Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard Holds Recruit Class Graduation

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) held a Military Graduation Ceremony for its 10-member recruit class at it’s headquarters at Fairfield Hills on June 29.

Members of the recruit class received their graduating certificates and spurs from 2GHG Major Johnson, Governor Jodi Rell, Brigadier General Walter E. Lippincott and State Representative DebraLee Hovey. Their names and towns of residence are: William C. Goessinger of Bethel, James R. Marrinan of Danbury, John J. Francino-Quinn of Shelton, Margaret I. Stratford-Kovner of Bethel, Kimberly A. Rodriguez of Ansonia, Cheryl A. Panzica of Danbury, Linda Clearwater of Trumbull, Laura E. Barkowski of Newtown, Jo Ann Taylor of Newtown and Kathleen E. Giuffre of Norwich.

Former 2GHG Commandants Lieutenant Steven deFriesse, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Moritz and Lieutenant John Ungrady also attended the ceremony. LTC Moritz demonstrated to the new privates how to open a bottle of champagne with a saber. All 10 were successful and a round of toasting followed.

2GHG is an all-volunteer state militia unit serving the Governor and the State of Connecticut under the direction of the Connecticut National Guard. 2GHG is currently celebrating it’s 200th year in existence, as well as the 20th anniversary of residence in Newtown.

The Troopers and mounts of the 2GHG remain, as always, “Ready to Serve.”