Maryland Guard’s 1-175th Infantry Regiment recognized with Army Superior Unit Award during annual Pass in Review
By Maj. Benjamin Hughes, Maryland National Guard Public Affairs Office
BALTIMORE – The Maryland Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment was celebrated as one of the nation’s oldest continuously serving military units during its annual Pass in Review ceremony at the historic Fifth Regiment Armory, December 6, 2025.
During the Pass in Review, the regiment’s company formations marched past the reviewing stand with the official party to symbolizes military discipline, pride, and the mutual respect between the soldiers and their leadership.
This year’s official party included Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, the 31st adjutant general of Maryland, Brig. Gen. Andrew W. Collins, commander of the Maryland Army National Guard, Lt. Col. Joseph A. Mucci, commander of the 1-175th Infantry Battalion, other Maryland National Guard senior leaders and retired Col. Andrew Blair, the honorary commander of the regiment and guest speaker of the event. Birckhead and Blair served at the reviewing party.
“This anniversary is a chance to recognize your connection as part of the 1-175th to the generations of soldiers who came before you, now spanning 251 years in regimental history,” said Blair. “I know you’ll be successful in your upcoming deployment, and I thank you for what you do for this nation. You carry the unit history proudly, and know that you’re part of it.”
The regiment, also known as “the Dandy Fifth of Maryland,” is scheduled to support two overseas deployments next year. It is one of only seven U.S. military units that has served continuously since before the nation’s founding
During the event, which brought together current Soldiers, alumni, and distinguished guests to honor the unit’s legagcy, the regiment was presented the Army Superior Unit Award for exceptional service between April 3, 2020, and March 1, 2022, in recognition of its extensive support to COVID-19 response operations and security missions during a period of unprecedented national challenges.
The award honors the battalion’s “outstanding meritorious service” during Operation Capitol Response and statewide pandemic missions that provided critical aid to hundreds of thousands of Marylanders, safeguarded public institutions, and maintained readiness despite an unpredictable operational environment.
From April to May 2020, more than 350 Soldiers from the battalion supported 15 missions across Maryland, distributing over half a million meals, packaging an additional 262,000, and helping operate testing sites that administered nearly 5,000 COVID-19 tests. Shortly afterwards, civil unrest prompted more than 70 Soldiers to provide a reserve force for the Maryland State Police and ensure protests in Baltimore remained peaceful.
The battalion again mobilized under Operation Capitol Response following the attacks at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Nearly 240 Soldiers responded to Washington, D.C., to secure Senate office buildings, man entry control points, and maintain perimeter security supporting the peaceful transfer of power for the Presidential Inauguration.
In January 2022, 346 Soldiers supported 19 statewide testing sites and multiple hospitals, logging more than 79,000 direct support hours, administering more than 57,000 tests, and distributing more than 30,000 masks. Throughout the same two-year period, the 1-175th maintained rigorous training, qualifying on weapons systems, completing safety certifications, and preparing for a National Training Center rotation.
The ceremony also featured a change of responsibility for the regiment’s senior enlisted leader. Command Sgt. Maj. James M. Lentscher relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Robert L. Owen.
“He is a hell of a leader who is steady, caring, approachable and deeply committed to our soldiers,” said Mucci, when describing Lentscher. He’s been my right hand man and my sanity check when plans and ideas don’t match reality. I know the entire battalion will miss Command Sgt. Maj. Lentscher’s leadership.”
Lentscher thanked his family for their support throughout his 29 years of service and encouraged his soldiers to follow Owen’s lead as they prepare for challenging deployments.
“Soldiers, continue to support CSM O the same way you supported me. He has nothing but your best interest at heart, and I’m 100% confident he is the right NCO for the job,” said Lentscher. “This has been honor of my life. Thank you for allowing me to lead and stand beside you.”
Before the 229th Army Band played The Army Song at the end of the ceremony, Owen had advice for the citizen-Soldiers as they train and prepare to be always there for their state and nation.
“Your words and thoughts matter, so choose them wisely. It will predict your future. Also, if you crazy enough to believe it’s possible, then be disciplined enough to make it your reality,” said Owen.