Maryland Guard hosts Civic Leader Engagement at Aberdeen Proving Ground – South

By 2nd Lt Enjoli Saunders

EDGEWOOD, Md. – The Maryland Army National Guard held a civic leader engagement event to enhance awareness and understanding of those leaders about the career opportunities, benefits, and mission of the National Guard at Aberdeen Proving Ground – South, June 12, 2024.

The event, hosted at Weide Army Heliport, included a tour of the aviation facility and of a UH-60 Black Hawk, as well as a ride on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to provide a unique and immersive experience for the local leaders.

“My experience flying on the aircraft today was just amazing and it exceeded my expectations,” said Lisa Seldomridge, interim dean for Salisbury University. “It was smooth, extremely safe, and we got to see amazing sights. I would like to bring more representatives from my university and show them a little bit of what I learned today.”

The event, which was specifically designed for educators, counselors, and other local leaders, including state senators, also included a capabilities brief.

Throughout the event, attendees engaged in discussions and briefings that covered various aspects of the Guard’s mission, including disaster response, community support, and national defense. They also learned about the diverse career opportunities available within the Guard, the benefits of service, and the comprehensive training provided to Guard members

“Hopefully some of the things they will take from this experience is a better idea of what we do here in the National Guard,” said Maryland Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Charles Hellman, a recruiter with the Recruiting and Retention Battalion. “We serve as both soldiers but also citizens right here in the community of Maryland.”