Battalion Review At 2GHG Headquarters

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) hosted an Annual State Militia Battalion Review at its Fairfield Hills Headquarters on October 18. 2GHG and the First Company Governor’s Horse Guard (1GHG), the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard (1GFG), and the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard (2GFG) all attended, along with the Second Continental Light Dragoons from Colchester.

VIPs attending included Connecticut National Guard Command Sergeant Major Joseph Sevigny; State Representatives DebraLee Hovey, Christopher Lyddy, and Theresa Conroy; Congressman Christopher Murphy’s district aide Stephanie Podewell, and Newtown First Selectman Joe Borst.

After a pass and review, several troopers received awards and certifications. Notably, Staff Sergeant Lauren Chirwgin was named 2GHG Trooper of the Year and received a Commendation from the Connecticut Military Department. She also received a Certificate of Special Recognition from Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro.

State Representative Theresa W. Conroy and Senator Dan Debicella sent congratulations to Staff Sgt Chirgwin; as did Representatives Hovey and Lyddy and Senator John McKinney.

Staff Sergeant Erik Kaneko received the 1GHG Trooper of the Year award; Sergeant Richard Wawrzeniak received the 2GFG Soldier of the Year. 2GHG First Sergeant Paul Mazzara received the State of Connecticut Long Service Medal for 20 years of service to both 2GHG and the Connecticut National Guard. Pfc Kathleen E. Giuffre received the Long Service Medal for 10 years of service to both 2GHG and the Connecticut National Guard and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. She also received congratulations from Representatives Hovey and Lyddy and Senator McKinney.

2GFG Commandant Major Peter Laffin presented several 2GHG troopers with certificates for their participation in Powder House Day in New Haven on April 25. Recipients were Major Gordon Johnson, Captain Pamela Berlekovic, Second Lieutenant Cindy Joyce, Second Lieutenant Sharon Haddad, Sergeant Melanie Viets, Sergeant Flavio Rosa, Corporal Lisa Plucinski, Corporal Peter Haddad, Pfc Linda Clearwater, Pfc JoAnn Taylor, Pfc Ival Stratford-Kovner, Pfc William Goessinger and Pfc Marsha Lyons.