Recent Events & Upcoming Events

Recently...                More recent pictures (last modified April '08)

The 1GHG Color Guard attended the graduation ceremonies for the Hartford Mounted Police unit (center), which has been training at our facilities under Major Arsenault's staff instructors.  State Capitol, Monday, October 6.  more photos   news article

1GHG supported the "Ride for the Cure," a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society's battle against breast cancer.
This event was held at Tyrone Farm in Pomfret.  October 5.  more photos

The Second Company Governor's Horse Guards, our sister unit, celebrated their 200th Anniversary with a parade and Battalion Review at the New Haven Town Green, and a gala ball in the evening.  More photos (additional photos have been posted, courtesy of John Tolisano)

The troop participated in the town of Windsor's celebration of its 375th anniversary.  September 28.  more photos  news article

Members of 1GHG recently attended the annual U.S. Cavalry competition, held this year in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  
General photos - Competition photos - Travel photos
Next year's competition will be held in Fort Robinson, Nebraska, a great historic venue.

The troop escorted Governor Rell at "Connecticut Day" at "The Big E" Wednesday, September 17. ~ more photos ~ and more photos

The Friends of the First Company Governor's Horse Guards held its Third annual golf tournament to benefit the troop and the CT National Guard Family Foundation.  September 8.  Next year's tournament will be Monday, August 31.  More photos

1GHG provided a fine color guard for the CHSA finals in Mystic Sunday, September 7. ~ more photos ~

1GHG completed another Annual Training at Camp Rell, Niantic August 3-9.  ~ more photos ~

Annual Training Awards

General Scorzato congratulates SGT Gary Boucher as the troop's selected Trooper of the Year.

General Scorzato congratulates MSG Steve Meltzer as the Major's selected Soldier of the Year.

From left to right, newly promoted CPL Tara Stapleton, CPL Evelyn Moore, CPL Rosemary Aldridge, SGT Rebecca Rathbun, SGT Katy LaCroix, and Assistant Platoon SGTS Ed Henfey and Gary Boucher.

PFC John Cantelmo and MAJ Andrew Arsenault earned the troop's ribbon for meeting the Army's Physical Fitness standards.

SGT Rebecca Rathbun and CPL Richard Zaczynski have earned their 5 Year ribbon for their service to the troop.

Following the graduation ceremony, this year's recruit class enjoys cutting the cake with the traditional saber.

As always, both squads worked hard and the competition was extremely close; 2nd Squad was awarded Squad of the Year following the annual Squad Competition.

The 2008 All-Militia Battalion Review was held Sunday, July 13 on the Norwichtown Green.  ~ more photos ~

"1st Horse" hosted a combined drill with the "1st Foot" Thursday, June 26.
More photos are available on the Foot Guard's web page: Photo Gallery

The troop marched in a parade celebrating East Granby's 150^th Anniversary Saturday, June 7.

1GHG participated in the annual "June Day" Ancient and Honorable Artillery Corps. events Monday, June 2 in Boston, MA.

The troop marches down the street in Berlin prior to the start of their Memorial Day parade.  May 26.

Memorial Day Parade, Portland, May 25.

The troop honors Memorial Day in Tolland, May 25.

The troop marches during our own annual Memorial Service.  May 18.

The troop marches off to the Shad Derby in Windsor.  Saturday, May 17.

1GHG performed with distinction Saturday, May 3 in the Adjutant General's marksmanship competition.

St. Patrick's Day parade, Holyoke MA, March 30.

CPT Leonard Tolisano was honored during his last drill.  He will hit maximum age and retire in style in the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day parade March 30.

Historic Video Now on You Tube!

We now also have our own YouTube channel with lots of videos, more to come.  Use the "subscription" feature to know when videos are added.

In March, 1GHG hosted a seminar conducted by the Connecticut Horse Council introducing local fire departments to horse barns. (more below)

 The Avon and Simsbury Fire Departments learned basic horse handling and much valuable information which will help them respond effectively in case of a fire in a horse barn.  

Shooting Match - January 2008 The annual Inter Militia Unit firearms competition hosted by 1GHG and was held Friday, Jan.18th.  The firearm of choice was .45 cal. handguns. All four militia units participated; there were 40 registered shooters and many additional members assisting and providing support.  The event took place at the Metacon Gun Club in Simsbury and was followed by post-match festivities back at Avon (above). The record-breaking participation and unrestrained enthusiasm by all four militia units was inspiring, the competition and rivalry fierce, and after the smoke cleared and the scores tallied, fun was had by all.  For a second year in a row, 2nd Co. GFG took  first place, bringing home the nonexistent trophy.  1Co. GHG placed a close second, again.  Next year, 1Co. GFG will be hosting and has vowed to take home first place.  We look forward to the challenge with spurs on!!!! More photos below.

