MARYLAND

MILITARY

DEPARTMENT

MOBILIZES FOR

HURRICANES

KATRINA AND

RITA

Charity Goals Exceeded

Congratulations to the state and federal employees of the Maryland Military Department who contributed to this season’s charity campaigns. State employees raised

more than $8,980 for the Maryland Charities Campaign exceeding their goal of

$6,000. Federal employees raised more than $98,900 for the Combined Federal

Campaign topping their goal of $78,957. Job well done! 

Maryland Military DepartmentDigest Winter 2005

In This Issue...

A Maryland Army National Guard soldier takes time to play with a child while deployed to

Louisiana in support of the Hurricane Katrina relief mission.

Maryland Adopts New Security Program

Local Community College Extends

Tuition Waiver

Get Ready For Severe Winter Weather

Partners In Care Program

The devastating hurricanes that

wracked the Gulf Coast of the

United States in late August and September brought death and destruction to

Florida,Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and

Texas. Thousands of properties were damaged or destroyed and many lives were

lost.All elements of the Maryland Military

Department participated in relief efforts

during this national disaster.

Besides the assistance provided by the

federal government and non-governmental

organizations such as the American Red

Cross,states that were impacted requested

assistance from other states through an

agreement known as the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).The

EMAC is the means by which a state may

request personnel, equipment and other

resources from other members of the

Compact and the process is streamlined so

that issues such as licenses, tort liability

and reimbursements are already arranged

and the resources can begin to travel to

the requesting states without delay. Maryland has been a member of the Compact

since 1996.The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) manages EMAC

requests from other states.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita generated

a total of nine EMAC requests from

Continued on page 3
TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE MARYLAND MILITARY DEPARTMENT:

Welcome to the first issue of the Maryland Military Department Digest. It is my intention that this quarterly publication provide timely information to all of the members and volunteers in all four pillars of our department; the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG), the Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG), the Maryland

Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF). 

Our department is unique among the other branches of state government. Each branch of our department

has specific missions and is equally supportive of the others. We have both federal and state missions and we are

superbly performing jobs at home and abroad. We have soldiers and airmen serving overseas in combat zones and

we have recently completed missions in Mississippi and Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The coordination of the State’s response to those disasters was superbly handled by MEMA and supported by all

branches of the department.

As we continue to perform our missions, I want to express my strong support for the backbone of our

members and volunteers...our families. In addition to the family benefits provided by the state and federal governments for their respective employees, the department established four Family Readiness Centers to assist families in tackling problems while their military loved one is deployed. Chaplain (Colonel) Sean Lee has arranged a

program called “Partners in Care” where local churches are providing services to military families. The MDDF is

offering pro-bono legal assistance for military members whose legal problems go beyond what can be provided by

the Staff Judge Advocate. MDDF is working to establish financial management teams to provide financial counseling to military personnel and their families.

The Maryland Army National Guard and every other Army unit is transforming itself so that senior commanders who are tasked with carrying out the national security polices of our nation can tailor their combat power

with unit modules designed to accomplish certain missions. This means that many existing units of the Army

Guard will consolidate, have their missions modified to accommodate this new structure or, in some cases, be

taken out of the force structure altogether. The coming changes will allow for the creation of new units and

opportunities to serve. One of our challenges has been to determine where best to base these units after they

have been transformed. Another challenge is to base these units at locations where they can rapidly respond to

state missions, such as natural disasters, which can occur at anytime and without warning. The armories must

have facilities large enough to house the units based there as well as their equipment. And finally, the armories

should be located where the population constitutes an adequate recruiting base. As these plans are finalized, we

will use this publication, our web sites and command briefings to keep our soldiers informed of the changes and

their options for continuing to serve our state and our nation. Rest assured, there will be a place in the Maryland

National Guard for all of our members.

The Base Realignment and Closure Commission also called the BRAC, held hearings last July about the recommendation from the U.S. Department of Defense to remove eight C-130J aircraft from the 135th Airlift Group.

