gfg and ghg attend ahac june day - governor's foot...

1st Co. Governor’s Foot Guard July 2018

www.governorsfootguard.com 860-522-1337

Copyright 2018, Trustees of the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard, Inc.

GFG and GHG Attend AHAC June Day SFC Mike Chiaro

On Monday, 4 June, members from

both companies of the Governor’s Foot

Guard along with members of the

Governor’s Horse Guard made their

annual road trip to Boston for the

Ancient and Honorable Artillery

Company’s June Day celebration.

Every first Monday of June, the AHAC

of Massachusetts celebrates the

election of their new officers with a

march through the streets of Boston, a

battalion parade of historical militia

units in Boston Common, and a

memorial necrology service.

Preceding the step-off of the

parade, lunch was provided by the

AHAC in their Faneuil Hall meeting

room and museum. With the AHAC taking the lead, all the militia units of the Centennial Legion

stepped off Congress Street in a light rain at 12:30 and marched directly toward Boston Common.

Major Mark Boudreau led the 1st Co. GFG officers, color guard, and drumline.

Arriving at the Common, all militia units assembled for the “Drum Head Election”, a recreation of the

AHAC’s first election of officers highlighted by a ceremonial exchange of spontoon pikes between

sergeants and accompanied by deafening salutes from the Massachusetts National

Continued on next page

MAJ Boudreau leads members of the 1GFG in the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts' June Day activities on 4 June 2018.

Photo courtesy of CPT (Hon) Ox Gara

Battalion Review July 2018 page 2

The Major’s Musings – July 2018 MAJ Mark Boudreau

Another drill year has come to a close and now the preparation for annual training goes into high

gear. I want to thank all members of the 1GFG for their continued support. We had another

successful year of training and serving the State of Connecticut.

With Memorial Day and Flag Day not too far in the rear view mirror and July 4 about to happen

as I ‘pen’ my thoughts, I count my blessings to be living in the United States of America, this great

country that we all call home. I hope that you have all had time to reflect on how lucky we are. To

those people reading this who served in any of the branches of the U.S. military in any capacity

(and your family members) and any first responders, we can’t thank you enough for what you have

given so that we enjoy what this country offers. Our service in the Foot Guard allows us, in a small

way, to serve and to honor those who have served or are serving. To all of you who do, you have

my unending respect in your willingness to volunteer to keep our heritage of service alive.

It has not gone unnoticed that the rifle company is drilling more at the O’Neill Armory. This

doesn’t mean that our Armory is any less their home. 159 High Street will always be the home of

the 1GFG. The CTMD is making other opportunities available to our members and looking to

enhance their mission. The rifle company members are willing and enthusiastic about the chance

to learn new things and gain skills that make the 1GFG even more of an asset to the state, in

addition to our long heritage of service.

We are on the eve of getting a new adjutant general. BG Francis Evon has been announced as

the new TAG. We look forward to working with him and his staff. Since he became the Assistant

Adjutant General, he has been a strong advocate for the militia units.

Back to annual training, the schedule for camp this year is full and it should be a very busy

week. I look forward to my last camp as commandant and hope to see as many members as can

participate there.

And remember, every member of this command is a recruiter and we need new members. Yes,

some of us are getting a little older and we need to bring a new generation into the fold.

I hope that you enjoy your summer. Take time to relax, refresh and recharge. If you are

traveling, please do so safely so you arrive at your destination, enjoy your time and return home

with nothing but happy memories.

Continued from previous page

Guard’s howitzers. After a pass and review before the AHAC Command officers, the entire formation marched out of the Common to Copley Square where the members of the AHAC

promptly entered historic Trinity Church for their memorial service.

Once dismissed, members of all units returned that evening to the Park Plaza Hotel and for the AHAC’s lavish evening banquette. The dinner was, as usual, spectacular and punctuated throughout the evening by several formal toasts and speeches by honored guests and dignitaries. The keynote address was delivered by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter who commented about current world issues and the state of today’s military. Immediately following the banquette, our Company boarded the bus for the trip home, satisfied that once again we represented our State

with dignity and honor.