From left to right: Tom Nicholson, Carlos Ramos, Cheryl Cleaves, Andy Arsenault, Antonio Cusano, Ryan Pelkey, Donna Manning, John Cantelmo, Steve Meltzer, Ketil Osland, Leonard Tolisano, Howard Miller, Erik Kaneko, Bill Cowell, Cheryl Proctor, and kneeling, Corey McDonough.  Not pictured, Rebecca Rathbun.      

1SG Bob Mazzara was thanked and congratulated by the troop on his retirement after over 20 years of service to both Horse Guards.  Jan. 3. 08.

Happy New Year!  Troopers enjoyed kicking off the new year with a lovely ride in the snow.

Santa and Mrs. Claus visited the children of the horse guard!  Arriving by dog sled, they brought gifts and told the Christmas story (below).  Sunday, Dec. 10.

The militia units were proud to play various roles laying to rest former Governor William A.O'Neill.  Nov. 29, 2007.

The troop held an open house and pancake breakfast Sunday, Nov. 25.  It was a big success, thanks to all the guests!

The troop mounted up for its annual traditional Thanksgiving Day ride.

The troop marched in Stamford's Veterans' Day parade, Sunday, November 11.

Lt. Anna Bongiorno, and Polo, leads her section of the troop through the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch during the Hartford Veterans' Day Parade, November 4, 2007. 

Locals around Avon may have seen the troop exercising the horses on a recreational ride for lunch at Fisher Meadow Saturday, Oct. 20.

Major Andrew J. Arsenault proudly names Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele as an honorary Captain in the First Company Governor's Horse Guards.  LG Fedele enjoyed his tour and visit to the troop Thursday, October 4.

2LT Michael P. Downes receives the troop's Achievement Award; Lt. Governor Michael Fedele was on hand to congratulate him.
Lt. Downes received the award for the design and implementation of a physical fitness program for the troop.  10/4.

 
SGT Michelle Metzler carries the troop guidon as 1GHG marches for Connecticut Day at "The Big E," Eastern States Exposition.  All four militia units escorted the Governor and Lt. Governor in the parade September 19.

Members of the troop visited Fort Riley, Kansas for the U.S. Cavalry Association's Annual Bivouac and competition.  9/07. 

On Saturday, September 15th, 2007, the First Company Governor's Horse Guards provided a color guard for two ceremonies hosted by State Representative Themis Klarides honoring veterans from Derby, Orange and Woodbridge.  Roughly 600 people attended the event where over 200 veterans were awarded the State Veterans Wartime Service Medal at the Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge.
Pictured, left to right are: 2LT Michael Downes, PFC Tony Cusano, Dept. of Veterans' Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz, SGT Erik Kaneko, SGT Gary Boucher, PFC Rebecca Rathbun, Representative Themis Klarides, and Deputy Commissioner John Wiltse.

The Friends of the First Company Governor's Horse Guards held a very successful golf tournament September 10.  Many supporters enjoyed the day.  Funds raised benefit the troop and the CT National Guard Family Foundation.

The troop congratulates several boy scouts and girl scouts who worked hard and earned horsemanship merit badges this spring.

The troop congratulates SGTs Erik Kaneko and Howard Miller on their graduation from the National Guard's 6 month NCO training program.

1GHG provided a color guard for the Special Olympics held in Simsbury, Saturday, March 3.

Members of the troop are running boy scouts and girl scouts through training that will result in horsemanship merit badges.

 
The troop was proud to escort Governor Rell in her Inaugural Parade.  Jan. 3.

The troop held a very successful reunion Friday, October 13.  More photos (click)

Our Color Guard is ready to march in Canton's Anniversary Celebration, Saturday, May 20.

1GHG Proudly marches in the Inauguration Parade for President George W. Bush
January 20, 2005, Washington, D.C.  more photos

1GHG was proud to perform as the color guard for the "Equine Affaire," the largest equine symposium in the Northeast November 16-18, 2004.

& Upcoming...

The troop continues to drill at its home base in Avon every Thursday night throughout the year.  

The troop will again participate in Hartford's Veterans' Day parade November 2nd.

The troop will provide a color guard for the Avon Senior Center November 12.

The troop is planning this year's Open House and Pancake Breakfast for Sunday, November 23.  Stay tuned for more details.