Although the Commission recommended to the White House the removal of the aircraft, they did not redistribute

them. The 135th Airlift Group will remain as an airlift unit of the MDANG. We are petitioning the National Guard

Bureau and the U.S. Air Force to distribute the C-130J’s back to us. In the meantime, we will continue to train, fly

and maintain these aircraft until we receive a final decision expected sometime in 2008. A lot can change before

2008 arrives as we continue our efforts to show the value of retaining the C-130J aircraft at Warfield Air National

Guard Base at Martin State Airport. The value was on display as we flew more than 100 sorties in support of

recovery and relief operations for Katrina and Rita.

Our department is operating at a time of great challenge and I am pleased with the direction we are going.

Our employees and volunteers epitomize public service and their performance in and out of state is noteworthy. I

am proud of all of you.

Respectfully,

Bruce F. Tuxill 

Major General, MDANG

The Adjutant General

Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.

Governor

Michael S. Steele

Lieutenant Governor

Maj. Gen. Bruce F. Tuxill

Adjutant General

Fifth Regiment Armory Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Digest: Winter, 2005 3

Louisiana and Mississippi. At the request

of Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., MEMA

coordinated local and state resources to

handle specific requests from these states,

which resulted in the following efforts:

The Maryland Air National Guard flew

108 sorties using their C-130J aircraft.

Approximately 105 Air National Guardsmen volunteered for relief missions in the

disaster area. In the process of performing

their missions, the Maryland Air National

Guard transported 2,078 passengers, and

approximately 230 short tons of cargo.The

cargo included vehicles, communications

equipment, food, water tents, weapons,

ammunition as well as personal gear and

sustainment equipment for soldiers and

airmen and civilian volunteers who

deployed. Approximately 481 civilians

were flown in and out of the disaster area

of operations.

The Maryland Army National Guard

deployed 656 soldiers to Louisiana and

Mississippi. They performed military support to law enforcement missions, humanitarian distribution missions, engineer and

debris clearing missions as well as providing chaplain ministry teams, a judge advocate team and a public affairs team.

Approximately 130 soldiers and airmen of

the 115th Military Police Battalion and the

175th Wing deployed as part of a joint task

force to Mississippi two days after the

storm struck the coast to support civilian

law enforcement. Helicopter sling sets

from the Maryland Army National Guard

were provided to Louisiana officials to

assist in levee reinforcement operations.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency identified and coordinated

personnel and equipment from state and

local agencies based upon requests and

established needs in the disaster areas.

MEMA arranged for the deployment of a

joint civilian/military logistics team, emergency management, fire, search and rescue, and emergency medical system

personnel and equipment to the disaster

area.The equipment included a state of the

art communications vehicle that allowed

Maryland personnel to communicate with

the Maryland Joint Operations Center in

Reisterstown. The agency deployed members of its staff to establish a forward base

of operations to better manage the

response and recovery efforts.

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF)

mobilized and deployed 241 members of

its medical reserve to Louisiana. Upon

arrival, these volunteer health care professionals established six health clinics in Jefferson Parish outside of New Orleans.

During their tour of duty, the MDDF Medical Reserve saw and treated almost 7,000

patients.The deployment to Louisiana was

the first such mission outside of the State

of Maryland in MDDF’s history.

While the exact benefit to the people

of Mississippi and Louisiana is difficult to

calculate, Aaron Broussard, Parish President of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana has

decreed that his parish would honor Maryland by flying the Maryland State flag over

the main parish government building on

the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and

that he would dedicate a float to Maryland

at the next Mardi Gras parade. •

Maryland Defense Force Volunteers deployed to the devastated New Orleans area to lend

assistance to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Golf Tourney Chips-in for

Family Readiness Group

The Maryland National Guard Family

Readiness Group recently received a donation for more than $2,000 from the Adjutant

General’s Second Annual Golf Tournament.

Retired Brig. Gen. (Md.) Raymond B. Clift,

who spearheaded the tournament and Maj.