In The Spotlight

Spotlight On CPL Todd Unkefer MAJ Bob Nearine

Todd Unkefer was born outside Toledo, Ohio into a family which has supported the military since the years of the Revolution, and possibly even before. He has one brother and two sisters.

He, like many of his ancestors, was educated at the Northwood boarding school located at Lake Placid, New York, graduating in 1986. This was followed by the completion of a BA in political science from Bowling Green University in 1989, and the acceptance of a prestigious internship at The U.S. Department of State with a projected focus on near eastern affairs and the French

and Arabic languages.

During college, Todd had supported himself by working in a number of restaurants, and during this time he discovered that he really liked cooking and the food service industry. Thus it was, that after 9 days at State, he resigned and enrolled in the Associates Culinary Arts program at the New England Culinary Institute in

Montpelier, Vermont, graduating in 1991.

For the next fifteen years, Todd traveled the world and cooked. He started out at a small resort on an island near Grenada, moved from island to island through the Caribbean, on to Mexico, and finally to a private island in Belize.

Todd’s next stop was in Europe for two years, and finally back to Nantucket where he became chef at the White Elephant Hotel for three years and system administrator for Nantucket.net concurrently.

Todd is a man of many talents and interests. He has managed resorts for wealthy - beyond wealthy, in his words - clients; founded and operated FBO Foods which provides inflight/private jet catering; a taco trailer called Apocalyptaco, each of which keeps him gainfully employed and busy.

Oh yes, he also ran for Congress in 2002 as a Libertarian (but not in Connecticut)!

Todd presently resides in Coventry with Laura Calvo, and two stepsons, ages fifteen and sixteen. His seventeen year old daughter Morgane, lives in France.

BR: How did you get interested in the Foot Guard?

Todd: I’ve always been interested in History. My mother is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and I have thought about joining the Sons of the American Revolution, and possibly the Society of the Cincinnati. Both are hereditary organizations which require that an ancestor had served in the Continental Army.

I have never served in the military, although many in my family had. I wanted to do my part, and when I saw the First Company in a parade, thought this might be an opportunity, did a little research, and called. Ray Hite called back, and I enlisted; that was in 2003.

BR: Did you have any mentors?

Todd: Major Oeffenger, SGM Dwelley, and Ray Hite helped me along the way. I was assigned to the rifle squad and was placed on the history committee. I have also taken up cooking responsibilities for the Command.


http://Nantucket.net



BR: What do you like most about the Foot Guard?

Todd: The brotherhood and of course the history. I enjoy the parades and the military visits, and look

forward to participating in the upcoming change of command ceremony at Broad Street.

BR: And what do you like least?

Todd: Dissension and disrespect for the Foot Guard. We don’t do enough in the community. In past years, we would parade more than once a day, with a great turn out; no more!

BR: Where do you see the first Company in ten years?

Todd: We are essentially an organization devoted to drill and ceremonies. We need more of these, and

we need to let the community know who we are.

BR: Where will you be in ten years?

Todd: (Laughs) Hopefully promoted, and with a 15 year service medal.

The Color Guard, under the command of MAJ Mark Boudreau, leads the procession of graduates at Woodstock Academy on 16 June 2018.

Photo courtesy of Woodstock Academy

Band Notes Band Manager SGT Emma L. Capitao

From 01 March 2018 through

30 June 2018 the band participated

in the following events:

♫♫

First Company

Governor’s Foot Guard

Dog Show

Springfield, MA

3-4 March 2018

OIC MAJ Boudreau

♫♫

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Hartford, Connecticut

10 March 2018

OIC MAJ Boudreau

♫♫

Concert with Enfield Community Band

Enfield, Connecticut

2 April 2018

OIC CPT Carlson

♫♫

East Windsor Veterans Commission

Dedication Ceremony

East Windsor, Connecticut

20 May 2018

OIC MAJ Boudreau

♫♫

Newington Memorial Day Parade

Newington, Connecticut

26 May 2018

OIC MAJ Boudreau

♫♫

Simsbury Memorial Day Parade

Simsbury, Connecticut

28 May 2018

OIC MAJ Boudreau

When I moved into my new home at Middlewoods of

Farmington, I was greeted at the entrance by “Woody”, a black cat with white paws. He was the spitting image of a cat owned by my oldest daughter, whose name was “Boots”. Woody is our mascot. He is not allowed into our building and makes no

effort to enter. He is

fed by one of our

residents and in the

winter he has a shelter

at the back of our

building.

