Recent Events & Upcoming Events

Recently...                More recent pictures (last modified February '09)

1 GHG provided a color guard for the opening ceremonies of the CT Winter Special Olympics at CL&P in Simsbury on 27 FEB 2010.  more photos

 Major Downes delivers a message from Governor Rell to CPT Lyon for his 93rd birthday.

Privates Beattie, Gibson, Judice, Merritt, Urda, L., Urda, M., and Williams were all promoted to Private First Class (PFC) on 25 Feb 2010.  Congratulations to the new PFCs!

Twenty-three 1GHG troopers passed the three-day-long Search Management course today, part of the extensive Search and Rescue certification process on the way to becoming Connecticut's only certified Equine Search and Rescue Team, and part of ESF-9. CCSAR personnel were part of our excellent instructor roster.  more photos

1LT Cheryl Proctor and CPL John Cantelmo joined Major Downes in thanking Stop & Shop on Feb 4^th, 2010 for their generous contributions of food to our Annual Horse Shows for the last two years. The troop extends its hearty thanks for their support!

MAJ Downes and MAJ Laffin were made honorary members of the Second Company Governor's Horse Guards by MAJ Johnson during their annual Awards Brunch in Newtown.  January 10.

The Major's Staff held its annual Christmas party at the Officer's Club, and 1LT Langlais recited Fiddler's Green in honor of those who've passed on. 

On Sunday, December 13, 2009, Santa and Mrs. Claus came to visit 1 GHG at the annual Childrens' Christmas Party. They delivered toys to the children and read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Families of troopers and military families were invited to the event

1GHG's toy drive in support of Operation Tribute was a tremendous success! The community showed exceptional support to the families and children of deployed men and women in the armed forces. Special thanks to Santa and to Baker's Dozen Bagels for their support as well!  More photos on Facebook

MAJ Downes has appointed Steven Meltzer to his staff at the rank of CPT in recognition of his many years and extensive service to the troop.  CPT Meltzer was also awarded the Achievement medal and a citation.  Dec. 3, '09.

On Sunday, November 29, the 1st Co. GHG held an Open House and Pancake Breakfast. We welcomed prospective recruits, and families from the area to come visit and see what we're all about.

After over twenty years of dedicated service to the State of Connecticut in her armed forces as a member of the First Company Governor's Horse Guards, Master Sergeant Steven Meltzer retires effective 1DEC09.
MSG Meltzer has had a long and illustrious career at 1GHG and on the evening of his final drill with the troop as an enlisted member, the troop rendered honors to him.

Cub Scout Pack 122 from Avon visited the First Company Governor's Horse Guards, watched a riding demonstration put on by a squad of troopers, and got to pet the horses.  Nov. 18, 2009.

1GHG proudly marched honoring Veterans for their service in the Hartford Veterans' Day parade, Sunday, Nov. 8.  more photos 

1GHG hosted a Youth Activities day for children and families of National Guard soldiers Saturday, October 24.

All four militia units participated in a Battalion Review Sunday, October 18th.  It was hosted by the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard at their base in Newtown.  Photos coming soon. 

1GHG again participated in the Susan G. Komen "Ride for the Cure," which raises money in the fight against breast cancer.  Ten riders rode in honor of Governor Rell, troopers, and family and friends.  Pomfret, CT, Sunday Oct. 4.  more photos

 
8 of the riders performed a demonstration of squad drill for the other participants and guests at the Ride for the Cure at Tyrone Farm.  1SG Berner narrated.

The troop appeared at Yale University for the big football game against Cornell.  Saturday, September 26.  more photos

The troop escorted Governor Rell at "Connecticut Day" at "The Big E" Wednesday, September 23. ~ more photos ~ 

Members of the troop traveled to Fort Robinson, Nebraska, to attend the U.S. Cavalry Association's annual bivouac and competition.  more photos

If you haven't seen the troop's Fan Page on Facebook, check it out.
It's another way to keep up with photos and troop activities.

