Digest

Maryland Military Department 

Fall 2008

Military Travel Benefits - pg. 2

Bosnia Mission - pg. 11

DIMHRS - pg. 5

Meet the New Leadership - pg. 3
To the men and women of the Maryland Military Department:

The Chinese have a saying that could be interpreted as a blessing or a curse..” May you live in 

interesting times.” We are truly living in interesting times as the Maryland Military Department goes through 

significant changes and challenges. This remains a very busy time for the department both here, at home and 

abroad, as we continue to perform our dual high-tempo federal and state missions unabated.

As the new adjutant general of Maryland, I have accepted the challenge by Governor O’Malley to 

keep the department “relevant and ready.” The governor has appointed Brig. Gen. Alberto Jimenez as assistant 

adjutant general- Army, Brig. Gen. Allyson Solomon as assistant adjutant general- Air and Mr. Richard Muth 

as director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. These are proven leaders, and I have high 

expectations of them as I do for the Department.

We still have Soldiers and Airmen of the Maryland National Guard deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, 

Bosnia and other locations around the world. They are performing their jobs with professionalism, pride 

and competence. They are a credit to Maryland and our nation, and I encourage you to keep them and their 

families in your thoughts and prayers.

In the last few months, we have seen the return of more than 1,500 Soldiers and Airmen from overseas 

deployments. We have initiated a comprehensive Reintegration Program to assist them in their return to their 

civilian lives. The program is crucial for the quality of life and the retention of our people and is worthy of 

your support.

The employees of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency are working hard to prepare 

Maryland for the next hurricane, tropical storm or remnants that might visit. Maryland previously has 

felt the effects of these storms (Hurricane Fran in 1996, Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricane Isabel in 

2003). Those of you who are designated as “essential personnel” for emergencies or disasters should have 

an emergency preparedness plan for yourselves and your families. MEMA oversees the “Families First” 

program, which offers a practical guide to emergency preparedness. These emergency preparedness tips can 

be found at www.familyfirst.md . Other preparedness information can be obtained by visiting MEMA’s web 

site at www.mema.state.md.us or by calling the MEMA Public Information Office at 

1-877-MEMA-USA (1-877-636-2872).

The Maryland Defense Force has quietly been providing crucial support to the entire Military 

Department. Their Engineer Corps has been conducting inspections of our facilities, and their findings will 

help our facility managers to prioritize their maintenance resources. Their ceremonial unit has represented the 

department in parades, and their attorneys and financial planners continue to provide pro-bono services to the 

Maryland National Guard and their families.

There is no other state department with a collection of state and federal employees and volunteers that 

has as dramatic an impact as the Maryland Military Department. I look forward to serving with you.

Godspeed!

 Sincerely,

 JAMES A. ADKINS

Brigadier General (MD), MDARNG

The Adjutant General

To the men and women of the Maryland Military Department:

The Chinese have a saying that could be interpreted as a blessing or a curse..” May you live in 

interesting times.” We are truly living in interesting times as the Maryland Military Department goes through 

significant changes and challenges. This remains a very busy time for the department both here, at home and 

abroad, as we continue to perform our dual high-tempo federal and state missions unabated.

As the new adjutant general of Maryland, I have accepted the challenge by Governor O’Malley to 

keep the department “relevant and ready.” The governor has appointed Brig. Gen. Alberto Jimenez as assistant 

adjutant general- Army, Brig. Gen. Allyson Solomon as assistant adjutant general- Air and Mr. Richard Muth 

as director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. These are proven leaders, and I have high 

expectations of them as I do for the Department.

We still have Soldiers and Airmen of the Maryland National Guard deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, 

Bosnia and other locations around the world. They are performing their jobs with professionalism, pride 

and competence. They are a credit to Maryland and our nation, and I encourage you to keep them and their 

families in your thoughts and prayers.

In the last few months, we have seen the return of more than 1,500 Soldiers and Airmen from overseas 

deployments. We have initiated a comprehensive Reintegration Program to assist them in their return to their 

civilian lives. The program is crucial for the quality of life and the retention of our people and is worthy of 

your support.

