Maryland Defense Force – Baltimore Rally

Maryland Governor Hogan with Maryland Defense Force soldiers at FOB Raven Operation Baltimore Rally.

As of 0730 2 May 15 the MDDF has activated 33 personnel to support JFHQ, JTF Chesapeake and FOB Raven as part of Operation Baltimore Rally.   Support has been provided in the form of Chaplain, Medical, and staff and sustainment support to the JTF/MJOC/Adaptive Battle Staff.   Although I am very sorry about the reason for the call up of the MDDF, this has been a superior example of how the MDDF can be mobilized to support the Maryland Military Department.   It made me feel good when I visited FOB Raven how many National Guardsmen came up to me and CSM Scott and thanked us for what the MDDF was doing to support the historic effort and how impressed they were that we are volunteers. Without a doubt National Guardsmen know of the MDDF and what it provides to the fight. I could name each of the 33 personnel who answered the call, but there are many more who wished to also be part of this effort that had to be told to stand by and wait for the call.   A few names of personnel who went up an above include: COL (MDDF) James Coleman, LTC (MDDF) Michael Behringer, Chaplain (COL) (MDDF) Raymond Copp, MAJ (MDDF) Gary Miconi, MAJ (MDDF) Carolyn Copp, LTC (MDDF) Phillip Terry-Smith, COL (MDDF) Walter Hettinger and many others. At the time of the writing of this report the MDDF has received new mission FRAGO to support the JRSOI for stand down of MDMILDEP units at CFMR. I am so proud of the all MDDF Soldiers who participated or desired to participate in the mission, as it has validated that my vision of a more operational and professional MDDF has truly been achieved.