MAJ Loren Schave

Riley’s Corner

The Band will participate in the following

events in the next months:

♫

July 4th Concert at Elmwood Senior Center

West Hartford, Connecticut

2 July 2018

OIC CPT Carlson

♫

Niantic Summer Concert

McCook Beach, Niantic, CT

8 August 2018

OIC CPT Carlson


Dog Show Is A New Experience (Again) MAJ Mark Boudreau

As has become the

norm lately, our dog shows

this year provided the Foot

Guard with something new.

As we have found, the

Eastern States Exposition

offers the best facilities for

our shows but their

facilities are in great

demand and not always

available. To that end, we

had a different weekend for

our 92nd and 93rd dog

shows than in the past

because, on our usual

weekend, there are no

buildings available at the

Big ‘E’. Our shows were

on March 3 and 4.

Additionally, we ran our

shows concurrently with

the Connecticut River

Working Group

Association, whose

president is our longtime

friend, Hon. CPT Tony

Dinardo and who came up

with this plan. So, this year

we shared the Mallary Building with Tony’s club and, for the most part, everything went well. Many working

dogs competed in both shows both days. Our show superintendent, MB-F*, had the unenviable task of

creating the schedule of classes so that those people wanting that have their dogs compete in both shows

didn’t have conflicts arising from the classes being scheduled at the same time. We had no problems on that

front but, as you know, some classes run long and we did have a couple of conflicts with judges (and

sometimes dogs) needing to be in two places at once.

Registrations for the shows were up significantly from last year. We had approximately 1100 dogs registered for each of our shows. The weather did have an impact on us. Because of the storm on Thursday resulting in the cancellation of many flights into the northeast, three of our judges were unable to make it and another judge had an issue that kept them from being available. Not to worry; replacement judges were found and the shows went on. While we don’t have exact numbers, some competitors probably did not make it to the shows either because of the weather.

The Mallary Building proved to be an excellent venue for our shows. The exhibition/competition area is large and open; more so than in the Young Building. To that end and, possibly because of competitors that were no-shows, we did not experience the issues with crating that troubled our shows the past couple of years.

One casualty of having our shows on this particular weekend was the obedience trials. Because of a conflict with another club having its trials the same weekend, we could not include them in this year’s show. The committee

will work on that for next year.


Best in Show, chosen by judge Mrs Sheila Dinardo, was won by the Terrier group winner, Wire Fox Terrier Foxhaus Catching Fire At Foxhollow call name Katniss, shown by Robert Carusi and owned by David I Barish & Andrew DiGiorgio & Tony Barker of White Plains, NY.

Photo courtesy of MAJ Roger Conley


* MB-F has been continuously in the business of producing and managing dog shows since 1900? The "M" is for Moss Dog Shows; the "B" is for Bow Dog Shows and the "F" is for Foley Dog Shows. Both the Bow and Foley organizations were merged into Moss Dog Shows over a five-to-eight year period in the 1970s.


Many thanks to all members who participated in any way at the shows. Your help is always appreciated, not just by the committee members but also by those attending the show to compete or watch. We receive many positive comments about our uniforms and, as always, myriad questions about

who we are.

And the winners on Saturday…

In the Junior Showmanship competition, the Best Junior Handler in Open Senior went to Kristen Kish showing Cathedral OMW To Where The Air Is Sweet an English Cocker Spaniel owned by

Kristen Kish & Heidi Marie Dion of, Methuen, MA.

The Best Owner Handled in Show winner was Banstock N Highpoint Ain’t She Sweet, a Bullmastiff, call name Mochi, shown by Helene Nietsch and owned by Helene Nietsch & Michele

McGovern & Kellye St John of Newtown, CT.

Best In Group Dogs

Sporting: Cerise Chanel Exclusif, call name Danny, an English Springer Spaniel shown by Brian

Still and owned by Nancy Bidders of Waterford, CT.