The employees of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency are working hard to prepare 

Maryland for the next hurricane, tropical storm or remnants that might visit. Maryland previously has 

felt the effects of these storms (Hurricane Fran in 1996, Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricane Isabel in 

2003). Those of you who are designated as “essential personnel” for emergencies or disasters should have 

an emergency preparedness plan for yourselves and your families. MEMA oversees the “Families First” 

program, which offers a practical guide to emergency preparedness. These emergency preparedness tips can 

be found at www.familyfirst.md . Other preparedness information can be obtained by visiting MEMA’s web 

site at www.mema.state.md.us or by calling the MEMA Public Information Office at 

1-877-MEMA-USA (1-877-636-2872).

The Maryland Defense Force has quietly been providing crucial support to the entire Military 

Department. Their Engineer Corps has been conducting inspections of our facilities, and their findings will 

help our facility managers to prioritize their maintenance resources. Their ceremonial unit has represented the 

department in parades, and their attorneys and financial planners continue to provide pro-bono services to the 

Maryland National Guard and their families.

There is no other state department with a collection of state and federal employees and volunteers that 

has as dramatic an impact as the Maryland Military Department. I look forward to serving with you.

Godspeed!

 Sincerely,

 JAMES A. ADKINS

Brigadier General (MD), MDARNG

The Adjutant General

Martin O’Malley

Governor

Anthony G. Brown

Lt. Governor
Travel 

Benefits 

For Service 

Members

Photography by Spc. Loni Kingston

Text by Spc. Elizabeth Payne

Summer is the season for travel and when 

most people are taking the time to relax on the 

beaches of the Outer Banks, backpacking through the 

hills of Maine or taking their families to Florida for 

fun at Walt Disney World. The time is approaching to 

make the most of the summer before the cooler days 

of autumn return.

There are many benefits available to Soldiers 

and Airmen in the Maryland National Guard that 

can provide free entertainment at home or help pay 

for airfare and lodging in both the United States and 

overseas.

Activities close to home include:

• Recreational Vehicle campgrounds, log 

cabins, lake pavilions, auto & RV storage, golf 

courses, horse stables, fishing lakes and hunting areas 

at Fort Meade and other active duty posts

• Access to Maryland’s 55 state parks 

(admission is free with a valid military ID card). Visit 

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/mdmap.html for a map of 

the parks

• Discounts on day trips to theme parks, local 

attractions, sporting events and concerts are available 

at Morale Welfare and Recreation, Information 

Tickets and Recreation, Family Support or United 

Service Organization websites (Fort Meade’s site: 

http://formeademwr.com/itr.htm) or an office located 

on an active duty post

• Free summer camps for military children of 

National Guard, Reserve and Active Duty Soldiers

• Free single-day admission for up to three 

dependent to Busch Gardens, Sea World and Sesame 

Place

Discounts available for travel and lodging include:

• Military Space-Available travel within the United 

States only (Including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the 

Virgin Islands and Guam. Worldwide when on active duty 

or with National Guard retirement at age 60)

• Five ways to lodge economically:

1. Visitors quarters

2. Temporary lodging facilities

3. Armed forces recreation centers

4. Major city clubs (explore San Francisco 

and stay for $69 a night Sunday thru Thursday 

 $89 Fri/Sat, or visit New York City and 

 stay in Midtown Manhattan for only 

 $37 a night and take in a Broadway Show. 

 Visit www.telecharge.com for ticket, show 

 and theater information.

5. Armed Forces Vacation Club

For more information about all benefits, visit the 

Maryland National Guard website at: 

http://www.md.ngb.army.mil/
Brig. Gen. 

James Adkins

Faces of Our N

As the adjutant general of Maryland, General Adkins is responsible for the daily 

operations of the Maryland National Guard and oversees its 6,700 Soldiers and Airmen, 

approximately 1,350 of whom work full-time either as Active Guard Reserve or federal 

technicians.

During his military career, General Adkins graduated from the Defense 

Language Institute’s Russian Language Program in Monterey, California and served 

in Intelligence, Infantry and cavalry assignments in the United States and abroad. His 

military assignments included two tours in military support to civil authorities where he 

was responsible for counter-drug an d emergency mamagement operations. He assisted 

the former Soviet Republic of Estonia in its transition to democracy as a coordinator for 

the U.S. European Command’s Partnership for Peace Program. General Adkins held 

numerous command and staff assignements in the Maryland Army National Guard and 

also had tours as the Maryland Military Department’s Director of Installaltions, Chief 

of Staff and Assistant Adjutant General for State Operations with responsibilities for 

the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. He was also a memeber of the U.S. 