Bree Berner has been promoted to 1SG, September 10.  Congratulations.

The troop thanks 1SG Jon Kores for his many years of dedicated service.  MAJ Downes presented him with a plaque upon his retirement September 3.  Jon was also appointed to the Major's Staff, a great honor.

Troopers visited with River Ridge residents on Labor Day.  The residents look forward to this visit very much each year.  Avon, 9/7.  more photos, courtesy of Mihaly Portrait Design.

SGT Terase, MAJ Downes, CPT Boucher, 1LT Losapio enjoy their round of golf.  The annual tournament run by "Friends of 1GHG" was very successful, thanks to the hard work of the committee, many additional volunteers, and the generosity of all who contributed.

The troop provided color guards for a hunter/jumper show at the Fairfield Hunt Club.  August 15 & 16.

 
The troop conducted its Annual Training at our home base in Avon. more photos

Many troopers received awards for Sustained Service Hours (750 hours per award) and Superior Attendance.

Congratulations to SGT LaCroix and the First Squad who won the annual Paul Feinburg Squad Competition.

Congratulations to Cheryl Cleaves, who was voted "Trooper of the Year."

Congratulations also to nominees Tom Nicholson, Donna Manning, Rebecca Rathbun, John Cantelmo, and Katy LaCroix.

Congratulations to newly promoted CPLs Cleaves, Nicholson, and Cantelmo.

Congratulations to CPL Pelkey, promoted to the newly created position of "Colors NCO."

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The troop's 2009 horse show was a big success; thank you, competitors!  Candid photo gallery

Members of the troop and staff participated in the annual celebration of "June Day" in Boston, sponsored by the Ancient and Honorable Artillery corps.   more photos

Memorial Day, Avon: Lt. Stapleton lead the Color Guard as part of the formation in the troop's hometown. more photos

Memorial Day, Berlin: CPT Boucher and Fire led the troop during Berlin's annual Memorial Day parade.  more photos Berlin Citizen and photo gallery

Memorial Day, Portland: 1GHG marches in Portland's parade.  Middletown Press Article more photos

Memorial Day, Tolland: 1GHG marches in Tolland's parade.  more photos video

1GHG visited the Canton Intermediate School during the 5th grade's civil war history week.  SGT Howard Miller spoke to the students about the history of Connecticut's Governor's Horse Guards, and CPL Rosemary Aldridge shared the horse's anti-drug message, "Say Nay" to drugs.  The riders performed a demonstration then answered many questions.  May 11. more photos

The troop honored former troopers who've passed away this year in its annual Memorial Service, which was followed by the Family Day picnic. 

The troop again participated in Windsor's "Shad Derby" parade, Saturday, May 16. 

The troop proudly lead a parade in Stamford honoring police officers.  May 3.  more photos

CPL Tara Stapleton, SGT Ed Fisher, and CPL Frank Berrian are proud to graduate from the National Guard's Basic NCO course, a 6-month effort full of challenges.  April 26.  more photos

The troop shows its support for the BNCOC graduates.

Official photos, courtesy of the National Guard.  Click each for large versions.

The 2nd Co. Governor's Foot Guard annually recognizes historical "Powder House Day," in New Haven.  This year was significant because the four militia commandants were all mounted for the parade.  This is the first time in modern history the four militia commandants have ridden together.