Hounds: Lacey’s Not My Curcus, call name Monkey, a Petits Basets Griffons Vendeens shown by Julie Lacey-Black and owned by Donna Bruce & Juli Lacey-Blank & Jill Neuschaefer of Ryeville, ME.

Working: Oleka’s Main Attraction, a Bernese Mountain Dog owned by Eileen Blass & John Walston of

Kennett Sq, PA.

Terriers: Roadhouse Life of the Party an American Staffordshire Terrier, call name Louie, shown by Kim Runzil and owned by William Roadhouse and Dave Berrey of Westfield, MA.

Toy: Pequest Feel The Burn, call name Bernie, a Pekingese shown and owned by David Fitzpatrick of East

Berlin, PA.

Non Sporting: Delamer Teeny Weeny Burberry Bikini, call name Berry, a Schipperke shown by Krista Nuvoe-Roe and owned by Krista J Nuovo & Virginia Larioza of Burlingham, NY.

Herding: Cityside Splitting The Defense, call name Gronk, an Pembroke Welsh Corgi shown and owned by

Whitney Perry of Buzzards Bay, MA.

Best in Show, chosen by judge Ms Angela Porpora, was won by the Toy group winner, Pekingese Pequest Feel The Burn, call name Bernie, shown and owned by David

Fitzpatrick of East Berlin, PA. Continued on next page




And the winners on Sunday were:

In the Junior Showmanship competition, the Best Junior Handler in Open Senior went to Jackson Lifrak showing Rivendell’s Blue Bo Jangles a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog owned by Joseph Lifrak &

Robin Ney & Chloe Sienkiewicz of Rohoboth, MA.

The 4 – 6 Month Puppy Best in Show dog was Myla’s In The Middle At Eagle Ridge a Siberian

Husky owned by Penny Kretchmer & M. Falconer of Ludlow, MA.

Best In Group Dogs

Sporting: Rancho’s Coast To Coast @ Willcare, call name Ted, a Labrador Retriever shown by

Norman Grenier and owned by Robin Magee & Susan Willumsen & Julia O’Rourtke of Loudon, NY.

Hounds: Bretica Brushwood Smokinaffair, call name Kurry, a Whippet shown by Laura Kiefer and

owned by Allan Brown & Thora Brown & Mary Indeglia of Almonte, ON, CN.

Working: Sharin Nick OF Dynasty RC Kennel, call name Nick, a Siberian Husky shown by Michelle

Scott and owned by Hsu Wen Tang of Chesapeake City, MD.

Terriers: Foxhaus Catching Fire At Foxhollow a Wire Fox Terrier, call name Katniss, shown by

Robert Carusi and owned by David I Barish & Andrew DiGiorgio & Tony Barker of White Plains, NY.

Toy: Pequest Feel The Burn, call name Bernie, a Pekingese shown and owned by David Fitzpatrick

of East Berlin, PA.

Non Sporting: Kava Jackpot, call name Jack, a Standard Poodle shown and owned by Kathy

Gillooley of Fleischmanns, NY.

Herding: Celebra’s Good Enough For Government Work, call name Gibbs a Briard shown by Jamie

Donelson and owned by Joyci Feldman of Scotch Plains, NJ.

Best in Show, chosen by judge Mrs Sheila Dinardo, was won by the Terrier group winner, Wire Fox Terrier Foxhaus Catching Fire At Foxhollow, call name Katniss, shown by Robert

Carusi and owned by David I Barish & Andrew DiGiorgio & Tony Barker of White Plains, NY.

MAJ Boudreau leads the 1GFG in the Simsbury Memorial Day Parade on 28 May.

Photo courtesy of Pat Boudreau.

The Foot Guard Band performs at the East Windsor Veteran’s Park Dedication.