Attorney’s Joint Terrorism Task Force Executive Committee.

General Adkins served in both the enlisted and officer ranks. His military 

decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross and 

the Order of the White Cross from the Republic of Estonia.

Brig. Gen. 

Allyson Solomon

Brig. Gen. Allyson Solomon serves as the Assistant Adjutant General for 

the Maryland Air National Guard. She was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 

1986 and has served in a variety of military assignments including commander of the 

175th Mission Support Flight, commander, 175th Mission Support Group and chief 

of general officer branch, National Guard Bureau. Her awards include the Defense 

Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf 

clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the 

State of Maryland Distinguished Service Cross and the State of Maryland Meritorious 

Service Medal. She holds a Bachelor ofArts Degree from Loyola College and a 

Master of Arts Degree from Auburn University. General Solomon is also a graduate of 

the Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College.
New Leadership

Photography Courtesy of the Maryland Military Department

Brig. Gen. Alberto J. Jimenez is currently assigned as the Assistant Adjutant General 

for the Maryland Army National Guard. He received his commission in May 1978 and was 

an honor graduate of the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Ga. After 

serving on active duty, General Jimenez joined the Army National Guard and has served 

with the Maryland Army National Guard for more than 27 years. He is a graduate of the 

U.S. Army War College, and a rated rotary and fixed-wing master aviator with more than 

3,500 hours of accident-free flying. He has served in positions ranging from company, 

through brigade command, as well as serving in various staff assignments throughout his 

career. He is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served as an attack-helicopter 

pilot.

General Jimenez, military decorations include various service award such as; 

the Air Medal for Combat, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the 

Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal, among others. He has 

Brig. Gen. also received state military awards including the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross.

Alberto Jimenez

Richard Muth

Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency , Richard Muth has 

been a member of the Baltimore County Fire Department, where he was responsible for the 

administration of the Office of Emergency Preparedness for Baltimore County. In 2003, he 

was appointed Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for Baltimore 

County. In this position, he provided Baltimore County residents with a broad range of 

emergency management services, including the administration of homeland security, the 

hazardous materials program, advanced tactical rescue and fire department communications..

Some of Director Muth’s recent accomplishments include serving as Emergency 

Management Chairperson for the Domestic Preparedness Chemical Team that is a major 

component of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Program within the Department of Defense. 

In 2002, he was certified by the Department of Justice as a Weapons of Mass Destruction 

general instructor. He has served as the lead communications specialist for the Federal 

Emergency Management Agency’s Urban Search and Rescue Team (PA-TF-1). In 1998, 

Muth was awarded a Governor’s Citation for serving as the on-scene coordinator for 

Maryland resources in the State of Florida in combating wildland fires. 
Improving Pay 

and Personnel

Services

What the new DIMHRS Program means to 

Maryland National guard Members

 

Photo courtesy of the Maryland Governor’s Office

Text by Spc. Loni Kingston
I

n the spring of 2009, all military services will convert to a new and improved pay and personnel system, 

the Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System. DIMHRS is a system spearheaded by the 

Department of Defense to alleviate service-unique pay and personnel systems and the shortcomings

 attributed to them. 

 According to the United States Army DIMHRS program manager, Col. Pat Devine, “The current pesonnel and pay systems are unintegrated, disconnected and very difficult to administer.”

For the Maryland National Guard, DIMHRS will replace the Standard Installation and Division Personnel Reporting System, commonly referred to as SIDPERS. Under DIMHRS, National Guard personnel 

will be able to have:

• Access to a single, comprehensive record of service 

• Accurate and timely data on personnel assets 

• Standard data for comparison across services and components 

• The ability to properly track Guard Members for both pay and service credit 

• The ability to track all military personnel in theater 

• Provide integrated personnel and pay functions 

• The ability to track Guard Member status changes from service to service and component to 

component 

• Consolidation of multiple legacy systems and databases for the individual service member, 

DIMHRS will provide:

• 24/7 Web-based access of your personnel record 

• Improved customer service 

• Seamless strength management and accounting 

• Flexible and easy-to-use self-service capabilities 

• Less data entry and time needed for a transaction 

• Accurate and timely pay processing, regardless of Soldier status

“DIMHRS will provide self-service applications where Soldiers can update their data, request personnel and pay actions and review their records. Personnel actions in DIMHRS are electronically submitted, digitally signed, electronically routed and digitally stored. DIMHRS is different as every Soldier is a user (selfservice), every supervisor of a Soldier is also a user and every human resource service provider (to include 

contractors) is a user,” said Devine. 

