Dawns Early Light celebration held inside the walls of Fort McHenry. This special ceremony honored the exact moment that the National Anthem was born 200 years ago. Various U.S. military units including the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard,” and a U.S. Navy detachment from the U.S.S. Constitution stood in formation on the parade ground. Other military units from the United Kingdom and Canada were also in attendance. The keynote speaker was former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Colin L. Powell, United States Army (Ret.). This memorable event was shown live and rebroadcast to millions of American households by the C-SPAN television network.

The highlight of the MDDF Band’s performance was their playing of the “The Star-Spangled Banner,” while the public audience sang all four verses of under the direction of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. Lt. Col. (MDDF) Jari Villanueva who directs the MDDF Band, officially known as “Maryland’s Musical Ambassadors,” commented that “This was a magnificent event that honored our shared American heritage. I am also thrilled that citizens across this great country were able to hear the wonderful music of the MDDF Band.”

While the MDDF Band was entertaining large crowds, the MDDF 10th Medical Regiment was providing onsite medical support for the thousands of visitors to Fort McHenry. The 10th Medical Regiment operated a mobile hospital that treated patients with various medical issues throughout the Star Spangled Spectacular’s celebrations. The medical professionals of the 10th Medical Regiment provided excellent care and a safe environment for all in attendance.

Under the direction of Maj. (MDDF) Bryan Fischer, the MDDF D9 Recruiting Unit established a recruiting and information booth for the MDDF during Star Spangled Spectacular. This booth was staffed with junior officers and non-commissioned officers that educated the public about the mission of the MDDF. “We staffed our recruiting and information booth throughout the festivities so that we could spread the word about the good work that’s being done on behalf of the State of Maryland by the MDDF,” commented Maj. (MDDF) Fischer. He continued, “We met a host of patriotic Americans and proud Marylanders who were delighted to know that there is a corps of volunteers who donate their time in service to the state.” “This was a great event for us.”

Col. (MDDF) George Rich, the task force commander noted that, “Supporting these festivities was truly an honor for the MDDF. Our volunteers performed extremely well and I am very proud that we had this historic opportunity. Operation Early Light was a smashing success.” Pictures from the event can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/58685478@N08/sets/.

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 10th Medical Regiment will provide Support for Star Spangled Spectacular Events

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
2 September 2014

During the 200th Anniversary celebration of the National Anthem, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) 10th Medical Regiment will provide onsite medical support at Fort McHenry. As thousands of citizens visit Baltimore for the festivities, the MDDF 10th Medical Regiment will be operating a mobile hospital for the “National Anthem Celebration on September 13” and the “By Dawns Early Light Celebration” on September 14.

The National Anthem Celebration will feature music by, “The Presidents’ Own” U.S. Marine Corps Band, the Morgan State University Choir and “Maryland’s Musical Ambassadors,” the Maryland Defense Force Band. The event will also feature remarks by elected officials and a large fireworks display. The By Dawns Early Light Celebration will include a procession of military units including the Fort McHenry Guard, artillery salutes and musical tributes. A replica of the original Star Spangled Banner flag will also be raised over Fort McHenry.

“The presence of the MDDF 10th Medical Regiment helps to ensure that visitors to Fort McHenry can enjoy the patriotic festivities in a healthy and safe environment,” according to Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Stanley Minken, commander of the unit. He also commented that, “Our medical professionals take pride in providing excellent medical care for the State of Maryland. We also take special pride in continuing the Maryland Militia’s tradition of service.”

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.

Last Post and Taps Together at Battle Acre

By MAJ (MDDF) Bryan Y. Fischer
Maryland Defense Force D9
1 September 2014

At the site of the Battle of North Point in which Maryland Militia turned back a British invasion force – almost two hundred years to the day, American and British servicemen will honor the sacrifice of their ancestors. On September 12, 1814, the Royal Navy was preparing to lay siege to Fort McHenry at the entrance to Baltimore Harbor and land forces under command of British Maj. Gen. Robert Ross. Ross and his army traveled north and engaged the Maryland Militia at the Battle of North Point. While the Marylanders were eventually forced from the field, heavy casualties and the loss of Maj. Gen. Ross to American sharpshooters forced the British to end their pursuit.

As is well known to history, the siege of Fort McHenry ended with the Americans retaining control of the harbor and a local lawyer named Francis Scott Key penning a poem that would become the American National Anthem. Two-hundred years later, British and American forces will unite in friendship to honor the casualties and sacrifice of their forbearers.