1GHG provided a mounted color guard for the University of Connecticut's annual Horse Symposium. March 21. more photos

The Governor's Horse Guard was proud to provide a color guard for a Veterans' Wartime Service Medal Ceremony in Fairfield. March 21.  more photos

Militia Pistol Match Brings out the Best of Four Units.
Teams from all four Militia Units participated in a .45 pistol match held at the Metacon Range on 20 March. Once again, the Second Foot came out ahead, followed by 1GHG, the Second Horse and First Foot. Everyone regrouped following the match in our drill shed for pizzas, beverages and good fellowship. Our highest scorer was CPL Donna Manning (Kneeling, third from right) 2LT Tony Cusano (Second row fourth from left) did a masterful job as range officer.  more photos

MAJ Johnson, 2GHG, and MAJ Downes, 1GHG, joined MAJ Offinger of 1st Co. Governor's Foot Guard who hosted a combined drill between the three units.  more photos

1GHG performed the color guard for the Special Olympics opening ceremony in Simsbury February 28.  More photos

Three members of the troop attended specialized training through our association with the region's Medical Reserve Corps.  more photos

  
Troop Historian SGT Miller has updated the display representing our unit in the Hartford Armory.  It was long overdue for a facelift, and SGT Miller, being a professional archivist, paid full attention to detail.  Included is a placard with a brief historical summary and information about 1GHG.

The troop provided a color guard for a Veterans' Wartime medal Ceremony in Stratford. Left to right: SSG Erik Kaneko, 1LT Cheryl Proctor, Representative Larry Miller, Veterans' Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz, Deputy Commissioner John Wiltse, Representative John Harkins, Senator Dan Debicella, 2LT Tony Cusano, and CPL Richard Zaczynski.  Jan. 5, 2009.

Troopers enjoyed a traditional ride on New Year's Day.  It was cold but bright.

The troop provided a color guard in Stratford for a ceremony honoring Veterans with the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal.
Shown centered are State Representatives Jason Perillo and Larry Miller, both from Stratford.

Santa rides again, helping out the Horse Guard's Operation Elf drive Saturday, Dec. 13.  more photos

Santa visited the First Company Governor's Horse Guards!  Sunday, December 7.

The troop held its annual Pancake Breakfast and Open House Sunday, November 30.  The public is invited to visit and observe our regular drills any Thursday night between 7:30 and 9:30pm.  more photos

Lt. Cusano led a 6-man color guard through New York City to honor the historic event known as "Evacuation Day," when the British no longer occupied New York City following the Revolutionary war.  This event is celebrated with a parade every 25 years.  Nov. 22.  more photos 

1GHG performed a color guard honoring veterans at the Avon Senior Center on Veterans' Day.
From left to right, Tom Nicholson, Cheryl Cleaves, Greg DeManche, and Rich Zaczynski, led by Lt. Tony Cusano.  more photos

Troopers and Boy Scouts participated in a drill as part of the Medical Reserve Corps. to respond to a flu pandemic.  Nov. 5.  more photos

1GHG honors our Veterans during the parade in Hartford Sunday, November 2.  More photos (plus new ones) and more photos

October 23, the troop held a Change of Command Ceremony to honor retiring commandant Andrew Arsenault and congratulate incoming Major, Michael P. Downes.

Following the Change of Command ceremony, Cheryl Proctor was promoted to First Lieutenant, and Leon Losapio was promoted to Second Lieutenant.  Congratulations to them both, and we thank them for their willingness to serve.

The 1GHG Color Guard attended the graduation ceremonies for the Hartford Mounted Police unit (center), which has been training at our facilities under Major Arsenault's staff instructors.  State Capitol, Monday, October 6.  more photos   news article

1GHG supported the "Ride for the Cure," a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society's battle against breast cancer.
This event was held at Tyrone Farm in Pomfret.  October 5.  more photos and more photos, courtesy of the event organizers

The Second Company Governor's Horse Guards, our sister unit, celebrated their 200th Anniversary with a parade and Battalion Review at the New Haven Town Green, and a gala ball in the evening.  
More photos  (courtesy of John Tolisano) and more photos (courtesy of 2GHG)

The troop participated in the town of Windsor's celebration of its 375th anniversary.  September 28.  more photos  news article

Members of 1GHG recently attended the annual U.S. Cavalry competition, held this year in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  
General photos - Competition photos - Travel photos
Next year's competition will be held in Fort Robinson, Nebraska, a great historic venue.

