By 2LT (MDDF) Anthony Granado
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
30 April 2015
The Finance Corps of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is essential to the men and women of the MDDF and the Maryland National Guard (MDNG). This unit, also referred to as D8 is now a full section of the MDDF headquarters staff and it is commanded by Col. (MDDF) John J. Forberger. Col. (MDDF) Forberger is a licensed investment management professional who is assisted by a cadre of multi-talented financial industry experts with a wide range of experience. Unit members have experience in banking, insurance, accounting, energy, corporate finance, government contract auditing and information management security.
“The Finance Corps offers excellence and experience in service to the MDDF and the men and women of the MDNG. The services we offer are essential for maintaining effective troop readiness,” says Col. (MDDF) Forberger. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, commanding general of the MDDF recognizes just how essential the D8 section is in maintaining the effective readiness of Maryland Defense Force and the Maryland National Guard. “I don’t know what we would do without this fine group of talented men and women. Their contribution and talent ensures we are able to carry out our mission,” says Gen. (MDDF) Kelm.
The operations and training component has been the “workhorse” of D8 for many years according to Col. (MDDF) Forberger. Operations include support of the MDNG Yellow Ribbon Program which services members and their families who are briefed before, during, and after deployment by D8 personnel relating to family financial matters. Some of the topics covered in the briefing include banking, insurance, wills, powers of attorney, and some practical advice with regard to home and auto matters.
Operations also include participation in the soldier readiness programs, recruit sustainment programs, and retirement briefs – all in support of the Maryland National Guard. The MDDF Finance Corps may support these programs four or five times in a single month and sometimes even more often. D8 personnel also work in the finance and accounting section of MDDF and MDNG operation centers when they are set up for active state missions. For example, D8 has participated in missions in support of triathlons, hurricanes, and even an urban heat emergency to deliver water, food and ice to residents affected by widespread power outages.
The accounting, audit, and budget component of the D8 offers support to the MDDF and its other units for any financial management needs that they may have. For example, D8 routinely assists senior command with annual budgets, and recently designed and built an electronic point of sale and inventory system to improve the accountability of monetary transactions and inventory control. The Finance Corps provides essential mission support that allows the Maryland Defense Force and the men and women of the Maryland National Guard, to carry out their service to the people of the state of Maryland effectively and consistently.
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, April 30, 2015
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Nineteen MDDF State Soldiers Receive MEMS Certifications
By COL (MDDF) Michael Barrett
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
29 March 2015
Chief Warrant Officer (MDDF) Eric Drummer, Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Academy Director, for the State of Maryland, announced today that nineteen Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel were presented with their Basic, Senior and Master badges, at the graduation ceremony on March 21, 2015, held at Pikesville Military Reservation in Pikesville, Maryland. Thirteen new MEMS qualified personnel earned their Basic Badge, four earned their Senior Badge and two received their Master Badge, the highest award issued by the MEMS Academy.
The MEMS badge is awarded only after completion of a rigorous course of on-line and classroom study combined with several years of practical experience and hands-on participation with local emergency management agencies. The MEMS Academy was created and is administered by the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) to further the educational advancement of state guard personnel from all fifty states and Puerto Rico.
Col. (MDDF) Michael E. Barrett, president of the Maryland State Guard Association, the local SGAUS affiliate, said that “the MDDF commanding general, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm has placed great emphasis over the past four years on having all MDDF personnel take part in this important and vital training program because emergency management is a core mission of the MDDF.” Currently, almost 30% of the entire MDDF force strength is MEMS qualified.
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
29 March 2015
Chief Warrant Officer (MDDF) Eric Drummer, Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Academy Director, for the State of Maryland, announced today that nineteen Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel were presented with their Basic, Senior and Master badges, at the graduation ceremony on March 21, 2015, held at Pikesville Military Reservation in Pikesville, Maryland. Thirteen new MEMS qualified personnel earned their Basic Badge, four earned their Senior Badge and two received their Master Badge, the highest award issued by the MEMS Academy.
