Veterans chief tapped for top military post

Secretary Adkins will serve two roles simultaneously

Friday, April 25, 2008

Adkins, a chief of staff to former Adjutant General James F. Fretterd, will serve in dual leadership capacities beginning June 1 for an undetermined period of time. The adjutant general oversees the state’s National Guard units, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and other military functions.

‘‘It’s not a long-term situation,” said Adkins, a Cambridge resident. ‘‘I had asked the governor to let me finish up some things in Veterans Affairs. I basically didn’t want turmoil in two departments at one time.”

The appointment must receive state Senate confirmation. Adkins, 53, who served in the U.S. Army and Maryland National Guard for 22 years, has led the veterans agency since May. He previously served as deputy secretary from 2003 to 2006.

Adkins, who reached the rank of brigadier general, is scheduled to be installed as adjutant general on June 7. His military service included two tours in support of counter-drug and emergency management operations and as a liaison to the former Soviet Republic of Estonia in their transition to a democratic government.

‘‘His extensive background qualifies him for both positions,” said Christine Hansen, a spokesman for Gov. Martin O’Malley (D).

Although he did not pursue the adjutant general position, Adkins pledged to provide proper training and ample resources for Maryland-based guard soldiers and to ensure they are ready to respond to any emergencies or natural disasters.

Adkins will receive only one state salary, but it had not been finalized as of Monday. He earned $101,490-a-year as Veterans Affairs secretary. Tuxill made almost $125,000.

Adkins hopes to fully transition within six months after veterans’ groups hold their annual conventions this summer, legislative planning for next year is complete and other ongoing tasks are completed, he said.

‘‘We don’t anticipate this being indefinite, but I don’t want to tie my hands or the governor’s hands to put a time limit on it either,” he said. ‘‘We’re going to be mission-focused and once I’m comfortable that I feel I can step away, I’m going to tell the governor and he can make the decision [on a new veterans’ affairs secretary] at that point. The bottom line is the sooner I can do that, the better off for me.”

While some states combine the roles of Veterans Affairs and adjutant general, Adkins said Maryland should keep the jobs separate.

Tuxill, who served in the post since 2003, was the only Cabinet carryover from the administration of Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. He oversaw the largest overseas deployment of Maryland guardsmen since World War II.

Alan Brody