Gen. Bruce F.Tuxill, the adjutant general for

Maryland, presented the check for

$2,107.91 to Master Sgt. Ann Weih-Clark,

non-commissioned officer in charge of the

Family Readiness Office.

“We wanted to do something worthwhile and give something back to the families,” said Clift.

The golf outing was held in May 2005

at Worthington Valley Country Club,

Owings Mills, Md. Clift said the tourney

was a success and we can expect more

charity golf tournaments in the future.

“This money means everything to the

families,” said Weih-Clark.“This gives us an

opportunity to help.”

The monetary donation will aid Maryland National Guard soldiers, airmen and 

their families. •

(Left to right) Brig. Gen. (Md.)(Ret.) Raymond

B. Clift, Maj. Gen. Bruce F. Tuxill, Katie Jenkins, Master Sgt. Ann Weih-Clark, William

Turner, Larry Butts, Karol Yox, Senior Master

Sgt. Bill Miller

Continued from page 1
4 Maryland Military Department

Maryland has become the first state

in the nation to protect private

sector critical infrastructure information under a 2002 federal law, according to officials of the Maryland Emergency

Management Agency.

With final accreditation of the Protected Critical Infrastructure Information

(PCII) program by the federal Department

of Homeland Security,the private sector in

Maryland will be able to voluntarily share

sensitive security information with federal, state and local homeland security and

emergency management agencies.

“Maryland has taken another important step toward making the state and its

citizens safe,” the governor said.“By working with the private sector, the state can

help ensure that vital services are delivered to citizens and businesses without

interruption.”

With the PCII program in place,the governor said, business and industry can share

sensitive proprietary and security information with specially trained law enforcement

and emergency responders without the risk

of the information getting into the wrong

hands, whether terrorists intent on doing

harm or simply competitors.

One of the most important aspects of

emergency preparedness is the ability to

protect that infrastructure, but the state’s

ability to do so has been limited because

federal and state freedom of information

laws could actually force disclosure of that

sensitive information, making the private

sector reluctant to share it.

A power company, for example, might

not share locations of its most important

transmission points or the fact that key

industries are on its grid.Telecommunications companies may with to keep secret

the location of critical switching stations

that are essential to their networks.

The importance of the information

can be seen in the fact that 85 percent of

critical infrastructure in Maryland – the

networks that provide electricity and

telecommunications, water supply systems, financial institutions, retail businesses, emergency services and health

care – belongs to the private sector.

The Homeland Security Act and subsequent regulations created the mechanism

by which companies can deliver security

information to the U.S. Department of

Homeland Security, which in turn will provide it to states. Throughout the process,

companies control what information is

provided and who has access to it.

With the program approved and

endorsed by the U.S. Department of

Homeland Security,state officials will meet

with representatives of the private sector

to promote the program. •

Left: President George W. Bush presents Dr. Elmer Carreno with

the President’s Volunteer Service Award. USA Freedom Corps

photo by M.T. Harmon

Maryland

First to Adopt 

Infrastructure

Security 

Program

MDDF Member

Receives Presidential

Award

Maryland Defense Force member Dr. Elmer Carreno

received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in a

ceremony at the White House on October 7, 2005.

Dr. Carreno, a Silver Spring resident, led a team of 

14 volunteer physicians and registered nurses from Maryland

during a two-week deployment to New Orleans following

Hurricane Katrina. His team administered medical aid to

more than 4,000 people within a ten-day period. The ceremony, part of a White House celebration of Hispanic 

Heritage Month, was also attended by Attorney 

General Alberto Gonzales and Secretary of Commerce 

Carlos Gutierrez •
Digest: Winter, 2005 5

Local College Extends Tuition Waiver to

Guard Spouses and Dependents

Maryland 

Air National 

Guardsmen 

Receive 

Prestigious

Award

Members of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Cavalry Troop conduct saber drills during monthly training at Camp Fretterd, Md.The Troop

is currently recruiting volunteer equestrian enthusiasts in an effort to fill

out its ranks. For more information contact Maj. (Md.) Ron Roberts at 410-

472-1037 or via email at rroberts@mddf.us

Saddle-up with the MDDF

Two Maryland Air National Guard

airmen from the 175th Wing

recently received the prestigious

John L. Levitow Award after graduating

from their respective Professional Military

Education courses.