The MEMS badge is awarded only after completion of a rigorous course of on-line and classroom study combined with several years of practical experience and hands-on participation with local emergency management agencies. The MEMS Academy was created and is administered by the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) to further the educational advancement of state guard personnel from all fifty states and Puerto Rico.
Col. (MDDF) Michael E. Barrett, president of the Maryland State Guard Association, the local SGAUS affiliate, said that “the MDDF commanding general, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm has placed great emphasis over the past four years on having all MDDF personnel take part in this important and vital training program because emergency management is a core mission of the MDDF.” Currently, almost 30% of the entire MDDF force strength is MEMS qualified.
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.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Maryland Defense Force Supports Historic Maryland Adjutant General Change of Command
By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
1 March 2015
On February 28, 2015 at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore, Maryland, Maj. Gen. (MD) Linda L. Singh was sworn in as Maryland’s new adjutant general replacing Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins. Maj. Gen. (MD) Singh also made history becoming the nation’s first female African-American adjutant general. Previously Gen. Singh had served as Maryland’s assistant adjutant general – Army.
In this new role, Gen. Singh will lead the Maryland Military Department which includes the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG), Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG), Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF). Several dignitaries were in attendance for the ceremony including Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and senior leaders from the National Guard Bureau. In support of the ceremony, nearly 250 troops stood in formation. Companies from the MDARNG, MDANG, MDDF and Civil Air Patrol were represented.
Leading the MDDF volunteers in formation was Col. (MDDF) James Coleman, deputy commanding general of the MDDF. He commented that, “We had fifty state soldiers on the drill floor for the ceremony and they looked great.” “It was a wonderful experience and we were honored to be a part of this historical occasion.” He also shared that, “The MDDF is excited for the future and we look forward to working with Maj. Gen. (MD) Singh in service to the citizens of Maryland.”
The MDDF was also ably represented at the ceremony by the MDDF Band which is officially known as “Maryland’s Musical Ambassadors.” Under the direction of Lt. Col. (MDDF) Jari Villanueva the MDDF Band performed a marching “sound off” musical salute to Gen. Singh. As part of the tribute, Lt. Col. (MDDF) Villanueva led the band in a pass in review in front of the adjutant general. Following the ceremony and during the adjutant general’s reception, Lt. Col. (MDDF) Villanueva directed elements of the MDDF Band in a jazz performance that entertained appreciative guests. “It was a busy day for us but we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to do our part in support of Maj. Gen. (MD) Singh.” Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, commanding general of the MDDF commented, “I couldn’t be more proud of how we executed our mission today.”
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.
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
1 March 2015
On February 28, 2015 at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore, Maryland, Maj. Gen. (MD) Linda L. Singh was sworn in as Maryland’s new adjutant general replacing Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins. Maj. Gen. (MD) Singh also made history becoming the nation’s first female African-American adjutant general. Previously Gen. Singh had served as Maryland’s assistant adjutant general – Army.
In this new role, Gen. Singh will lead the Maryland Military Department which includes the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG), Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG), Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF). Several dignitaries were in attendance for the ceremony including Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and senior leaders from the National Guard Bureau. In support of the ceremony, nearly 250 troops stood in formation. Companies from the MDARNG, MDANG, MDDF and Civil Air Patrol were represented.
Leading the MDDF volunteers in formation was Col. (MDDF) James Coleman, deputy commanding general of the MDDF. He commented that, “We had fifty state soldiers on the drill floor for the ceremony and they looked great.” “It was a wonderful experience and we were honored to be a part of this historical occasion.” He also shared that, “The MDDF is excited for the future and we look forward to working with Maj. Gen. (MD) Singh in service to the citizens of Maryland.”