1GHG provided a fine color guard for the CHSA finals in Mystic Sunday, September 7. ~ more photos ~

1GHG completed another Annual Training at Camp Rell, Niantic August 3-9.  ~ more photos ~

The 2008 All-Militia Battalion Review was held Sunday, July 13 on the Norwichtown Green.  ~ more photos ~

"1st Horse" hosted a combined drill with the "1st Foot" Thursday, June 26.
More photos are available on the Foot Guard's web page: Photo Gallery

The troop marched in a parade celebrating East Granby's 150^th Anniversary Saturday, June 7.

1GHG participated in the annual "June Day" Ancient and Honorable Artillery Corps. events Monday, June 2 in Boston, MA.

Captain Ken Jacobs and Chip led the troop in the Avon Memorial Day parade May 26.

The troop marches down the street in Berlin prior to the start of their Memorial Day parade.  May 26.

Memorial Day Parade, Portland, May 25.

The troop honors Memorial Day in Tolland, May 25.

The troop marches during our own annual Memorial Service.  May 18.

The troop marches off to the Shad Derby in Windsor.  Saturday, May 17.

  Historic Video Now on You Tube!

We now also have our own YouTube channel with lots of videos, more to come.  Use the "subscription" feature to know when videos are added.

In March, 1GHG hosted a seminar conducted by the Connecticut Horse Council introducing local fire departments to horse barns. (more below)

 The Avon and Simsbury Fire Departments learned basic horse handling and much valuable information which will help them respond effectively in case of a fire in a horse barn.  

1SG Bob Mazzara was thanked and congratulated by the troop on his retirement after over 20 years of service to both Horse Guards.  Jan. 3. 08.

The militia units were proud to play various roles laying to rest former Governor William A.O'Neill.  Nov. 29, 2007.

The troop marched in Stamford's Veterans' Day parade, Sunday, November 11.

Major Andrew J. Arsenault proudly names Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele as an honorary Captain in the First Company Governor's Horse Guards.  LG Fedele enjoyed his tour and visit to the troop Thursday, October 4.

2LT Michael P. Downes receives the troop's Achievement Award; Lt. Governor Michael Fedele was on hand to congratulate him.
Lt. Downes received the award for the design and implementation of a physical fitness program for the troop.  10/4.

On Saturday, September 15th, 2007, the First Company Governor's Horse Guards provided a color guard for two ceremonies hosted by State Representative Themis Klarides honoring veterans from Derby, Orange and Woodbridge.  Roughly 600 people attended the event where over 200 veterans were awarded the State Veterans Wartime Service Medal at the Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge.
Pictured, left to right are: 2LT Michael Downes, PFC Tony Cusano, Dept. of Veterans' Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz, SGT Erik Kaneko, SGT Gary Boucher, PFC Rebecca Rathbun, Representative Themis Klarides, and Deputy Commissioner John Wiltse.

The troop congratulates several boy scouts and girl scouts who worked hard and earned horsemanship merit badges this spring.

Members of the troop are running boy scouts and girl scouts through training that will result in horsemanship merit badges.

 
The troop was proud to escort Governor Rell in her Inaugural Parade.  Jan. 3.

Our Color Guard is ready to march in Canton's Anniversary Celebration, Saturday, May 20.

1GHG Proudly marches in the Inauguration Parade for President George W. Bush
January 20, 2005, Washington, D.C.  more photos

1GHG was proud to perform as the color guard for the "Equine Affaire," the largest equine symposium in the Northeast November 16-18, 2004.

& Upcoming...

The troop continues to drill at its home base in Avon every Thursday night throughout the year.  If you'd like to learn more about us, come for a visit!  7pm is the best time to arrive.

First Company Governor's Horse Guards is currently recruiting volunteers for the 2010 class which will begin in March.  See our "Join Up" page for more information.

The troop will participate in the Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 13.  For more information click here.

The troop will be providing a mounted color guard for the UConn Equine Horse Symposium on March 27.  For more information click here.