The Major's Staff
The Major's Staff
Back/middle row: CPT
Tolisano, CPT Brooks, Lt Duff, Lt St. Pierre, Lt. Barsness, Lt Rosado, Lt
Lavnikevich, Lt Kores, Lt Stubbs, Lt McDonald, MAJ Downes (Commandant),
LTC Belliveau, LTC Arsenault, CPT Stone (John), CPT Mazzara, CPT Bakewell, CPT
Meltzer, Lt Cowell, CPT Loveland, CPT Bassett, Lt Langlais
Front row: Lt Kelaita, CPT Lyon, Lt Stone (Bill), CPT Williams, MAJ Manise,
MAJ Murdock
~ photo taken December 2009 ~
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, grounds maintenance, and other projects 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," also known as a troopers' reunion, every few years, which brings troopers of all ages together for a special evening.
Staff News
Major Downes delivers a message from Governor Rell to CPT
Lyon for his 93rd birthday.
Members of the staff who are veterans were invited by Major
Downes to march with the troop in this year's Veterans' Day parade in
Hartford. Nov. 8, 2009.
The Hartford Courant recently published an
article about veterans which featured Lt Lavnikevich. It's an excellent
article.
Son
Finds Father's Shipmate from WWII Nov. 8, 2009.
The Hartford Courant also ran an article paying
tribute to Lt. Wes Nowsch, who served this unit for over 60 years.
For
Marlborough Horseman, A Fitting Funeral Procession Nov. 23, 2009.
| December '09
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. CPT Meltzer was subsequently promoted to Major in recognition of his years of service and rank held. Congratulations, Major! |
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| September '09
Welcome Jon Kores! 1SG Kores retired at maximum service age September 1, and was promptly asked to serve on the Major's staff. He readily accepted and was appointed at the rank of 2LT. Congratulations, 2LT Kores!
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| August 2009
Lt. Bill Stone attended every day of the troop's annual training, offering a cheerful hand wherever needed. At the end of the week, MAJ Downes resented him with the troop's Annual Training Flag. Staff also judged the riding platoon's annual squad competition, and helped with a training obstacle course. |
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| 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
| 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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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