In what is likely to be an historic first, British Forces will sound the bugle call "Last Post" alongside a Maryland bugler who will sound "Taps". Both are bugle calls that commemorate the fallen, each a symbol of their country's military tradition and sacrifice. The playing of Last Post and Taps together will conclude an historic commemoration of the "March of the Defenders" where the 175th Infantry Regiment, Maryland Army National Guard will march six miles in the footsteps of their predecessors. Their musical accompaniment will be the band of the Maryland Defense Force which is also heir to the traditions of the Maryland Militia of 1814.

Two-hundred years later Britain and the United States will meet again at North Point and for the first time, the mournful sounds of Taps and Last Post will carry over this hallowed ground, together.

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 Band Honors the “200th March of the Defenders” with September 11 Performances

By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
31 August 2014

As a part of the Star Spangled 200 festivities honoring, the bicentennial of the War of 1812, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Band will perform for the 200th anniversary ceremony of the Battle of North Point. On September 11, 2014 five hundred members of the Maryland National Guard (MDNG) 175th Infantry Regiment (Fifth Maryland) will replicate the six mile route that the Maryland Militia took two hundred years ago to engage the British in battle and protect the City of Baltimore from attack. The march will begin in Baltimore City’s Patterson Park where the route will take the 175th along Eastern Avenue into Baltimore County with a final stop at Battle Acre Park in Dundalk, Maryland.

During the ceremony at Patterson Park preceding the march, the MDDF Band will perform with elements of the MDNG’s 229th Army Band. A special tribute will also be given by Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley. At the end of the march in Battle Acre Park, the MDDF Band will again perform with elements of the MDNG’s 229th Army Band. A special wreath laying ceremony will also be conducted by Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and representatives from the British Embassy. More information on this event can be found at http://www.starspangled200.com/star-spangled-spectacular/detailed-schedule/200th-march-defenders/#.U_QHqPldVqU.

Officially known as “Maryland’s Musical Ambassadors,” the MDDF Band is a ceremonial unit of the Maryland Defense Force under the direction of Lt. Col. (MDDF) Jari Villanueva. 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. Maryland is only one of four states to have a State Defense Force 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 Hosts 2014 Annual NCO Induction Ceremony

By 2LT (MDDF) Alessia Timothy
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
20 July 2014

Maryland Defense Force (MDDF), continuing a 200-year tradition, hosted a noncommissioned officers’ (NCO) induction ceremony in Pikesville, Maryland on July 19 for nine new sergeants. The ceremony is meant to mark the newly promoted sergeants' departure from the junior ranks, symbolizing the need for them to remember they are no longer just followers of orders but leaders, with all of the responsibilities and accountability that come with the job. The MDDF ceremony was held at the NCO Club at the Pikesville Military Reservation (PMR). Senior NCOs from across the State of Maryland, and MDDF families and friends watched their state soldiers being welcomed into the ranks of the NCO corps.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. (MDDF) Loren Finch, who was the master of ceremonies during this event provided an historical background of the ceremony’s tradition that is traced to the Prussian Army of Frederick the Great. He went on to read a deeply moving “Poem to a fallen soldier,” and then shared some insight into what it means to be a noncommissioned officer. One by one, the state soldiers and senior NCOs stood up from their seats for a “soldier’s request and NCO response” part of the ceremony.

Afterward, three candles were lit. The red candle represented valor and hardiness. The white candle represented honesty and integrity and the blue candle signified vigilance and the field of honor in which an NCO serves. 1st Sgt. Matthew Shertzer, the narrator for the candle lighting ceremony, as he lit the red candle that stands for valor and hardiness, highlighted MDDF’s motto, “Ready When Called.”

The guest speaker, Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Beyard, the command sergeant major of the Maryland Army National Guard’s 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, congratulated the new NCOs on their success, and shared some lessons from his career. The ceremony ended with the reading of the "Charge of the Non-Commissioned Officer" and the "Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer" as well as some parting words of wisdom from senior NCOs.

Closing remarks were made by Col. (MDDF) James Coleman, the Chief of Staff for the MDDF. He emphasized that the ceremony “allows us to instill in a state soldier the significance of being an NCO and also gives them their first experience of the pride and respect that goes along with being a member of the NCO corps.” Col. (MDDF) Coleman then addressed the senior NCOs and charged them with helping the newest members of their ranks to grow their leadership skills.

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.