The Maryland Defense Force recently welcomed Colonel (MD) Rhondalyn Cox-Burt, a retired U.S. Public Health Service Captain and former U.S. Navy officer, as its newest member—and the first woman in MDDF history to join at the rank of colonel. Colonel Cox-Burt brings more than 27 years of federal service in public health leadership, procurement, and logistics, having served in key roles with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Food and Drug Administration. She was instrumental in improving health outcomes and program management across multiple federal agencies, culminating in her service as Deputy Ombudsman to the FDA Commissioner. After retiring in 2025, she chose to continue serving her state by joining the Maryland Defense Force, where she serves as the J9 Liaison focusing on service member and family support. Cox-Burt describes her philosophy as being a servant leader — to listen first, ask questions second, and apply her skills toward helping others and strengthening her community.
The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) has one of the nation’s most capable and professional State Defense Forces, providing legal, engineering, medical, chaplain, finance, and field support services to the Maryland Military Department and the State of Maryland. Among its most distinguished components is the 10th Medical Regiment — widely recognized as one of the most elite medical units in the country. The regiment is comprised of board-certified doctors, dentists, surgeons, psychologists, mental health professionals, EMTs, and paramedics who regularly train to support military operations. They have a long and dedicated history of service. Among its many historic deployments was when it deployed to Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina under “Operation Lifeline,” establishing six field clinics and treating thousands of patients in hazardous conditions. The troops were deployed to the heart of New Orleans amid harsh conditions and violence rampaging all throughout the city.
Harsh conditions and difficult environments is no stranger to the men and women of The 10th Medical Regiment as the year prior they participated in the first ever State Defense Force deployment overseas. In 2005, Maryland Defense Force personnel joined airmen and women from the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Medical Group on a medical & humanitarian mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They have since augmented medical missions in South Dakota, participated in statewide disaster drills, assisted during the Baltimore civil unrest of 2015, and supported Maryland’s COVID-19 public health response.
With Colonel Cox-Burt’s extensive expertise and leadership joining its ranks, the Maryland Defense Force only continues to strengthen its capabilities as a pillar of support for Maryland citizens and the Maryland Military Department. Her addition further enhances the MDDF’s medical and humanitarian prowess, ensuring that the force remains ready to serve, protect, and support the people of Maryland whenever called upon.
We also want to recognize the great work Major (MD) Stephen Rice has been performing as Commanding Officer of the Public Affairs Office. He has done exceptionally work publicizing the amazing training and missions of The Maryland Defense Force.
Public Health Leader Continues Service with MDDF
Rhondalyn Cox-Burt joined the U.S. Navy out of college because, “I needed a job and joining the Navy afforded me the opportunity to gain leadership experience right away and move to the Washington, D.C. region where I wanted to live.” Given her major in public health at Indiana University, Cox-Burt was assigned to the National Naval Dental Center in Bethesda, Maryland and became the Materiel Management department head. She supervised 11 enlisted personnel and was charged with managing the procurement, distribution, and maintenance of dental supplies and equipment for five remote clinics. She had to ensure their timely delivery while minimizing disruptions to patient care. “I enjoyed the opportunity to make a difference, serve the military community and improve health outcomes,” she shared.
After a four year stint in the U.S. Navy, Cox-Burt continued her Federal service career through an interservice transfer to the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. Her first duty station was the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Services where she served as a program manager. In this role she directed procurement and logistics for 13 field sites. “I really enjoyed the public health component and I was happy to continue my service in uniform,” she said. “This was the perfect fit because I was able to help improve health outcomes while also serving as a commissioned officer,” Cox-Burt said.
Within the health and human services department, Cox-Burt managed programs in the Office of the Secretary, facilitated compliance within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and administered the institutional review board for the FDA Commissioner. Her final posting was as the deputy ombudsman for the FDA Commissioner where she held the Federally recognized rank of Captain (O-6) within the public health service. “I really enjoyed the USPHS because it allowed me to work in multiple aspects of public health and use my education and training,” she shared. After a distinguished 27 year Federal career she retired in 2025.
Shortly after retiring she joined the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) with the rank of colonel and is the first female in history to join the force at that rank. “I joined the MDDF to continue service, specifically to my state. It is also a way to be a role model since there may be many who are unaware of what we do and the opportunities within the MDDF to serve our state. I enjoy engaging with others to make a difference or impact,” she continued. “In my current role with the MDDF I serve as the J9 Liaison. The J9 Directorate’s focus is support for the service members and, in particular, family members when a service member is activated. My philosophy when it comes to service is – be a servant leader and listen first, then ask questions second. Watch and pay attention before trying to make changes. Service is something you are called to do. When we use our talents to help achieve a common goal much can be accomplished,” she concluded.
“Col. (MD) Cox-Burt has already shown to be an asset to the MDDF. Her experience and expertise is valuable to the MDDF and to the State of Maryland. We’re excited to leverage her skillset for the benefit of our community,” said Brig. Gen. (MD) Gregory J. Juday, commanding general of the MDDF.
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 200 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: Maryland Defense Force