MDARNG Soldier Remains Positive During Pandemic

Article By Sgt. Chazz Kibler, 29th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Julio Demnaou, bags meals to be served to civilians in need in response to COVID-19 alongside Capt. Brendan Cassidy at Dunbar High School in Baltimore, May 6, 2020.

With COVID-19 making its expansion around the world, it would be an understatement to say that times are stressful for many people. One Laurel, Maryland, native in the Maryland Army National Guard would have every right to be stressed right now.

Spc. Julio Demnaou, a petroleum supply specialist in the 729th Quartermaster Composite Supply Company, recently lost his home in a fire. Luckily, no one in his family was hurt during the blaze. When tragic life-altering events occur in one’s life, it is good to have a solid support system. In Demnaou’s case, that support system came from the same organization that he serves with, the MDARNG.

“Before COVID-19 led to the Maryland National Guard’s activation, I was already on Active Duty Operational Support orders,” Demnaou said. “The Maryland Army National Guard put me on orders because they wanted to help me financially. I am happy to be a part of this family, and I am grateful for all of the donations that my family and I have received.”

During these stressful times, Demnaou’s source of motivation has come from his family.

The Demnaou family

“I could have maybe lost my family in that fire,” said Demnaou. “I lost everything, but the good part is, my family is still alive – my kids, my wife is still alive. So, when I wake up every morning and see them every day, I thank God, and that gives me more strength to keep pushing.”

Demnaou is now on Title 32 orders for the MDNG, where he is currently helping facilitate food distribution efforts at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Baltimore.