The recipients are Tech. Sgt. Ron

Anderson, a Maryland Air National Guard

recruiter who graduated from the Noncommissioned Officers Academy at

McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base

Training and Education Center in

Knoxville, Tenn.; and Senior Airman

Michael Cueves of the 135th Aerial Port

Squadron who graduated from Airmen

Leadership School at Andrews Air Force

Base in Camp Springs, Md. in September.

The John L. Levitow Award is the

highest award give to a single graduate in

a Professional Military Education setting

who has distinguished him or herself during the course through academic and

leadership accomplishments. The award

is named after John L. Levitow, the most

junior recipient of the Medal of Honor

during the Vietnam War.

Congratulations to Tech. Sgt. Anderson and Senior Airman Cueves. •

Harford Community College (HCC)

President Dr. James LaCalle

announced that the Board of

Trustees has approved a Maryland National

Guard Tuition Waiver that was reaffirmed in

June and will now be extended to spouses

and dependents when a guard member is

called to active duty.

Beginning with the Spring 2006

semester, 100 percent of tuition and fees

for a spouse or dependent children will be

waived when a guard member is called to

active duty for a minimum period of six

continuous months.

“As a retired Air National Guard member,I appreciate the Board’s forward thinking and commitment to this issue. It’s

important for us to support the families of

guard members who are giving of themselves and their families to actively serve

our country,” stated LaCalle. “This step

shows a responsive partnership between

the College and the community,” stated S.

Fred Simmons, HCC Board of Trustees

member, who originally suggested this

benefit.

Appropriate documentation of activation and verification of spouse or dependent status must be provided. Once the

guard member is released from active

duty, the waiver for the spouse or dependent will be terminated; however, completion of courses currently enrolled will be

allowed.

Harford Community College, founded

in 1957, is a public community college

addressing the diverse educational needs

of Harford County. An open admissions

institution which views learning as a lifelong activity, the College provides transfer

and career programs and continuing education courses to challenge and to support

students. The College embraces a comprehensive, campus-wide environmental sustainability program. As a center of cultural

and leisure activities in the County, the

College provides numerous programs and

services throughout the year that enhance

the quality of life for the citizens of Harford County. •
6 Maryland Military Department

Ms. Cheryl Whetstone was presented the Adjutant General’s Award of

Excellence during the 6th Annual State

Employee Recognition Program held

on November 18.The Award of Excellence is given for performance far

beyond customary expectations and

consistent outstanding performance

for a minimum of two years. Whetstone, a Personnel Associate with the

department, has been employed by

the state for 22 years.

“I’m most definitely honored to

have received this award,” said Whetstone. •

Partners In Care

Partners in Care is an initiative of the Maryland National

Guard Joint Force Headquarters (MDNG-JFHQ) Chaplain’s office.

The purpose of this initiative is to coordinate support for Maryland National Guard (MDNG) members and families through partnerships with local faith communities.

Listed below are churches currently participating in the Partners in Care Program.