This system will make it easier to track National Guard members who are deploying, demobilizing or 

coming on or off orders. In essence, it will help Guard members get paid quicker and have more accountability of each individual Soldier’s retirement points and benefits. DIMHRS also allows personnel to update their 

own information into the system and change certain payroll information, among other self-service options, in 

order to retain the most accurate personnel records.

“ The Maryland Army National Guard is diligently working behind the scenes in preparation of the 

DIMHRS’ conversion. Over 200 full-time members of the force are participating in specialized training to 

ensure a seamless conversion in 2009,” said Maj. Ted Cusick, project officer for DIMHRS.

“ It will take a lot of active participation, training allocation and perseverance to make [DIMHRS] a 

success,” said Devine. He believes that implementing DIMHRS is the right thing to do for Soldiers and their 

commanders.
Brig. Gen. Alberto Jimenez, assistant adjutant general for the Mar

his certificate of completion.

The Freestate ChalleNGe Academy is 

a 22-week residential program for volunteers 

between the ages of 16 and 18 who are 

underemployed, drug-free, at-risk high school 

dropouts from the state of Maryland. The cadets 

are mentored for an additional 12 months 

following graduation. The mission of the 

academy is to intervene in and reclaim the lives 

of Maryland’s at-risk high school dropouts by 

providing the values, skills, education and 

self-discipline needed to produce responsible, 

productive citizens who will succeed as adults. 

During the residential phase, the cadets prepare 

to take their General Equivalency Diploma 

while in a military atmosphere, an atmosphere 

of respect and discipline. To participate in the 

program, teens must want to be there and make 

a better future for themselves. Also, they may 

not have a felony or have any pending cases 

against them, and they must live in the state 

of Maryland or the District of Columbia. The 

program requires the cadets to live in a 

controlled and structured environment, where 

they must adhere to a strict schedule.

Cadet Calvin D. Pettaway, Seat Pleasant Md., was 

overjoyed to graduate from the Freestate ChalleNGe 

Academy.

Freestate ChalleN
Wake up occurs at 5:30 am, followed by personal hygiene and physical training. Throughout the day, 

Cadets attend class or special assignments, such as community service or job shadowing. The cadet’s 

classes are geared towards the five areas tested on the GED exam. Cadets will also receive assistance when 

applying for higher learning. If college isn’t in their game plan, they are taught how to construct a resume 

and obtain an entry-level job. The most recent class graduated 112 Freestate ChalleNGe cadets from 

Maryland and the District of Colombia. The cadets of this graduating class received more than $22,000 in 

grants, scholarships and prizes to assist in their future endeavors.

Following graduation, students undergo a 12-month mentoring phase designed to help graduates adjust to 

the world of work and follow-on education.

Photography and Text by Spc. Loni Kingston

ryland Army National Guard, congratulates Pettaway as he receives 

Honor is just one of the many values that cadets 

learned during their time spent at the Freestate 

ChalleNGe Academy.

NGe Graduation
The military prides itself on being physically and mentally strong. Good physical and emotional 

health is as much a part of a Soldier’s 

uniform as is their boots or their beret. For 

those Soldiers in the medical field, it is their duty to 

assist their counterparts and help them maintain good 

health.

On June 12, Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth J. McGill, operations noncommissioned officer, State Medical Detachment, Maryland Army National Guard, received 

the John R. Teal Leadership Award. The award was 

presented to McGill by Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, 

Army surgeon general, during the Association of 

the United States Army Medical Symposium in San 

Antonio, Texas. 

The award was established by the Army 

Medical Command after the first combat loss of a 

medical officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. John R. Teal, a 2nd Brigade medical 

planner, 4th Infantry Division, was killed in action on 

October 23, 2003. 

 The Capt. John R. Teal Leadership Award is 

presented annually to one medical operations or support officer and NCO, for each component, who has 

made 

considerable contributions to the medical community, 

while also displaying exemplary soldiering skills.