Photo courtesy of CPT Kevin Cormack

“The New Emblem” Taken from An Honor to the State

By Lloyd C. Fowles

MAJ Loren Schave

During the 1930’s the Company received a new Foot Guard emblem which was

also the model for the shoulder patch. Captain Lee D. Van Antwerp and Lieutenant Edwin Scott designed a

shield with the basic red, white, and blue colors. The red and blue spaces were divided by a diagonal white

stripe containing the grapevine device of Connecticut. Below the stripe, in the red area, was the crown

symbol of the formation of the Company in the Colony while above it was the blue area with the

representative American eagle. Thus the growth of the Company from its colonial origins through

independence and statehood was depicted in distinctive shield type crest. The old Company emblem—

showing the round seal of Connecticut in blue and gold with red bordered projections on four sides

containing “chartered” at the top, “17” and “71” on the sides and “Governor’s Foot Guard” in a banner at the

bottom—was still retained.

Presentation of

Colors

The color guard participated

in the following events since 6 April 2018.

SGT Natasha Handschumacher

AUSA Military Dinner

6 April 2018

Mark Boudreau Fred Macsata

Rob Handschumacher Natasha Handschumacher

Todd Unkerfer

Chrysalis Center

14 May 2018

Rob Handschumacher Dave Dwelley

Mark Boudreau Kevin McCrewell

Eastern Conn. State University

Graduation 1 May 2018

Mark Boudreau Dave Dwelley

Natasha Handschumacher Larry Botting

East Windsor Memorial Dedication

20 May 2018

Ted Samolik Dave Dwelley

Sar Phouthasack Natasha Handschumacher

Woodstock Academy Graduation

16 June 2018 Mark Boudreau

Natasha Handschumacher Dave Dwelley Todd Unkefer

Talcott Mountain Music Festival

29 June 2018 Mark Boudreau Kevin Cormack Fred Macsata Dave Dwelley

Natasha Handschumacher Todd Unkefer



Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero MAJ Mark Boudreau

We’re all familiar with Sgt. Stubby, especially as the inspiration for the Stubby Award given to Connecticut dogs for canine heroism at our annual dog shows. Interest in Sgt. Stubby has been on the rise in the past

few years. Several new books about him have been published in the not too distant past and now there is a movie about him.

On April 8th I had the opportunity to attend the pre-release screening of the new animated film Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero at the Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas in New Haven. The film was produced by Fun Academy Studios. Because of Sgt. Stubby’s Connecticut roots and specifically his association with the 102nd Infantry Division, the opportunity was given to Connecticut to host the movie’s east coast premiere. The Connecticut Military

Department organized all of the activities around the premiere including the ‘red carpet’ treatment of the invited guests and a display of some CT Army National Guard equipment prior to the screening. Our brethren in the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard, due to their close association, both geographically and historically with the 102nd, were tasked with acting as hosts for the event.

The movie is an excellent treatment of the Sgt. Stubby story, even though it is not entirely historically accurate. While dealing with a wartime setting and all of its hardships and horrors, the film is appropriate for all ages. It conveyed the harsh and dangerous conditions without actually showing the bloodshed while not losing the sadness and grief associated with war.

By chance, I had the distinct honor to site next to the wife and daughter of one of the movie’s artists and had the opportunity to talk about the work on the movie and to provide a little more background to them on the state militia units and 1GFG’s way of honoring Sgt. Subby’s legacy. I also learned that this was the first such project undertaken by Fun Academy Studios.

If you didn’t get to see the movie yet, it is expected to be available on DVD toward the end of November of this year, so its availability on streaming media can’t be far behind. It’s worth the watch.

The Color Guard presents the colors during the playing of the National Anthem at the opening concert of the Talcott Mountain Music Festival at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center on 29 June 2018.

Photo courtesy of Pat Boudreau

The Color

Guard members

present the five

U.S. military

service flags

during the

Talcott

Mountain Music

Festival on 29

June 2018.

Photo courtesy

of MAJ Mark

Boudreau

On the day following Storm Quinn, two Foot Guarders set out for breakfast. One got stuck in the driveway; while the plow was expected in about a half hour, it took two hours for the actual plow-out to occur. And that my friends, was how my day started.

And how was your day?

10 March and Hartford’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade. A great turnout from the First Company, but a relatively small audience. Compared to New Haven, it could be called a disaster, but not an unexpected one. New Haven advertised and pushed the even. Hartford’s local paper contained one, or maybe two, brief notices.

