Maryland National Guard Readiness Center to be named for first woman to lead the MNG

Maryland Gov.Larry Hogan announced that the Freedom Readiness Center in Sykesville, MD, will be officially renamed after retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Linda L. Singh, at her official portrait unveiling ceremony on Oct.16, 2021.

Singh, who was the first African American and the first woman to lead the Maryland National Guard as the 29th adjutant general, was surprised by the announcement.

“I was not expecting this,” said Singh, who served in the MDNG for 38 years. “It is an honor because this is as close to home as I can get. My home where I grew up is down the street… This is home ground for me.”

Hogan and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy E. Gowen, the current adjutant general of Maryland, unveiled the commissioned portrait of Singh, which was painted by artist Laura Era.

“As it takes its place among her predecessors, General Singh’s portrait is certain to stand out,” said Hogan. “She made history the moment I appointed her as the first African American and the first woman to ever lead the Maryland National Guard. It is her incredible legacy of service, and the transformative things, that General Singh did with her command that truly sets her apart.”

Singh was appointed by Hogan on Jan. 21, 2015. In her role, Singh led 5,500+ soldiers and airmen under her command and 1,000+ full-time federal and state employees ready to respond in the event of state or national emergencies like civil unrest or natural disasters.

During her tenure, Singh was integral in helping Maryland become one of the National Guard’s cutting-edge leaders in cybersecurity. “Sometimes we have to put it all on the line for people we believe in,” said Singh.