For the past year, McGill has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the 

Periodic Health Assessment program for the MDARNG, said Capt. William M. Fox, deputy state 

surgeon, State Medical Detachment.

Medical Detachment Sergeant 

Receives Leadership Award

Photography courtesy of the State Medical Detachment

Text by Spc. Loni Kingston
 The PHA program is designed to aid in the tracking of each Soldier’s health status allowing their 

units to monitor their 

Soldiers’ deployable status.

 “Units were facing problems when they tried to 

deploy and they found that a 

percentage of their Soldiers were medically unable 

to deploy,” said McGill.

McGill said he created a “pilot PHA 

implementation program that relied on paper

 documentation.” In January, because of his 

initiative, Maryland was one of the first states to 

implement the PHA electronically.

Prior to the implementation of the new PHA 

program, Maryland was only at eight percent 

medical readiness; what that essentially means is 

that if there were a natural disaster, like Hurricane 

Katrina and Maryland Soldiers were called to duty, 

only eight percent would be medically cleared to 

deploy, said McGill.

 In the past year and a half, he 

continued, that percentage has increased from eight 

percent to 47 percent and 

Maryland is now in the top 10 percent of the country 

for medical readiness. McGill said he has had his 

hand in the 

medical field since he began his career in the Army 

14 years ago. He has done 

everything from being a line medic to working on 

an aid station, but according to Fox, it was his work 

with the PHA program that set him above the rest in 

his field.

Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth McGill, operations noncommissioned officer, Maryland State Medical Detachment, 

receives the John R. Teal Leadership Award for his excellence in the implementation of the Periodic Health 

Assessment program for the Maryland Army National Guard.
Sta

Par

Pro
ate 

rtnership 

ogram

Photography and Text by Spc. Thaddeus Harrington

The National Guard’s State Partnership Program began in 1993 following the collapse of the Soviet 

Union. The program is aimed at increasing cooperation between former Warsaw Pact Eastern European 

countries and the United States. It also fosters mutual interests and establishes long-term relationships across 

all levels of society. It introduces these countries to democracy, assists them in building professional military 

institutions and helps their responses to civil emergencies. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were the first countries 

to join the partnership program, and the Maryland National Guard was partnered with the Republic of Estonia. 

The Maryland Guard was instrumental in getting Estonia into NATO and in 2003, became one of the first states 

to have a second partnership; one with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 “Maryland was setting an example with the state partnership program with Estonia,” said Maj. Jon 

C. Eisberg, Deputy Chief and Bilateral Affairs Officer for the Office of Defense Cooperation U.S. Embassy, 

Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Eisberg, a Westminster, Md. native and the former commander of A/1-158 

Cavalry Regiment, was asked by the adjutant general to take the deputy chief position in 2006.

The SPP consists of military-to-military interactions – training exercises, unit personnel exchanges and 

noncommissioned officer development; military-to-civilian interactions – military support of civil authority, 

disaster response and consequence management; and civilian-to-civilian interactions – developing professional 

institutions through civic leader visits, university education exchanges, professional and chamber of commerce 

exchanges. 

“As the program matures, then we’ll start to get into the civilian aspects. We have done some civilianto-civilian events. We’ve done two civic leader visits. We brought both civilian leaders from Maryland as well 

as business leaders and educators over here to meet some of their counterparts in an attempt to create selfsustaining relationships,” said Eisberg.
The many military-tomilitary events that the Maryland 

National Guard supported has 

helped reform the BiH armed 

forces, contributing to their 

entrance into the Partnership for 

Peace program. State Partnershop 

Program is a bilateral program, 

while the Partnership For Peace 

program is a multilateral NATO 

program and among the first steps 

into NATO accession. The two 

programs are not tied together, 

but the SPP can assist a nation in 

getting into PFP. 

During the June 5 

U.S.–BiH Military Cooperation 

Day in Mostar, the MDNG’s 

Color Guard conducted a joint 

presentation of the Colors. This 

was the first time that they have 

played such a role in a Bosnian 

event. The ceremony included 

a joint U.S.-BiH paratrooper 

drop and a flyover by F-16s. 

Later the ambassador along with 

the BiH government signed a 

Memorandum of Understanding, 

confirming continued funding of 

VLASENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina, July 17, 2008 – Airmen from 

the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Civil Engineer Squadron 

pressed ahead full bore with two humanitarian construction projects in 

Bosnia-Herzegovina officials said.