The MDDF was also ably represented at the ceremony by the MDDF Band which is officially known as “Maryland’s Musical Ambassadors.” Under the direction of Lt. Col. (MDDF) Jari Villanueva the MDDF Band performed a marching “sound off” musical salute to Gen. Singh. As part of the tribute, Lt. Col. (MDDF) Villanueva led the band in a pass in review in front of the adjutant general. Following the ceremony and during the adjutant general’s reception, Lt. Col. (MDDF) Villanueva directed elements of the MDDF Band in a jazz performance that entertained appreciative guests. “It was a busy day for us but we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to do our part in support of Maj. Gen. (MD) Singh.” Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, commanding general of the MDDF commented, “I couldn’t be more proud of how we executed our mission today.”
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.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
MDSGA & MDDF Select the 2014 NCO and Soldier of the Year Winners
By MAJ (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
10 December 2014
At the recent Maryland State Guard Association (MDSGA) holiday ball, Sgt. (MDDF) Kevin Carrera was named the 2014 Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) of the year. At the same event, 2nd Lt. (MDDF) Jeremy O’Mard was named the 2014 Soldier of the year. These awards are given by the MDSGA upon the recommendation of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) NCO Council and the approval of the Commanding General of the MDDF.
Sgt. (MDDF) Kevin Carrera enlisted in the MDDF in 2011 and quickly made an impact. His career began as a human resources specialist with the MDDF’s 10th Medical Regiment. His hard work and dedication earned him a promotion to administrative NCO where he continued to perform at an exceptional level. Currently, Sgt. (MDDF) Carrera serves as the supply sergeant for the 10th Medical Regiment.
In addition to his assigned unit duties, Sgt. (MDDF) Carrera also serves with the MDDF Honor Guard that was formed in 2012. Col. (MDDF) Michael Barrett, president of the MDSGA shared that, “His leadership by example, has been a positive motivation to other MDDF state soldiers throughout his three and a half years of service.” “His dedication to duty, spirit of volunteerism and leadership, have made him very deserving of this honor.”
2nd Lt. (MDDF) Jeremy O’Mard enlisted in the MDDF in 2010. Since that time he has “been one of the most active and the most visible NCOs in the MDDF,” according to Col. (MDDF) Michael Barrett. 2nd Lt. (MDDF) O’Mard joined the Information Technology unit (D-6) initially as a technical troubleshooter and was quickly promoted. Lt. (MDDF) O’Mard developed a reputation for being able “to get the job done and get it done right,” according to Col. (MDDF) Barrett.
After being promoted to sergeant, earlier in 2014 Lt. O’Mard was asked to take a commission in order to become Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm’s Aide de Camp. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm stated that, “He caught the eye of the senior command staff because of his professionalism and devotion to duty.” “He continues to do a great job in this new role.”
At the holiday ball, both Sgt. (MDDF) Carrera and Lt. (MDDF) O’Mard were somewhat surprised by the recognition. Sgt. (MDDF) Carrera stated that, “I didn’t expect this but I am happy and very proud to receive this award.” Lt. O’Mard added that, “I didn’t know that this was going to happen but I am humbled and appreciative of this special 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.
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
10 December 2014
At the recent Maryland State Guard Association (MDSGA) holiday ball, Sgt. (MDDF) Kevin Carrera was named the 2014 Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) of the year. At the same event, 2nd Lt. (MDDF) Jeremy O’Mard was named the 2014 Soldier of the year. These awards are given by the MDSGA upon the recommendation of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) NCO Council and the approval of the Commanding General of the MDDF.
Sgt. (MDDF) Kevin Carrera enlisted in the MDDF in 2011 and quickly made an impact. His career began as a human resources specialist with the MDDF’s 10th Medical Regiment. His hard work and dedication earned him a promotion to administrative NCO where he continued to perform at an exceptional level. Currently, Sgt. (MDDF) Carrera serves as the supply sergeant for the 10th Medical Regiment.
In addition to his assigned unit duties, Sgt. (MDDF) Carrera also serves with the MDDF Honor Guard that was formed in 2012. Col. (MDDF) Michael Barrett, president of the MDSGA shared that, “His leadership by example, has been a positive motivation to other MDDF state soldiers throughout his three and a half years of service.” “His dedication to duty, spirit of volunteerism and leadership, have made him very deserving of this honor.”
