The Maryland Defense Force recently recognized its top Soldier, Non-Commissioned Officer, and Officer of the Year for 2025 during a ceremony held at the Maryland General Assembly on March 30, 2026. The honorees were recognized alongside their counterparts from the Maryland National Guard, highlighting the close relationship between the two forces and their shared service to the State of Maryland. The Adjutant General of Maryland, Brigadier General Janeen L. Birckhead, was present to congratulate the troops, joined by Maryland State Legislators who helped honor their achievements and dedication.
The 2025 Maryland Defense Force honorees included Sergeant (MD) Robert M. Hunsicker, named Soldier of the Year; Staff Sergeant (MD) Anthony S. Russo, named Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year; and Chief Warrant Officer 3 (MD) Shawn P. Peno, named Officer of the Year. Each honoree was presented with resolutions from the Maryland House of Delegates and the Maryland Senate, signed by Delegate Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk, Speaker of the House of Delegates, and Senator Bill Ferguson, President of the Senate. Their recognition reflects not only their individual accomplishments, but also the professionalism, commitment, and mission readiness found throughout the Maryland Defense Force.
Sergeant Hunsicker was recognized for his dedicated service with the MDDF Band, his technical skills as an instrument repair technician, and his initiative in improving equipment storage and accountability. Staff Sergeant Russo was honored for his leadership within the Operations Directorate, including his work on emergency response evaluations, safety planning, and force protection efforts. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Peno was recognized for his superior performance as staff weather officer and situational awareness chief, where his work supports command briefings, readiness reporting, and statewide mission coordination. Brigadier General (MD) Gregory J. Juday, Commanding General of the Maryland Defense Force, praised the honorees, stating that their service, sacrifice, and commitment bring special honor and pride to all who serve in the MDDF.
MDDF Soldier, NCO and Officer of the Year for 2025 Recognized
The Maryland Defense Force’s (MDDF) Soldier, non-commissioned officer (NCO) and officer of the year honorees along with their counterparts in the Maryland National Guard (MDNG) were recognized at the Maryland General Assembly on March 30, 2026. Each MDDF honoree was also presented with resolutions from the Maryland House of Delegates and the Maryland Senate that were signed by Delegate Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk, speaker of the House of Delegates and Senator Bill Ferguson, president of the Senate respectively. Sgt. (MD) Robert M. Hunsicker is the MDDF Soldier of the year, Staff Sgt. (MD) Anthony S. Russo is the MDDF non-commissioned officer (NCO) of the year and Chief Warrant Officer 3 (MD) Shawn P. Peno is the MDDF officer of the year.
Sgt. (MD) Robert M. Hunsicker is a member of the MDDF Band. He has been an active member of the MDDF for three years and completed Initial Entry Training in 2023. During his tenure he has earned the Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Badge and been awarded the Adjutant General’s Special Recognition Ribbon. Sgt. (MD) Hunsicker has also received two Community Service Ribbons. In addition to playing both the trombone and the tuba in the band, Hunsicker serves as the band’s instrument repair technician. Recently, he took the initiative to construct storage within the band supply cage which aided inventory management and equipment security. “Sgt. (MD) Hunsicker is always one of the first unit members to show for duty at drills and missions. He is a person that sets the standards of performance, dress and appearance, attention to detail and willingness to assist members of the MDDF. He has earned the respect of his fellow musicians in the band. He is always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needs assistance,” shared Chief Warrant Officer 5 (MD) Arnold L. Bundy who serves as the MDDF band director.
Staff Sgt. (MD) Anthony S. Russo is a U.S. Navy veteran who has been a member of the MDDF for two years. He is currently assigned to the Operations Directorate and serves as unit NCO. During his brief tenure, Russo has served as Lead NCO evaluator during an Anne Arundel County Active Shooter full scale field training exercise where he assessed emergency medical services, law enforcement, communications, and transportation coordination. He also co-authored and implemented the MDDF Safety & Occupational Health Operational Plan which strengthened compliance, risk management, and force protection across all MDDF units. In addition, Russo represented the MDDF on the Maryland National Guard Safety and Occupational Health Council, led facility inspections, leadership engagement and briefed the adjutant general on MDDF safety integration. “Staff Sgt. (MD) Russo revitalized and restructured the Operations Directorate, improved mission execution, communication and interagency coordination, directly enhancing MDDF operational effectiveness,” said Lt. Col. (MD) Michael Behringer who serves as the assistant chief of staff for operations.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 (MD) Shawn P. Peno served in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 2021. He joined the MDDF and has been assigned to the Operations Directorate since 2022 where he serves as the staff weather officer and situational awareness chief. He leads the production of the Command Staff Briefing, the Service Readiness Briefing, the Scheduled Activities Report and the Weekly Activities Report. Peno has displayed a sustained superior performance in the Operations Directorate and across the Force. “He is an individual whom superiors routinely rely on to supervise or solve difficult problems. He consistently seeks ways to improve the quality of the products and information produced by the entire MDDF to present the absolute best appearance of the MDDF to partner agencies within the State and to the Federal military establishment,” added Lt. Col. (MD) Michael Behringer.
“These individuals bring special honor and pride to all who serve in the MDDF. Their service, sacrifice and commitment to the State of Maryland are truly exceptional,” 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
