The Major's Staff   


 Back row:   Cpt. Bassett Lt Nowsch Cpt. Matthewson Lt. Rosado Maj. Murdock Lt. Cowell            photo taken May 2006
Middle row: Lt. Langlais  Lt. Barsness  Lt. McDonald  Lt. Stubbs    Lt. Lavnikevich   LTC Belliveau  Cpt. Brooks 
Front row: Cpt. Williams    Cpt. Lyon    Lt. Kelaita    Col. Kandarian

Not pictured above:
   
   Cpt. Loveland,  Lt. Silverman, SGM Deane, Cpt. Deane, Maj. McGovern, Lt Palmese Lt. Nelson  Maj. Manise Cpt. Stone, Cpt. Bakewell, Lt. Duff, Maj. Miller, Lt. Ardussi, CPT Tolisano, CPT Mazzara, LTC Loyd, 2LT Stone, Lt. Morgenstern, Lt. St. Pierre, LTC Arsenault, Lt. Osland. 

It is time to take a new photo of the staff!  Let's plan on the Memorial Service May 17.


New:
Staff Photo Gallery (click)  

Troop ByLaws provide for the appointment of retired and resigned troopers to positions on the active staff.  This appointment is made by the Major and is considered a great honor.  It is also an ongoing means to continue to serve the troop and participate in important functions.  The troop benefits tremendously by continuing to utilize the lifelong knowledge these troopers have acquired, as well as maintaining valuable friendships.

"Staffers" are encouraged to attend drill every Thursday night, and in addition, they have their own meetings once a month. 

Some of the highlights of the staff's involvement in the troop include extensive work on the annual horse show held each June, various efforts at Annual Training such as the full coordination and judging of Squad Competition, and conducting equitation sessions.  The staff also work on troop publicity and other administration throughout the year.   With the relatively recent formation of the 501(c)3, The Friends of the First Co. GHG, many serve on the board and plan its primary fund raiser, an annual golf tournament.  They also plan a celebration of "Old Timers' Night" every few years, which brings troopers of all ages together for a special evening.

Staff News


December '08 - Welcome back to Bill Stone!  He has been appointed to staff by Major Downes at the rank of 2LT.  It is so nice to see him on the property and in uniform.

October '08 - Upon the retirement of Andrew Arsenault, the troop has elected Michael Downes as its new commandant.  MAJ Downes extended an invitation to each member of MAJ Arsenault's staff to serve under his command.  He has also appointed CPT Clyde Bassett as Chief of Staff.

October 2008

1GHG starff is proud to have helped train officers resurrecting a mounted unit for the Hartford Police Department.  LTC Belliveau coordinated the program through the National Guard, and CPT Brooks, LTs Cowell, Nelson, and Rosado provided instruction.

August 2008

CPT Stone and Lt. Lavnikevich teach equitation to this year's class of graduating recruits.
Many members of the Major's Staff contributed to the troop's Annual Training at Camp Rell.  August, 2008.

August 2008

SGTs Morgenstern, Osland, and St. Pierre were promoted to 2LT at this year's Annual Training at Camp Rell.  

BG Steven Scorzato was present for the promotions.

July 2008

CPT Bassett leads participating staff members during the Battalion Review held on the Norwichtown Green.  July, 2008.

July 2008

After a monumental career with both companies of Governor's Horse Guards as well as 2nd Foot, Joe Loyd hit maximum age on his birthday in May and retired.  

In July, he was appointed to the Major's Staff at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in recognition of his years of service and ranks held.

LTC Loyd also served in the United States Army.

May 2008

CPT Leonard D. Tolisano retired at maximum age in May and was appointed to the Major's Staff.

CPT  Tolisano also served in the United States Air Force.

January 2008

1SG Bob Mazzara retired from the troop January 1st after a lengthy career with both companies of Horse Guards.

He was honored and appointed to the Major's staff at the rank of Captain.

CPT Mazzara also served in the United States Army.

Featured Staff

Major Mickey Manise was Captain of the horse guards for many years.  He is shown here in at a gymkhana in 1950 doing the high jump with "Boots".
Boots was able to clear 6 foot high jumps.
Captain John Williams was the troop's dependable Supply Officer for many years.  He helps run the troop's horse shows each year, along with most of the staff.  He is also seen below in a group picture.
Captain Lyon, shown at right in 1978 with Cpt. Bassett, served as the troop's adjutant for many years.  He and others help regularly today on hay deliveries.

Lieutenant Nowsch joined the troop in 1943 and continues to participate in many activities year-round.  He particularly enjoys helping new troopers as they join the troop.
Lt. Nelson is a Certified Public Accountant and offers his consulting to the troop.  Lt. Nelson additionally donates many hours to the "Friends of 1GHG."  His expertise is much appreciated.

He is shown here at Annual Training at Camp Rowland, swimming Murphy.

Captain Ron Matthewson continues to serve the troop.  He specializes in assisting with teaching the finer points of riding, and working with our youth programs.

His extensive knowledge of horse shows is also valuable to the troop during our annual horse show.

He is shown at left playing "broom polo" at leisure, "a few" years ago.


Lt. Lane    Cpt. Manise  Maj. Kandarian  Lt. Williams  Lt. Bassett  Lt. Lyon  1978

 

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