Paul Mazzara of Newtown, a Milford police office and a staff sergeant with the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard, is taking his military service to the next level - the Connecticut Army National Guard.
Paul Mazzara of Newtown, a Milford police office and a staff sergeant with the Second Company Governorâs Horse Guard, is taking his military service to the next level â the Connecticut Army National Guard.
Mazzara, 33, enlisted in the Army National Guard and has already begun his training at Camp Rell in Niantic. He will be leaving for Fort Benning, Georgia, by the end of the month to complete basic training and will remain in Georgia until February.
Mazzara made his decision several weeks ago, deciding that he was in good enough shape to compete with recruits half his age. Mazzara has been a volunteer member of the Second Company Governorâs Horse Guard for 15 years and held positions in the Troop such as Squad Leader, Riding Instructor, Horse Officer, First Lieutenant and Platoon Leader.
This past year he was voted Trooper of the Year.
âPaulâs contribution to the Troop over the years has been extraordinary, his attention to detail, knowledge of Cavalry Drill for mounted units and leadership skills will serve him well in his new job ⦠although he will begin as a private,â said Major Janis Arena of the Second Company. âWe wish him the best, but will miss him dearly.â
The Troop gathered this past Sunday afternoon at the nearby VFW in Newtown to honor Mazzara with a going away party, which was well attended by his family, friends and fellow Troop members. Emotions flowed, as did the champagne during a traditional cavalry toast performed by Captain George Marks, who honored Mazzara for his past contributions to the Troop as well as his personal tribute to a good friend.
Mazzara was the recipient of many gifts from his supporters as well as a congratulatory certificate from the Guard thanking him for his past contributions to the Troop and as a testimony to his courage and response to his own call to duty.
Mazzara comes from a military family. His father, Robert, who served two years with the United States Army in Vietnam, is currently a First Sergeant in the First Company Governorâs Horse Guard in Avon.
âIt just seemed to fit right by joining the Army National Guard ⦠especially when our country is in a time of need,â said Mazzara.