Maryland Defense Force (MDDF)

07/24/2026

Congratulations LTC Anthony Wisniewski on your re-appointment as Chief Judge of the Maryland Tax Court!

07/18/2026

https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCWPC9

The Maryland Defense Force held a graduation ceremony for their Initial Entry Training Class 33-A at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation, in Reisterstown, Maryland, June 13, 2026.

06/12/2026

MDDF Command Sergeant Major Receives Distinguished Service Cross

On May 2, 2026 following the Maryland Defense Force’s (MDDF) Annual Muster, Command Sgt. Maj. (MD) Guy Johnson was awarded the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross for eleven years of distinguished service to the organization. Currently, Johnson serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the MDDF. The Distinguished Service Cross is the highest military decoration given by the Maryland Military Department.

Command Sgt. Maj. (MD) Guy Johnson joined the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) in 2016 after retiring from the Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG) in 2012. In his last MDANG billet he held the rank of senior master sergeant and served as the 175 TH Wing Human Resource Advisor for the MDANG and was based in Baltimore. His responsibilities included advising the Wing Commander on issues leading to the enhancement of the organization’s culture in the community in which it serves.

Command Sgt. Maj. (MD) Johnson enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1976 and served on active duty for three years with the 82nd Airborne Division. He re-enlisted with the MDANG in 1989 and was assigned to Security Forces as the non-commissioned officer (NCO) in charge of training. Over the course of his twenty-three year career with the MDANG he instructed airmen in small unit tactics and expert weapons handling during engagement training. He also taught base survival techniques in case of a chemical, biological or radiological attack and served as a first sergeant for an A-10 Maintenance Group. Also, as a first sergeant he twice deployed to the Middle East.

In his civilian career, Command Sgt. Maj. (MD) Johnson served with the Baltimore County Police Department for twenty-six years before his retirement in 2006. For seventeen of those years he was a member of their elite special weapons and tactics unit (S.W.A.T.). He also served as a S.W.A.T. team leader for nine years and served as an instructor in special operations tactics at the Baltimore County Police Academy. Currently, Command Sgt. Maj. (MD) Johnson works as a bailiff at the Bel Air District Court in Bel Air, Maryland.

“This is a really special honor and I’m so happy that I am able to share this moment with my family, friends and colleagues from different phases of my military and law enforcement careers,” said Johnson. “Command Sgt. Maj. (MD) Johnson’s Maryland National Guard and law enforcement careers have been spectacular. However, we’re honoring him today for his significant contributions to the State as a member of the Maryland Defense Force. He has continually demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism during his tenure. His sound judgment, integrity, maturity and hard work have earned him the respect of all of us who have the honor of serving alongside him in uniform,” shared 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

06/12/2026

MDDF 231st Troop Commander Retires

On May 2, 2026 following the Maryland Defense Force’s (MDDF) Annual Muster, Lt. Col. (MD) Mark Schroeder retired from state military service and was awarded the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross. The Distinguished Service Cross is the highest military decoration given by the Maryland Military Department. Lt. Col. (MD) Schroeder’s last assignment was as commander of the Maryland Defense Force’s 231st Troop Command.

When Schroeder first joined the MDDF in 2015 he was assigned to the 121st Engineer Regiment as a training technician after completing Initial Entry Training. Before long he was re-assigned as the MDDF’s director of plans, policy and training. In this role, Schroeder was responsible for leading force wide training programs. Next, Mark was assigned to the Maryland National Guard’s Joint Staff and served as assistant joint chief of staff. After a reorganization at the MDDF, Schroeder took the helm of the MDDF’s 27th Training Battalion and again was responsible for force wide training programs. For the last three years Lt. Col. (MD) Schroeder has commanded the 231st Troop Command. Troop Command oversees MDDF recruiting, training, chaplain services, professional services and field detachments.

“Lt. Col. (MD) Schroeder’s diligent work will be felt for many years to come. He upgraded and improved the MDDF training courses while also launching new courses for enlisted personnel and officers of different experience levels. The net effect is that MDDF volunteers are better trained and more prepared to serve the State of Maryland when needed,” shared Col. (MD) Charles Zimmerman who serves as the MDDF chief of staff. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve the citizens of Maryland during my career with the MDDF. I was fortunate to have had a great team that was laser focused on moving the organization forward. I know how capable the MDDF is and I am excited to see what they do next,” Schroeder said.

“During his entire tenure with the MDDF, Lt. Col. (MD) Mark Schroeder exhibited the values of the servant leader. He measurably improved the MDDF, provided key support to the Maryland National Guard and his service to the State of Maryland has been 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

06/12/2026

Congratulations to LTC (MD) John H. Green, Jr. who was honored by the Maryland Society Sons of the American Revolution. LTC (MD) Green was presented with the Maryland Distinguished 400 Medal for distinguished service and achievement in the performance of his duties in keeping with the finest traditions of the “Maryland 400".

04/07/2026

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 ex*****on, 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