Last month, the Governor of Maryland, Lawrence J. Hogan, along with the Adjutant General of the State, Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, presented the governor’s citation to Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Lorenza Cooper, Commanding General of the Maryland State Defense Force in recognition of their 100th anniversary.
On January 11, 2018 Lawrence J. Hogan, the governor of Maryland presented the governor’s citation to Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Lorenza Cooper, Commanding General of the MDDF in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF). On October 23, 1917 the Maryland State Guard, as the MDDF was then called, was founded to protect public building, water supplies and other properties as the Maryland National Guard was deployed overseas. The centennial celebration ceremony was held on October 21, 2017 at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore, which was attended by a host of state and local officials. Also in attendance for the presentation from the governor was Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, the adjutant general of Maryland.
During his brief remarks, Governor Hogan stated that, “The Maryland Defense Force is instrumental to the success of the Maryland Military Department. The State of Maryland owes the MDDF a deep debt of gratitude for your faithful service. I present this citation to the MDDF on behalf of Maryland’s appreciative citizens.”
Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Lorenza Cooper replied, “The MDDF is honored to serve the state and works hard to live up to its motto, ‘ready when called.’” Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Cooper reciprocated with a presentation from the MDDF of the American Bald Eagle to Governor Hogan for 100 years of service to the State of Maryland. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Cooper stated “The bald eagle is a representation soaring to highest heights of achievement, which the MDDF strives to emulate.” Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, the adjutant general of Maryland added, “Given the increasing pace of natural and manmade disasters, these capable state militia volunteers will be counted on more and more in the years to come. Whatever their charge, we know that the MDDF will continue to rise to the occasion.”
The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer militia unit providing competent, supplementary, professional and technical support and soldiers to the Maryland Military Department and the State of Maryland as needed. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 250 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland.
MAJ Stephen Rice
MDDF Public Affairs
Source: https://www.facebook.com/MarylandDefenseForce/
