REISTERSTOWN, MD - The Maryland National Guard today announced that more than 100 Maryland National Guardsmen provided support, along side the U.S. Secret Service, during President-elect Obama's historic visit to Baltimore.
The Maryland Guardsmen were part of more than 40 federal, state and city agencies which helped to ensure the safety of the President-Elect as his train pulled into Baltimore's Penn Station.
"This type of mission reflects just how adaptable the Maryland National Guard is, particularly where it involves support to civilian authorities right here at home," said Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins, adjutant general for Maryland. "Immediately following the November election, we began planning for what we anticipated would be a support role during the inauguration, said Adkins. "The Guard has been involved in each and every Presidential inauguration and we're extremely proud to continue this rich tradition.'
Nearly 300 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen assigned to the Maryland National Guard are currently serving on active duty in the Global War on Terror. Since 9/11, nearly 8,200 Soldiers and Airmen have been called to support various mobilizations including Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, Jump Start and in the relief effort for multiple hurricanes.