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. |
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| August 2008
CPT Stone and Lt. Lavnikevich teach equitation to this year's class of
graduating recruits. |
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| 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. |
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| July 2008
CPT Bassett leads participating staff members during the Battalion Review held on the Norwichtown Green. July, 2008. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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Featured Staff
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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. |
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Lt. Lane Cpt. Manise Maj. Kandarian Lt. Williams Lt.
Bassett Lt. Lyon 1978