Historian's Journal
Annual Training 2001
Historian Howard Miller
Camp Rowland, Niantic. Another summer camp has been completed. From July 28th to August 5th, the First Company Governor's Horse Guards again moved to Niantic for a full week of cavalry drills, exercises, and other activities. Tack inspection, weapons training and barracks inspections took place early in the week.
As the troop made its early morning departure for bivouac at Stone's Ranch on Tuesday, we were accompanied by Major-General Cugno, who rode "Nippers." While at bivouac, we again conquered the confidence course, the mounted pistol course, and a riotous presentation by this year's graduating recruit class - a memorable production of "Gilligan's Island."
The annual squad competition was won by First Squad, led by SGT Anna Bongiorno and CPL Jim Normandin.
In addition to the annual swimming of the horses in the Niantic river, followed by sheath cleaning, we had some new elements added to camp - a parade through Niantic, and a mounted obstacle course conducted by the staff. The course included challenging jumps and other tests of horse and rider, and was done in pairs for added complexity. The winning team was CPL Normandin on Deacon and PFC Metzler on Sheik.
On Wednesday night, the recruits were formally welcomed into the troop and participated in the traditional Kickapoo ceremony, led by CPT Gary Brooks. On the following night, with the Adjutant-General as our guest, an excellent banquet was provided by the mess crew, led by 2LT Stubbs and SGT Flynn. The recruits received their spurs, with recruit Edna Kuzia being named Honor Graduate. Three former commandants were honored with special medals for their service - MAJ David L. Miller, COL Warren Lane, and COL Everett Kandarian. Department of Defense citations were also awarded to CPT Clyde Bassett and LT Richard McDonald for their service in the Korean War. PFC Howard Miller was voted "Trooper of the Year" honors.
During a military review of the Militia units on Friday, it was announced that once again, the First Company Governor's Horse Guards had won the Adjutant-General's trophy as "Militia Unit of the Year." In addition, MSG Ed Rosado was awarded "Soldier of the Year" honors. The week concluded with a mounted parade through downtown Niantic, in which MG Cugno participated, riding "Fire".