According to Lt. Col. John P. McVicker, commander of the 

Middle River-based squadron, the Maryland Air National Guard 

helped to restore an elementary school and a monument to three 

American diplomats who died during Bosnia’s civil war.

“We’ve got 72 people 

split between two locations,” 

McVicker said. “Obviously, 

most of our effort is being 

put into getting the school 

up and running. What we’re 

doing here is something the 

local community could never 

afford on their own. It will 

make a huge difference for 

the children here.”

The unit began 

arriving in Bosnia on July 

13, and most members stayed 

through July 25, when troops 

from California took their 

place. Approximately 15 of 

the Maryland engineers stayed on to provide continuity and see the 

projects through to completion.

In addition to the benefit the local population derives from the 

project, deployments of this nature also help the U.S. military meet its 

training objectives.

“We get experience in planning and actually deploying to 

a foreign country,” said Chief Master Sgt. Michael W. Bosse, civil 

engineering manager for the 175th Wing. “You can practice your skills 

at home all you want, but until you have to actually go someplace and 

do it, with the language barriers, the infrastructure limitations, and all 

the other things you didn’t count on, you don’t really understand the 

challenges that are involved.”

Photography and Text by Cpt. Wade Minami

Continuation on next page.
the International Military Education and Training program.

In the summer of 2006, the 175th Air Wing of the Maryland Air Guard completed 

a medical humanitarian mission. They served more than 2,000 patients in 14 different villages, providing 

medical access to people who normally would not have had it.

The 235th Civil Engineering Flight of the 175th Wing is renovating the interior of a primary 

school in the town of Vlasenica in eastern Bosnia. This humanitarian assistance project falls under the 

Guard’s deployment for training program to get training on real-world projects for members of civil 

engineer squadrons. 

They will work and live in the town where the school is located for 30-40 days. In addition to 

renovating the school, the 235th along with Bosnian engineers plan to repair the Igman War Memorial. 

The memorial is dedicated to a U.S. ambassador, a U.S. diplomat, a U.S. Army colonel and a French 

Army driver who were killed in 1995 when their vehicle rolled off the road on the side of Igman 

Mountain. 

From September 1-16, the 115th Military Police Battalion is scheduled to send 15 MP’s to 

Sarajevo to conduct joint training exercises.

Since the begining of the State Partnership Program in 1993, the program has evolved and now 

pairs 59 countries around the world with 50 state Guard organizations.

I see the program maturing, said Eisberg. “I see Maryland becoming an integral partner 

in assisting BiH refine a professional well-trained military on the road to NATO integration. I see 

Maryland and Bosnia conducting more and more activities together to include deploying together,” said 

Eisberg.

“Today, our armed forces remain committed to preserving peace and stability in this region and 

stand ready to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina as it further integrates into NATO. The United States 

Armed Forces stood by Bosnia and Herzegovina during some of the most difficult times in its recent 

history and will remain a deeply committed friend, partner and ally as you move towards a brighter 

future,” said Charles English, U.S. ambassador to BiH, during the Military Cooperation Day ceremony.
Honoring Maryland’s 

Fallen Photography by Maj. Kristine Henry, Text by Laura Betz

Friends, family members and 

Guard members watched as the 

Fallen Warrior Memorial was 

unveiled during a dedication 

ceremony held for Maryland 

Guard members who made the 

ultimate sacrifice serving their 

country.
The Battlefield Cross signifies the end of a 

calling for one Soldier. The possessions 

displayed are those left unwillingly by 

their carriers and often invoke a deep 

sense of anguish.

Despite the pervasive sadness seen Monday, 

May 26, 2008, at the Fallen Warrior Memorial 

ceremony at Camp Fretterd, Reisterstown, Md., 

there was a great degree of appreciation and 

camaraderie felt on 

behalf of the fallen 

Soldiers’ families 

and the National 

Guardsmen present 

as the memorial was 

unveiled. The event 

honored eight fallen 

Soldiers: Chief 

Warrant Officer 

William R. Ruth, 

Pfc. Carlton D. 

Newman Jr., Cpl. 

Samuel M. Boswell, 

Cpl. Bernard L. 