At the Armory, the kitchen crew made up of Lee Fongemie, Dennis Conroy (who claimed to have marched in Hartford’s first St Pats parade forty-seven years ago), and Mike Infantino, worked under the benevolent direction of Commissary Officer Dick Welch to prepare luncheon and take-home treats. Fortunately, Linda Welch was present to handle the money.

There were corned beef sandwiches, corned beef with cabbage (my mother called it “garbage”) and potato dinners, and doughnuts for desert. The Grenadier Lounge was open for eating, drinking, and also for parade watching.

Among our visitors was much missed CSM Tommy Howe’s daughter Tracy, Ginny Bednarz, and several

marchers who had last been seen at the 2017 St Pats Day parade.

Thanks should also go to Stan Sobieski for setting up the tables and chairs in the Justin Dinino Assembly Hall.

And a top of the morning to you all. It wasn’t quite Saint Paddy’s Day, but the A & A luncheon, held on 14 March at Windsor’s Skyline Restaurant had a decidedly Irish flavor. There was corned beef on the menu (!)

in addition to the wide selection of Italian dishes.

Hosting, were two real Irishmen; Dennis Conroy (who didn’t make it) and John Green, who did. Eighteen members were present, including honorary captains Jim Throwe (BG, USA, Ret) in green, Dave Gay (MG, USA, Ret), Lew Vasquez (LTC, USA, Ret) and John Petronella (all the way from Enfield). Lou Smith and Joe Frank were also in attendance, as always when good food is available.

Our resident chaplain, General Jim Throwe offered an Irish blessing which was well received by all (including what a former mother in law once referred to as “those bloody jiks”; non Irish, I presume).

A minor point: Real Irishmen wear Saint Patrick’s blue, not green, in commemoration of the good saint’s many glorious deeds.

Since Inspector Flanagan was absent, no birthdays were announced.

Some Foot Guarders are either real smart or real lucky. A case in point is CPT Rich Gatewood. Rich spent two weeks in sunny Cape Coral, Florida missing at least one of the four nor-easters that hit our frosty shores. As the accompanying photos show, there was swimming, sunning, and fishing and a return of Rich looking like a younger version of Burl Ives.

Welcome back brother.


Foot Guarders In The News MAJ Bob Nearine

CPT Gatewood enjoys his time in Florida.

Photo courtesy of Maria Gatewood



26 March was the last drill of the month, and featured a joint meeting with the Second Foot from Branford

and a corned beef and cabbage dinner provided by a kitchen staff made up of Mike Infantino, Dennis

Conroy, Lee Fongemie, and Bob Lehman. Past commandant Chris Cain journeyed down from Holliston,

Massachusetts to participate in the festivities.

1LT Russ Scull served as master of ceremonies, and introduced the officers at the head table. From the

First Company, there was 1LT Scull, COS Roger Conley, and Major Commandant Mark Boudreau.

Second Company Representatives included Major Commandant Greenalch, Captain Devany, and

Captain Clark,

Both Commandants spoke briefly, and these remarks were followed by the transfer of the Colt 45 pistol

which had originally been presented as a retirement gift to MG David Gay following his term as Adjutant

General. General Gay returned the pistol to the First Company, and since that time ownership has been

shared by both Foot Guard companies on an annual basis.

Dick Welch reported that the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny was held on 31 March at the State Armory

with Dickey as the OIC. About 400 children and parents were served.

Head chef Mike Infantino cooked 3 kinds of pancakes and scrambled eggs, while John Flanagan

prepared the pancake batter and John Ferreira kept Mike supplied with the batter and egg mixture.

Lee Fongemie made the home fries and Linda Welch lined the trays with the bacon which had been

cooked by Mark Torres.

Ginny Bednarz helped serve the breakfast.

11 April, and the second Wednesday of the month. For the first time in recent memory (26 years), there

was no A & A luncheon. Traditionally scheduled for Figaro’s Italian Restaurant in Enfield, and hosted by

John Petronella, and before him his father fondly remembered as Joe Pet, along with John Flanagan, the

luncheon was cancelled for lack of reservations.

