Horse Guard Member Mazzara Promoted To First Sergeant

SSG Paul Mazzara of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard recently completed a five-month Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Training Course. This is the Second General Studies Battalion, 169th Regiment of the Connecticut Army National Guard. Training included Motivational Development, Ethical Leadership Behavior, Combat Stress, Squad Tactical and Technical Operations and Physical Fitness training. Upon completing BNOC, SSG Mazzara was promoted to 2GHG First Sergeant.

In a ceremony at the Horse Guard’s Fairfield Hills headquarters during weekly drill on May 7, SSG Mazzara received his promotion and rank from Major Gordon Johnson. His father, CPT Robert Mazzara was also present and presented 1SG Mazzara with an NCO sword that had been to presented to him when he was promoted to First Sergeant many years ago.

BNOC Class 001-09, consisting of SSG Mazzara and 24 other NCOs from various CTANG units; attended a Graduation Ceremony on April 26 at Camp Rell in Niantic. SFC Debbi Newton welcomed the NCOs, and Guest Speakers were COL Robert M. Cody, Brigadier General Steven M. Scorzato and Command Sergeant Major Joseph H. Aparo. It was announced that this is the last scheduled BNOC Training Course, and Mazzara was the last NCO to receive his Certificate.

Mazzara grew up in Wallingford and graduated from Sheehan High School. He joined 2GHG in 1989, at age 18. He attended Post College and majored in Equestrian Management. Mazzara worked as a dressage instructor for several years and, in 2001, became a police officer in Milford.

Mazzara enlisted in CTANG in May 2005. He was assigned to Charlie Company, 1-102nd Infantry, and completed Basic Training at Fort Benning, Ga. Charlie Company shipped out to Afghanistan in April 2006 and returned in May 2007. Before returning home, Mazzara attended the Warriors’ Leaders course at Ft Jackson, South Carolina.

After his discharge from the National Guard, Mazzara immediately returned to 2GHG and has been serving as Staff Sergeant and also assists in the training of new recruits. 2GHG Troopers celebrate this promotion and commend 1SG Mazzara for his dedication to serving his country and the citizenry of the State of Connecticut. All of the 2GHG Troopers and mounts remain, as always, “Ready to Serve.”