Contact your local Partners in Care Congregation to find out

what services they offer. •

(Left to right) Brig. Gen. Charles A. Morgan III,

assistant adjutant general for air; Ms. Cheryl

Whetstone; Maj.Gen. Bruce F. Tuxill, the 

adjutant general. Photo by Staff Sgt. William

Fearrington

Award of

Excellence

The Church 

of the Nativity

419 Cedarcroft Road

Baltimore, MD 21212-2523

Rev.Thomas B. Carter, Rector

(POC) Beth Woody 

e-mail: nativity.secretary@verizon.net

Phone: (410) 433-4811

Website: www.nativitycedarcroft.org

Glorious Presence 

Church

1552 Singerly Road

Elkton, MD 21921

Rev. Curtis E Leins, Pastor

(POC) Robert McKnight 

e-mail:r.mcknight6@verizon.net

Phone:(410) 920-4882

Website: www.gloriouspresence.org

First Christian 

Church

800 Giles Street, P.O. Box 127

Havre de Grace, MD 21078

Rev. Ronald L Taber, Sr., Minister

(POC) Fred Coleman 

e-mail: fmcoleman30@comcast.net

Phone:(410) 939-2437

The Lutheran Church 

of St. Andrew

12247 Georgia Avenue

Silver Spring, MD 20902

Pastor Mark A. Hricko

(POC) Marilee Tolletson 

e-mail: mtolletson@mailstation.com

Phone: (301) 942-6531 

Fax: (301) 942- 0170

Website: www.mystandrew.org

Parish of 

Christ the King

2727 O Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20007

Rev. Charles H. Nalls,Vicar 

e-mail:

vicar@parishofchristtheking.org 

Phone:(202) 298-6282 

Fax:(202) 625-1266

Good Samaritan 

Lutheran Church

10110 Greenbelt Road

Lanham, MD 20706

Rev.Victor V. Pavlenko

Phone:(301) 794-7300 

Fax:(301) 794-4140 or 2263

(POC) Laura Ehle 

e-mail: ehlepps@comcast

Phone: (301) 390-8740,

(301) 336-1144

Website: www.goodsamaritan.us.net

Gospel Tabernacle 

Baptist Church

3100 Walbrook Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21216

Rev. Reginald L. Kennedy, Pastor

Phone: (410) 383-9393

(POC) Mr. Sean Fields

Phone: (410) 298-7677

All Saints 

Lutheran Church

16510 Mount Oak Road

Bowie, MD 20716

Rev. Gary Rhinesmith, Pastor

Phone: (301) 249-6300 

Fax: (301) 249-4725

(POC) Nathan Rich

e-mail: nrich3@yahoo.com

Phone:(w) (202) 404-1408,

(h) (301) 574-3548

Website: www.allsaintsbowie.org

Oak Park Church 

of the Brethren

110 Church Lane

Oakland, MD 21550-1925

Rev. Harmon “Mel” Menker, Pastor 

e-mail: hmenker@verizon.net

Phone: (301) 334-2243

Oak Grove Church 

of the Brethren

6557 Sang Run Road

McHenry, MD 21541-1541

Rev. Phillip Matthews, Pastor

Phone:(301) 387-7502

Redeemer Lutheran 

Church

20440 Downes Road

Parkton, MD 21120 

Rev. James L. Banach, Pastor 

e-mail:

pjbanach@redeemerparkton.com 

Phone: (410) 343-1665

Website: www.redeemerparkton.com
Digest: Winter, 2005 7

Prepare 

for Winter

Weather

With winter here it’s important to

prepare for the cold and snow

that come with it.The following

contains information to help you get ready

for serious winter weather.

A Winter Storm Watch means that a

winter storm is possible for the area.This

watch is issued 12 to 36 hours before the

event. A Winter Storm Warning means

that a Winter Storm is occurring, or will

soon occur in your area.A Blizzard Warning means that sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater

and considerable falling snow, which will

reduce visibility to less than a quarter

mile, are expected for a period of three

hours or longer.

Winter Storm Preparation

>Brush up on first aid especially for treatment of exposure to the cold,frostbite and

hypothermia

>Make sure that stocks of non-perishable

food and water are sufficient.

>Make sure there is plenty of food and

water stored for pets and livestock.

>Make sure there is adequate warm clothing for each member of the family.

>Fully check and winterize your vehicle

before the winter season begins.

>Keep your car’s fuel tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from

freezing.

>Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio with a

tone-alert feature to keep you informed of

watches and warnings issued for your area.

During a Storm

>Avoid unnecessary travel. About 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and

snow occur in automobiles.

>Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, radio or

television for updated information about

the storm. These devices should be battery-operated or have a battery backup in

the event of a power failure.

>If you are caught out in your vehicle

when the storm hits, stay in your vehicle.

You will become quickly disoriented in

wind-driven snow and cold. Run the

motor about 10 minutes each hour for

heat.Open the window a little for fresh air

to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.

Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine, as this will make you

more visible to rescuers. After the snow

stops falling,raise the hood to indicate that

you need help.

>Eat and drink. Food provides the body

with energy for producing its own heat.

Keep the body replenished with fluids to

prevent dehydration.

For more information, visit

www.mema.state.md.us •

>Carry a winter storm

survival kit in your vehicle

that should include:

• Mobile phone, charger

and batteries

• Blankets/sleeping bags

• Flashlight with extra

batteries

• First aid kit

• Knife

• High-calorie nonperishable food and

water

• Extra clothing to

keep dry

• Butane lighter

• Sack of sand or kitty

litter for traction

• Shovel

• Windshield scraper &

brush

• Tool kit

• Tow rope

• Battery booster cables

• Compass and road maps

Maryland 

Air Guard

Sharpshooters

Congratulations to Tech. Sgt. Matt

Clement who recently earned the

Distinguished Rifleman's Badge

and Master Sgt. Charlie Cross

who recently earned the Distinguished Pistol Badge. Tech. Sgt.

Greg Blackstock, Maryland Air

National Guard Shooting Team

coach, mentored the airmen.

We are proud of their

accomplishments!
Lewis and Clark

Essay Contest

The National Guard Bureau

announces a unique opportunity

for the youth of America. Students

who will be high school juniors or seniors by August 2006 are eligible to participate in the National Guard’s Lewis and

Clark Youth Rendezvous essay contest.

Ten students from each state and territory will be involved in this once-in-alifetime experience, and earn an

all-expenses-paid trip to North Dakota

August 13-18, 2006.

“By way of an essay contest, our

nation’s high school junior and seniors

will be afforded the opportunity to compete for one of the 540 spots in this

immersion into history,” said Steven L.

Stearns, Lewis and Clark Bicentennial

Commemoration project officer. Students

need to write a Lewis and Clark focusedessay in order to be a state finalist.

The Lewis and Clark-focused essay

needs to address the following question:

"In your opinion, what military value

most describes the Lewis and Clark Corps

of Discovery journey and why?” (Military

values are outlined on the website

below.) 

The essay must be a minimum of

1,000 words, but not more than 1,500

words; and can be submitted online or

by mail and must be received between

Nov. 12, 2005, and midnight Feb. 28,

2006.

To submit an essay or learn more

about planned events, activities and

essay contest rules, go to www.lcyouthrendezvous.com. •

Fifth Regiment Armory

Baltimore, MD 21201-2288

The Maryland Military Department Digest

is published quarterly by the Maryland

Military Department via the Maryland

National Guard Public Affairs Office, 5th

Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Md. 21201-

2288. Articles or suggestions can be forwarded to the editor, or call us at

410-576-6012.

Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.

Governor

Michael S. Steele

Lieutenant Governor

Maj. Gen. Bruce F. Tuxill

The Adjutant General

Rick Roth

Editor

Numbers You Need

to Know

Maryland National Guard Family 

Readiness Office

410-576-6019

MDARNG Department of 

Information Management Help Desk

410-702-9600

Maryland National Guard 

Chaplain’s Office

410-576-6124

Red Cross 

Central Maryland Chapter, Baltimore

1-888-737-4306

Southern Maryland Chapter, La Plata

301-934-2066

Lower Shore Chapter, Salisbury

410-749-5331

Frederick County Chapter, Walkersville

301-662-5131

Websites

Maryland Government Website

www.maryland.gov

Maryland Military Department

Website

www.mdmildep.org

Weather Related School Closing 

Information

www.schoolsout.com

Maryland Military DepartmentDigest