2nd Lt. (MDDF) Jeremy O’Mard enlisted in the MDDF in 2010. Since that time he has “been one of the most active and the most visible NCOs in the MDDF,” according to Col. (MDDF) Michael Barrett. 2nd Lt. (MDDF) O’Mard joined the Information Technology unit (D-6) initially as a technical troubleshooter and was quickly promoted. Lt. (MDDF) O’Mard developed a reputation for being able “to get the job done and get it done right,” according to Col. (MDDF) Barrett.
After being promoted to sergeant, earlier in 2014 Lt. O’Mard was asked to take a commission in order to become Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm’s Aide de Camp. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm stated that, “He caught the eye of the senior command staff because of his professionalism and devotion to duty.” “He continues to do a great job in this new role.”
At the holiday ball, both Sgt. (MDDF) Carrera and Lt. (MDDF) O’Mard were somewhat surprised by the recognition. Sgt. (MDDF) Carrera stated that, “I didn’t expect this but I am happy and very proud to receive this award.” Lt. O’Mard added that, “I didn’t know that this was going to happen but I am humbled and appreciative of this special 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.
Monday, December 1, 2014
MDDF Personnel Participate in HAZMAT Training
By 2LT (MDDF) Anthony Granado
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
01 December 2014
The potential emergency may arise from a natural disaster or an international terrorism incident but the men and women of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) are preparing to meet the challenge. MDDF personnel recently completed an important three-day hazardous material (HAZMAT) training at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation. The training was designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to obtain certification through the National Professional Qualifications System (NPQS/Pro Board) as an operations-level responder. The course was designed by the Texas A&M University Engineering department.
This three-day course focused on the specific challenges that first responders face during a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)/terrorist or a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) incident. The training was designed to help personnel recognize hazardous materials and prevent the unnecessary contamination of people, property, and the environment. “It is important for MDDF to get this type of training as these threats sadly aren’t going to go anyway time soon. But MDDF will be ready,” said Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, who also participated in the training.
Some of the topics addressed in the training included:
• Assessing WMD hazards
• Predicting the likely behavior of HAZMAT/WMD materials
• Identifying defensive strategies for a WMD incident
• Effectively operating and communicating in a unified command structure of the Incident Command System (ICS)
• Determining Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needs, and;
• Performing emergency decontamination
Twenty-five MDDF personnel participated in this training activity. For Lt. Col. (MDDF) Edward Hubner the experience was not only educational but enjoyable. “I had a great time and learned a lot. I hope to never have to use these skills but we always need to be ready if necessary.”
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
01 December 2014
The potential emergency may arise from a natural disaster or an international terrorism incident but the men and women of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) are preparing to meet the challenge. MDDF personnel recently completed an important three-day hazardous material (HAZMAT) training at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation. The training was designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to obtain certification through the National Professional Qualifications System (NPQS/Pro Board) as an operations-level responder. The course was designed by the Texas A&M University Engineering department.
This three-day course focused on the specific challenges that first responders face during a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)/terrorist or a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) incident. The training was designed to help personnel recognize hazardous materials and prevent the unnecessary contamination of people, property, and the environment. “It is important for MDDF to get this type of training as these threats sadly aren’t going to go anyway time soon. But MDDF will be ready,” said Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, who also participated in the training.
Some of the topics addressed in the training included:
• Assessing WMD hazards
• Predicting the likely behavior of HAZMAT/WMD materials
• Identifying defensive strategies for a WMD incident
• Effectively operating and communicating in a unified command structure of the Incident Command System (ICS)
• Determining Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needs, and;
• Performing emergency decontamination
Twenty-five MDDF personnel participated in this training activity. For Lt. Col. (MDDF) Edward Hubner the experience was not only educational but enjoyable. “I had a great time and learned a lot. I hope to never have to use these skills but we always need to be ready if necessary.”
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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