​MDDF News

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MDDF Named 2020 Governor's Service Award Recipient

Each year, the Governor’s Office on Service & Volunteerism recognizes the volunteer contributions of exceptional Marylanders and Maryland organizations. Eighteen honorees will be recognized in 14 categories for their commitment to strengthening Maryland communities.

Read more​ (goci.maryland.gov)



MDDF Spotlight: COL (MD) Edward Hubner

A long-time member of the Maryland Defense Force (State Guard), Hubner was promoted to Full Colonel this year and named Commander of the 121st Engineer Regiment. The regiment’s mission is to provide uniformed, trained engineering response to assist National Guard units, first responders, relief agencies and state and local government agencies in the midst of impending or actual emergencies.

Read more (​mdspe.org)



MDDF 10th Medical Regiment Surges to Support Covid-19 Response

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) 10th Medical Regiment’s (10th Med) mission in part is to serve as a “health and medical services organization of excellence dedicated to serve the nation, state, local civil authorities and communities within Maryland.”  

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MDDF Innovates to Hold Annual Muster

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) was planning to have its Annual Muster at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore on April 25th before the Coronavirus pandemic forced a change in plans.  Now on August 15, 2020 the MDDF will hold its Annual Muster at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation outdoors on the parade ground in front of 29th Division Hall instead of indoors at an armory.  

Read more​​



​MDDF Supports MDNG COVID-19 Response Efforts

​In March Maryland Governor Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr. activated the Maryland National Guard (MDNG) to support the state’s efforts to combat the impact of the Covid-19 virus.  From the outset of this state activation, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) has been integrated into National Guard operations and called upon to support MDNG efforts to fight this global pandemic.

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​Brig. Gen. (MD) Retires with a Transformational Legacy

Brig. Gen. (MD) Lorenza Cooper became the commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) on October 1, 2015 after a distinguished career in the Army National Guard and retired on April 25, 2020.  At the retirement ceremony, Gen. (MD) Cooper was presented with the “Governor’s Citation” for his senior leadership signed by Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr., the governor of Maryland.

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MDDF Captains Career Course Trains Rising Leaders

On October 19, 2019 the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) launched the first MDDF Career Captains Course at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation.  In order to be eligible to attend the course, participants must have graduated from the MDDF Officer Basic Leadership Course or a U.S. Armed Forces officer training program.​

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Maryland National Guard Supports Puerto Rico with Earthquake Relief Assessments​

DVIDS reports - From more than 1,500 miles away, about 10 Maryland National Guard and Maryland Defense Force personnel went operational Jan. 15, 2020, at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation in Reisterstown, Maryland, to support earthquake recovery efforts in Puerto Rico with a joint Unclassified Processing, Analysis and Dissemination (UPAD) team.

Read more (dvidshub.net)​



MDDF Cyber Defense Unit Provides Cyber Operations Demonstration​

On November 17, 2019 the 3rd Annual Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG) Information Operations and Cyber Operations Symposium was held at the Annapolis Readiness Center in Annapolis, Maryland.​

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Culinary Boot Camp Supports MDDF Health

​On October 19, 2019 Executive Chef Tim Weinhold from the Rams Head Tavern in Savage, Maryland provided a culinary demonstration for Maryland Military Department personnel.

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Steven Blum and others

MDDF Supports Freestate ChalleNGe Mad City Money Initiative

The Freestate ChalleNGe Academy’s motto is, “Dream. Believe. Achieve.”  This five-and-a-half-month volunteer residential program for at risk Maryland youth is a tuition free transformative opportunity for those that have dropped out of high school between the ages of 16 and 18. 

Read more​

MDDF Wellness

MDDF Recruits at Towson University Military Appreciation Day

On Thursday, October 11, 2018, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) hosted Sgt. Maj. Siim Saliste of the Estonian Defense Forces (Estonian Army) at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation in Reisterstown, Maryland for a unit briefing.

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Steven Blum and others

Sgt. Maj. of the Estonian Defense Forces Visits the MDDF

On Thursday, October 11, 2018, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) hosted Sgt. Maj. Siim Saliste of the Estonian Defense Forces (Estonian Army) at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation in Reisterstown, Maryland for a unit briefing.

Read more

MDDF Wellness

Army Wellness Center Workshop Aids MDDF Readiness

On Saturday, October 20, 2018 personal trainers from the Army Wellness Center (AWC) at Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic presented a mandatory workshop to Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel called “Increasing Your Metabolism.”

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Steven Blum and others

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) H. Steven Blum Keynotes 2017 MDDF Annual Muster

On April 22, 2017 the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) held its Annual Muster at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore. The Annual Muster is a mandatory all day training activity for all Maryland Defense Force personnel. Company formation and ceremonies commenced at 9 a.m. The keynote speaker for this year’s muster was retired Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum, the former deputy commander, U.S. Northern Command.

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Maryland Defense Force Patch

MDDF Realigns to Better Support MILDEP

Under the leadership of Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Lorenza Cooper, Commanding General, Maryland Defense Force (MDDF), the state defense force component has gone through a comprehensive realignment process to ensure that it provides improved support to the Maryland Military Department (MILDEP). This process has included changes and improvements with respect to MDDF culture, training, personnel and operations policies.

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Maryland Defense Force Patch

A Passover Seder for Those Who Serve

The Baltimore Sun reports on Maryland Defense Force Chaplain support of the Maryland Army and Air Guard ...

Read more (Baltimore Sun)





MDDF Officer and NCO of the Year Honored by Governor

The Maryland Defense Force’s (MDDF) Officer and non-commissioned officer (NCO) of the year were honored at the State House in Annapolis. Maj. (MDDF) Fred Sanford, the MDDF officer of the year and Sgt. (MDDF) Dustin Dixon, the MDDF NCO of the year were initially recognized at a reception hosted by Lawrence J. Hogan, governor of Maryland.

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