Second Company Horse Guard Completes Annual Training

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard spent the week of August 10-14 in Annual Training at the Fairfield Hills Headquarters. The entire troop spent the week practicing for squad competitions and also completing some much-needed maintenance on the grounds.

On August 12, the troop visited Camp Harkness at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. Since 1981, 2GHG has visited the camp, which is for children and adults with disabilities. Troopers performed a cavalry drill, and provided pony rides on the mounts. 

On August 13, Brig Gen Steven Scorzato, Assistant Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard, attended an awards ceremony. In the ceremony, 1st Sgt Paul Mazzara received a Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement; 2nd Lt Jennifer Mazzara and Sgt Jose F Rosa both received Achievement Medals; and ten troopers received Attendance Awards:  Maj Gordon Johnson, Capt Pamela Berlekovic, 2nd Lt Jennifer Mazzara, Staff Sgt Lauren Chirgwin, Sgts Jose F. Rosa, Jacqueline Sundblade and Melanie Viets, Cpl Karen Casagrande, and Pfcs Laura Barkowski and William Goessinger. In addition, 2nd Lt James Marrinan received a Certificate of recognition for completing a 100 percent accountability weapons inspection for the state military department.

After an intense squad competition in mounted and dismounted drill, the second squad, led by Sgt Jose F. Flavio, found out at final formation on August 14, that they had won. Members of second squad received a certificate noting their achievement.

Horse Guard troopers participate in ceremonial events including parades, gubernatorial inaugurals and other events at the order of either the Governor or the Adjutant General. Upcoming events include the Newtown Labor Day Parade, the Annual Open House on September 13, Governor’s Day parade at the Big E on September 23, a Battalion Review of all four state militias on October 18 and more. Visit thehorseguard.org for more information.