Commanding officer Major Gordon Johnson received his insignia of rank from Brigadier General Steven Scorzato, Assistant Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard during a military ceremony on Sunday, March 18, at the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard headquarters at Fairfield Hills.

Representatives from the Hartford Military Department, the First Company Governor’s Horse Guard, the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard and the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard participated in the ceremony, as did outgoing Commander LTC Janis Arena, State Representative DebraLee Hovey and David McCauley of the Newtown Bridle Lands Association.

In a symbolic ceremony, First Sgt. Frank Tyska passed the Second Company guidon to LTC Arena, who relinquished it to Brigadier General Scorzato. General Scorzato then passed the colors to Major Johnson, charging him with the prestigious responsibility of commanding the 2GHG.

Brigadier General Scorzato addressed the assembly, as did LTC Arena. Major Johnson then spoke, expressing his appreciation to the General, honored guests, friends, family and the officers of the Second Company.

The Second Company is an all-volunteer State Militia unit, under the direction of the Connecticut Army National Guard.  Chartered in 1808, it is one of the oldest continuously serving Cavalry Units in the United States. Company members participate in weekly drills and numerous parades and ceremonies.

Major Johnson is a a valued member of the community, serving as a volunteer in the Hawleyville Fire Department, as an EMT with the Newtown Ambulance Corps and now as Commandant of Second Company.

The 40 troopers and 33 mounts of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, now led by Commandant Major Johnson, remain ‘Ready to Serve.’