Recent Events & Upcoming Events

Recently...                More recent pictures (last modified April '08)

1GHG performed with distinction Saturday, May 3 in the Adjutant General's marksmanship competition.

St. Patrick's Day parade, Holyoke MA, March 30.

CPT Leonard Tolisano was honored during his last drill.  He will hit maximum age and retire in style in the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day parade March 30.

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.  

Shooting Match - January 2008 The annual Inter Militia Unit firearms competition hosted by 1GHG and was held Friday, Jan.18th.  The firearm of choice was .45 cal. handguns. All four militia units participated; there were 40 registered shooters and many additional members assisting and providing support.  The event took place at the Metacon Gun Club in Simsbury and was followed by post-match festivities back at Avon (above). The record-breaking participation and unrestrained enthusiasm by all four militia units was inspiring, the competition and rivalry fierce, and after the smoke cleared and the scores tallied, fun was had by all.  For a second year in a row, 2nd Co. GFG took  first place, bringing home the nonexistent trophy.  1Co. GHG placed a close second, again.  Next year, 1Co. GFG will be hosting and has vowed to take home first place.  We look forward to the challenge with spurs on!!!! More photos below.

From left to right: Tom Nicholson, Carlos Ramos, Cheryl Cleaves, Andy Arsenault, Antonio Cusano, Ryan Pelkey, Donna Manning, John Cantelmo, Steve Meltzer, Ketil Osland, Leonard Tolisano, Howard Miller, Erik Kaneko, Bill Cowell, Cheryl Proctor, and kneeling, Corey McDonough.  Not pictured, Rebecca Rathbun.      

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.

Happy New Year!  Troopers enjoyed kicking off the new year with a lovely ride in the snow.

The signs have been posted designating a section of Route 4 in Farmington as the LTC Warren Lane Memorial Highway.
Special thanks to SSG Jon Kores for making this happen.

Santa and Mrs. Claus visited the children of the horse guard!  Arriving by dog sled, they brought gifts and told the Christmas story (below).  Sunday, Dec. 10.

The Major's Staff held its annual Christmas party at the Officers' Club.  ~ more photos ~

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

The troop held an open house and pancake breakfast Sunday, Nov. 25.  It was a big success, thanks to all the guests!

The troop mounted up for its annual traditional Thanksgiving Day ride.

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

Lt. Anna Bongiorno, and Polo, leads her section of the troop through the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch during the Hartford Veterans' Day Parade, November 4, 2007. more photos

Locals around Avon may have seen the troop exercising the horses on a recreational ride for lunch at Fisher Meadow Saturday, Oct. 20.
~ more photos ~

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.

MSG Steven Meltzer is congratulated by Major Arsenault who awarded him the Commendation Medal for his significant work
documenting the numerous roles and responsibilities that help the troop to function. 10/4.  

SGT Howard Miller is presented the Commendation Medal for his significant work over seven years of service as Troop Historian.10/4.  

All four militia units participated in a Battalion Review in Avon Saturday, September 29.  more photos

 
SGT Michelle Metzler carries the troop guidon as 1GHG marches for Connecticut Day at "The Big E," Eastern States Exposition.  All four militia units escorted the Governor and Lt. Governor in the parade September 19.

Members of the troop visited Fort Riley, Kansas for the U.S. Cavalry Association's Annual Bivouac and competition.  9/07. 

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 Friends of the First Company Governor's Horse Guards held a very successful golf tournament September 10.  Many supporters enjoyed the day.  Funds raised benefit the troop and the CT National Guard Family Foundation.

The troop completed its annual training at Camp Rell, in Niantic.  The troop moves in with the horses for a week of activities.  ~ More photos ~ Video: Moving out for bivouac

The members of this year's recruit class passed their "Major's Ride" Sunday, July 29.  The entire unit shares pride in their accomplishment after many months of hard work.

Recruit McCary demonstrates the parts of the bridle for Captain Tolisano and First Sergeant Mazzara, and Recruit Campanella rides Paddington under the commands of Major Arsenault.

The group enjoys a skill-sharpening and fun game of "broom polo" after passing their ride.

1GHG hosted its sister unit, 1st Co. Governor's Foot Guard, for a combined drill in Avon Thursday, June 28.

State Representative Kevin M. DelGobbo was honored by Major Arsenault, being appointed honorary Captain in the troop.  Above, he thanks the troop during the combined drill June 28.

Lieutenants Jacobs and Miller congratulate Kevin Carpenter, of Avon High School, 2007 winner of the troop's David M. Whirty Scholarship, established in memory of our former trooper.  June 7.

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

1LT Jacobs, MAJ Arsenault, and 1SG Mazzara enjoy the CT National Guard's Volunteer Appreciation Night at the Adams Mill, Manchester.

The troop is formed outside the Church of St. Ann for our annual Memorial Service.  Guest Speaker was Commissioner Linda Schwartz of the Department of Veterans' Affairs.  Commissioner Schwartz was also made an honorary Captain on the Major's Staff.

The color guard, led by 2LT Michael Downes, presents arms during the unveiling of a memorial to LTC Warren Lane, shown below.

Our annual inspection conducted by the Connecticut National Guard was held May 17.

The troop congratulates SGTs Erik Kaneko and Howard Miller on their graduation from the National Guard's 6 month NCO training program.

1GHG provided a color guard for the Special Olympics held in Simsbury, Saturday, March 3.

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.
- Full Photo Gallery -

The troop held a very successful reunion Friday, October 13.  More photos (click)

GHG marches a color guard in West Hartford's Park Road parade, Saturday, October 7.

1GHG annually participates in "June Day" for the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Corps in Boston.  June 5.

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

Braeburn School, West Hartford, Says Nay to Drugs - 4/29 Article from the Hartford Courant
For more information on the program, visit our "Say Nay" page

The troop was glad to participate in Holyoke's St. Patrick's Day Celebration, the second largest in the nation.

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.  

We will be marching in numerous parades in May, including Windsor's Shad Derby, and Memorial Day parades in Tolland, Portland, Berlin, and Avon. We will also be in Killingly May 31 and East Granby June 7.

The troop's annual Memorial Service will be Sunday, May 18.

Our Annual Horse Show will be Sunday, June 22.  More info

Our Annual Golf Tournament will be September Monday, September 8. Full Details