Ceo, Sgt. Brian 

R. Conner, Staff 

Sgt. Michael J. 

McMullen, Command Sgt. Maj. Roger W. Haller, 

and Sgt. 1st Class Collin Bowen.

Ursula Bowen emphasized the difficult 

situation left for her family as she stated, “There’s 

a mix of emotions and pride for myself, being a 

wife, but yet it is very difficult because my husband 

left three daughters.” Even though she is at a loss, 

Bowen said, “The National Guard has been with 

you, they are very responsive...anything and 

everything has been provided.”

Jim Gladwell, best friend and fellow 

firefighter of Mike McMullen said, “We suffered a 

loss, and this void will never be filled...the world 

was a better place with him in it and a lesser place 

with him gone.” David McMullen, former Marine 

and father of Mike said, “My friends...used to pick 

on the National Guard mercilessly [the mindset is 

always] Marines are first, but you know that when 

the chips are down, it’s brother to brother.”

The togetherness and support from the 

firefighters was visible with the banner draped over 

the entryway by Sgt. Brian R. Conner’s fellow 

firefighters. Overall, the show of love and support 

continued and could be seen on the faces and in 

the tears of many family members. Erin Bowen, 

14 year-old niece of Collin Bowen stated, “It was 

perfect.”

In regard to the ordeal as a whole and the 

National Guard’s involvement, Sandy Haller, wife 

of Roger Haller 

said, “They 

are what they 

say. They have 

been here to 

help them...

continuing the 

motto of the 

‘mission first and 

family always’.” 

The Hallers’ son, 

Daniel reenlisted 

after the 

memorial service.

The event 

was indicative of 

many combined 

efforts. The 

memorial itself and the blue pavilion it stands under 

were large-scale projects. Col. Mark Tracey, the 

officer in charge of the event said 40 to 50 people 

including construction workers and the band made 

the ceremony possible. He went on to say that the 

intent is to have a ceremony every Memorial Day. 

Fred Bastion, head engineer for the 

memorial project, coordinated with contractors and 

local building material suppliers during construction 

of the memorial and its immediate surroundings.

Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, as 

well as many local representatives, were present at 

the event. Brown said, “The event went superbly. 

I never expected anything less from the National 

Guard; the monument was a true dedication to the 

families. All in all, the day was a success.” 
Homefront 

Challenge

The Maryland National Guard Child & Youth Program completed its 3rd annual Homefront Challenge 

Camp at 4-H at the Rocks State Park in Harford County. 

Fifty-three children, ranging in age from 7 to 12, participated in this year’s camp, along with 12 junior 

counselors. The Homefront Challenge Camp is facilitated by the Maryland Family Readiness Program and 

provides children of both Maryland Air and Army National Guardsmen a way to get to know each other and make 

friends.

Activities throughout the week included a presentation from the Maryland National Guard Counterdrug 

Task Force. Soldiers came and talked to campers about the dangers of drugs as well as letting the campers use the 

fatal vision goggles. Other activities included a presentation from the Science of Racing, camp fires, swimming, 

a field day, archery, a dog show, build your own bird feeder and a luau on the last night of camp. Chaplain (Col.) 

Sean Lee also came out to speak with the campers during reflection time.

During the closing ceremony, Brig. Gen. Alberto Jimenez and Brig. Gen. Allyson Solomon spoke to the 

campers and presented them with camp completion certificates. Both generals were also presented with bird feeders 

that a few of the campers made in appreciation for their time. 

Brig. Gen. Allyson Solomon showcases the t-shirt that she 

presented to some of the campers during the Homefront 

Challenge closing ceremony .

Campers pose for a picture with their new friends as they 

prepare for the closing ceremony.

Photography by Spc. Loni Kingston, Text by Beth Soddard
The Lectern

There is an often quoted reference from the Revolutionary 

War that when paraphrased recognizes the enlistment to serve in the 

military during a time of war is not the commitment of a 'sunshine 

patriot.' During the storms of conflict, the uncertain deployment to 

harms way, the struggle to leave and then re-unite with loved ones, 

and the return to civilian employment, it is the true patriot who will 

leave all and take up arms in service to their country.

