LANDOVER, Md. – U.S. Army leaders visited a COVID-19 screening site outside the nation's capital March 31 to learn how the National Guard can help civilian agencies fight the spread of the coronavirus.
Those touring the FedEx Field site in Maryland included Ryan D. McCarthy, secretary of the Army, Lt. Gen. Daniel Hokanson, director of the Army National Guard, and Rep. Anthony G. Brown, with Army Maj. Gen. Timothy E. Gowen, adjutant general for Maryland.
"I want to thank Gen. Gowen for the outstanding work that he and his team are doing here at FedEx Field in Prince George's County," said Brown. "They are setting up the infrastructure so that our public health officials can serve the residents of Prince George's County and the surrounding area. We would not be able to do this as effectively if not for the Maryland National Guard (MDNG)."
The 1297th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion assembled a dozen tents where medical specialists can work. MDNG medics are supporting the county health department at the site. The 115th Military Police Battalion is supporting the county police department to secure the site, and the MDNG is providing fuel for generators and water.
McCarthy thanked the congressman for supporting the National Guard's request to serve under Title 32 authority for the state's COVID-19 response. Title 32 is federally funded, allowing National Guard members to receive the same benefits and entitlements as the active military components. Gov. Larry Hogan remains in control of the state's National Guard under Title 32 authority.
"On my way out here I had to opportunity to talk to Gov. Hogan over the phone," said McCarthy. "He's been very aggressive [in the response efforts] and hitting [the support] on all cylinders."
McCarthy began the visit at the hand-washing station before entering the screening site.
"The Maryland National Guard couldn't be more proud to serve our communities during this challenging time," said Gowen. "Our presence in the community, along with our capabilities, make us perfectly suited to help our neighbors get through this. We're all in this together."
Gowen spoke with Hokanson on the overall support the MDNG has provided since it was activated by the governor March 12.
"It is going to take a lot of discipline and focus in leadership of Soldiers like Maj. Gen.Gowen and other soldiers to get us through this fight," Hokanson said.
More than 1,600 Maryland National Guard members are actively supporting Maryland's response to combat the spread of COVID-19. The MDNG is working closely with state and local agencies to augment the medical response, distribute food and medical equipment, provide transportation, and more.
The site began taking patients March 30 and is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by appointment. To schedule an appointment call 301-883-6627.