Horse Guard Members Contribute To No Vet Left Behind Food Drive

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) recently held a squad competition to see which squad could contribute the most canned goods to a No Vet Left Behind (NVLB) Food Drive. NVLB founder and Executive Director Mary Porter had contacted 2GHG Adjutant First Lieutenant Cynthia Giancaspro to ask for help to stock their pantry shelves.

NVLB is dedicated to making veterans society ready. The mission is to serve homeless and newly returning soldiers in regaining their dignity and independence after serving in the armed forces. According to the mission statement at www.thenovetleftbehind.org, “The proud people we serve are former members of the military who may be struggling with substance abuse and post traumatic stress syndrome. We offer food, clothing, and household items through our Stars and Stripes Thrift Store and Service Center where we take donations of goods to sell to the public or to give for free to veterans. No Vet Left Behind Inc assists veterans in getting the VA benefits they deserve, offer rides to medical appointments and organize regular Stand Downs.”

The horse guard has been a partner in many of NLVB’s efforts, as many of 2GHG members are veterans and all members honor those who serve. Several 2GHG members also live in Derby, where the Stars and Stripes store operates. Porter explained that donations are slow during the summer, as opposed to winter and the holiday season when people think about those in need. Her food pantry was empty and so she turned to 2GHG.

Although all four squads donated huge amounts of goods, 1st Squad 2nd Platoon, led by Squad Leader Sergeant Melanie Viets’ squad, donated the most canned goods. Sergeant Jose Flavio Rosa and Corporal William Goessinger, along with Mary Porter’s husband George, filled their truck with goods.

Anyone interested in donating more goods, or learning more about NLVB can visit www.thenovetleftbehind.org for more information. The Stars and Stripes store has fed more than 400 families to date. The Porters’ tireless efforts have helped veterans in Connecticut and across the country.

The horse guard is a 100 percent volunteer state militia unit, serving the governor and the State of Connecticut under the direction of the Connecticut National Guard.

Upcoming events include:

*2GHG Open House on September 12: Games, Displays, mounted demonstrations.

*2GHG Annual Benefit Trail Ride for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford.

Visit the new website at www.thehorseguard.org for details.