For more than six years, our military has been at war on 

behalf of our Nation. The Maryland Army and Air National Guard 

have deployed repeatedly in this persistent conflict with a record 

of consistent, faithful service and mission success. Every member 

of the Maryland National Guard and their loved ones represent the 

finest citizens of Maryland and the United States. They have counted 

the cost and willingly made the sacrifices of patriots during a time 

of war. Like the minutemen of Lexington Green and Concord, they 

have released the grasp on self and personal security and taken hold 

of selfless service in defense of their neighbors. Counting the cost of 

their own lives a sacrifice not too great to make for the freedom of 

others, they are what could be called 'steadfast patriots' ready at all 

times to keep our liberties secure.

For many of these steadfast patriots, it is their faith that 

in great measure has sustained both they and their families. The 

chaplains and assistants of the Maryland Army and Air National 

Guard and Maryland Defense Force have deployed with these 

Soldiers and Airmen, and remained behind to support their families. 

Since the times of General Washington and the Continental Army, 

chaplains have sustained the Soldier's heart in battle and encouraged 

the soldier and their family in peace. Along with 54 'Partner in Care' 

congregations across Maryland, the chaplains and assistants of the 

Maryland Military Department will continue to encourage the faith 

and sustain the spirit of our steadfast patriots as long as the storm of 

war continues to rage.

The opportunity exists for other congregations to serve as 

'Partner in Care' congregations, and for clergy to become chaplains 

in the Maryland Army and Air National Guard and Defense Force. 

For more information, contact Chaplain Lee at 410-576-6124 or 

william.sean.lee@us.army.mil."

By Chaplain (Col.) Sean Lee

The Lectern

There is an often quoted reference from the Revolutionary 

War that when paraphrased recognizes the enlistment to serve in the 

military during a time of war is not the commitment of a 'sunshine 

patriot.' During the storms of conflict, the uncertain deployment to 

harms way, the struggle to leave and then re-unite with loved ones, 

and the return to civilian employment, it is the true patriot who will 

leave all and take up arms in service to their country.

For more than six years, our military has been at war on 

behalf of our Nation. The Maryland Army and Air National Guard 

have deployed repeatedly in this persistent conflict with a record 

of consistent, faithful service and mission success. Every member 

of the Maryland National Guard and their loved ones represent the 

finest citizens of Maryland and the United States. They have counted 

the cost and willingly made the sacrifices of patriots during a time 

of war. Like the minutemen of Lexington Green and Concord, they 

have released the grasp on self and personal security and taken hold 

of selfless service in defense of their neighbors. Counting the cost of 

their own lives a sacrifice not too great to make for the freedom of 

others, they are what could be called 'steadfast patriots' ready at all 

times to keep our liberties secure.

For many of these steadfast patriots, it is their faith that 

in great measure has sustained both they and their families. The 

chaplains and assistants of the Maryland Army and Air National 

Guard and Maryland Defense Force have deployed with these 

Soldiers and Airmen, and remained behind to support their families. 

Since the times of General Washington and the Continental Army, 

chaplains have sustained the Soldier's heart in battle and encouraged 

the soldier and their family in peace. Along with 54 'Partner in Care' 

congregations across Maryland, the chaplains and assistants of the 

Maryland Military Department will continue to encourage the faith 

and sustain the spirit of our steadfast patriots as long as the storm of 

war continues to rage.

The opportunity exists for other congregations to serve as 

'Partner in Care' congregations, and for clergy to become chaplains 

in the Maryland Army and Air National Guard and Defense Force. 

For more information, contact Chaplain Lee at 410-576-6124 or 

william.sean.lee@us.army.mil."

By Chaplain (Col.) Sean Lee

The Lectern
Check Out Our New Website at:

https://www.md.ngb.army.mil/

https://www.md.ngb.army.mil/

Martin O’Malley

Governor

Anthony G. Brown

Lt. Governor

The Maryland Military Digest

Adjutant General

Brig. Gen. James Adkins

Director of Public Affairs

Quentin Banks

Editor/Layout Design Specialist

Spc. Loni Kingston

Check Out Our New Website at:

https://www.md.ngb.army.mil/

https://www.md.ngb.army.mil/

Martin O’Malley

Governor

Anthony G. Brown

Lt. Governor

The Maryland Military Digest

Adjutant General

Brig. Gen. James Adkins

Director of Public Affairs

Quentin Banks

Editor/Layout Design Specialist

Spc. Loni Kingston