Horse Guard Holds Award Presentation

The officers of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) hosted an Awards Ceremony for the troop at Edmonton Town Hall on January 10. Brunch was prepared and served by the 2GHG mess crew Sergeant Rebecca Ward and Corporal Kimberly Rodriguez. Several dignitaries attended: State Representative DebraLee Hovey, Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra, retired first selectman Joe Borst, Donna Monteleone Randle, chairperson of the St Valentine’s Day project to send valentines to troops overseas, and former 2GHG commandants Lieutenant Commander Steven deFriesse and Lieutenant Commander Peter Moritz.

After a Cavalry Grog Ceremony and brunch, the Awards and Promotions ceremonies began with Captain Pamela Berlekovic acting as master of ceremonies. First Sergeant Paul Mazzara received the Paton Award.

This is a leadership award that commemorates Captain John Allan Paton, killed while serving in France during World War I. Since returning from a year in Afghanistan with Charlie Company, 1-102nd Infantry, 1st Sgt Mazzara has led the troop in its many missions, and also completed a 400-page training manual covering all aspects of 2GHG training and missions. 1st Sgt Mazzara has been called back to active duty for deployment with the Connecticut National Guard and leaves for Fort Benning on January 17. The troop salutes 1st Sgt Mazzara as he continues to be a model of service and dedication to his state and country.

Corporal William C. Goessinger received the Mursko Award, named for Major Ed Mursko, who served in 2GHG for more than 50 years and personified 2GHG’s “Ready to Serve” motto. Capt Berlekovic presented the Captain’s Award to Sergeant Kim Cotnoir-Abate, and LTC deFriesse received an award for his work in preparing and finishing a marble stand for 2GHG’s new horse statue.

Honorary 2GHG memberships were extended to the commandants of two other state militias: Major Michael Downes of the First Company Governor’s Horse Guard (1GHG), and Major Peter Laffin of the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard (2GFG). In addition, Rep Hovey was given a Certificate of Recognition for her support for all of the militia units in the legislature. She was also presented with a 2GHG history book, signed by all of the 2GHG troopers.

Four 2GHG members were honored for their participation in the 2GHG Saddle UP for Life Therapeutic Riding Program: Sergeants Melanie Viets and Jacqueline Sundblade, and Privates First Class Terri Burke and Linda Clearwater. Three members were honored for their work in public relations: Linda Clearater, Terri Burke, and John Francino-Quinn.

In addition, several 2GHG troopers received promotions: Sergeant Jose Flavio Rosa was promoted to staff sergeant; Corporal Kim Cotnoir-Abate was promoted to sergeant; PFCs Laura Barkowski, Kathleen Richmond, Kimberly Rodriguez, and William Goessinger were promoted to corporal; and Privates Anthony Farina, Barbara A. Godegohn, Elene Moore, Wade Moore, Kimberly Park, Heather Testa, and Kathleen Weinzierl were promoted to private first class. Five Troopers received their Five-Year Service Awards: Sgt Cotnoir-Abate, Sgt Ward, Corporal Karen Cassagrande, Corporal Peter Haddad and PFC Catherine Monkton.

Finally, 1st Sgt Mazzara was presented with gifts and cards in recognition of his imminent service in Iraq. Everyone was surprised and delighted by a performance of the Rifle Drill Team. Staff Sergeant Lauren Chirgwin, Sgt Flavio Rosa, Corporal William Goessinger, PFC Ralph Fabrega-Freer ,and PFC Terri Burke had been preparing for an April 2010 presentation, but worked very hard to be able to perform so that 1st Sgt Mazzara — their mentor — could see them perform.

2GHG Troopers would like to thank everyone who attended, and in particular the Mess Department, for helping make this event very special. The troop will be participating in parades across Fairfield and New Haven Counties and Powder House Day in New Haven, and is also starting to plan the 2010 calendar events. All will soon be posted on the Horse Guard website,www.thehorse guard.org. For now, the Horse Guard remains, as always, “Ready to Serve.”