For those readers who are new to the Foot Guard game, A&A luncheons were first scheduled for retired

Foot Guarders who wanted to get together for lunch and conversation (some would say to BS). Over the

years, other members of the several militia units, and National Guard members, both active and retired

attended the monthly luncheons. They brought their friends and colleagues, since generally a good time

was had by all. There are no dues, and although to date the membership has remained male (!),

attendance remains open to the public. The only requirement is to make an advance reservation and to pay

if you fail to cancel or attend.

Dates and locations for future A & A luncheons can be obtained by contacting Inspector John Flanagan at

(860) 742-0455 or at [email protected].

On 23 April, the First Company said goodbye to our brother and friend Mike Infantino. Rather, Mike said

goodbye to the Command by producing three pans filled with his signature made-from-scratch pizza.

Mike is moving to Venice, Florida to get away from the cold, snow, and possibly the high taxes. He plans

to come back to see us from time to time, weather permitting.

Later that evening, MAJ Commandant Mike Boudreau brought Mike up to the drill floor and promoted him

to the rank of Major; a well-deserved honor and based solely on Mike’s service to the Command.

The following Thursday, 26 April, Lew Vasquez, John Ferreira, and Bob Nearine took Mike out to dinner

at Fiores Restaurant in Middletown. Termed the “last supper,” it was a chance to meet with our chef for the

last time before his departure and let someone else do the cooking - for a change!



mailto:[email protected]



Monday, 30 April was the last drill of the month and the chance for the First Company to host the two horse guard units for dinner. First, the three companies journeyed to Broad Street for the formal uniformed drill, since drilling in uniform in our armory is presently verboten!

At the same time, our kitchen crew, led by PFC Todd Unkerfer (a real chef - Mike Infantino would be proud!) along with LTC Dennis Conroy, MAJ Lee Fongemie, and Mark Torres prepared the evening’s menu.

The three companies feasted on grilled chicken fajita, rice and beans, potato leek soup, pasta Alfredo, mixed vegetables, garden salad, rolls, coffee, iced tea, homemade cookies, and cheese cake with a cherry topping.

Adjutant, Kevin McCrewell, Sr, reported that the head table was occupied by LT Bonnie Barile, 1GHG Adjutant, MAJ Chris Miller,1GHG Commandant, MAJ James Merinan 2GHG Commandant, and staff members of the First GFG; MAJ Mark Boudreau, Commandant, MAJ Roger Conley, COS, and 1LT Kevin

McCrewell, Sr, Adjutant.

The 9 May A & A luncheon was held as tradition dictates at the Windsor Locks Skyline Restaurant.

Originally hosted by Bob Burnham and John Green (Bob is certainly missed), John has continued the tradition.

This year, twenty-eight members and guests were in attendance, as were past commandants John O’Connell and Dennis Conroy. Attendees included Generals I J Zembrzuski (driving a maroon Jaguar), Jim Throwe, and Dan McHale. Also present was USAR Ambassador Lew Vasquez, and two individuals who could pass for modern reincarnations of the Bobbsey Twins (although this time, both twins are male). These twins, wearing Foot Guard shirts, shorts, and just a hint of tans, were Frank Castro, newly arrived from sunny Florida, and John Ferreira, just off the boat from a Bermuda cruise. You have to be a little crazy to leave the sun for Connecticut!

Our resident chaplain, Jim Throwe, rendered the invocation, which was followed by heavy eating; plenty of foods, except for Rich Gatewood - his meal was left for last. For a while there was the suggestion that the chef was chasing the veal - and maybe even cooking it - in the parking lot.

Inspector Flanagan forgot the birthday list, and those celebrating were asked to raise their hands. It looked like everyone was born in May. Or not!

Officers’ Association president George Peterson announced the following slate of officers for the coming year, to be voted on at the 14 May meeting: President :2LT Russ Scull, Vice President CPT(Hon) "OZ"

Ketil, Secretary CPT (Hon) Bob Butler, and Treasurer MAJ Dick Welch.

E-mail of the week: MAJ Roger Conley -To all members of the Officer's Staff, my phone has just died and I will not have another till at least Tuesday. Emails are fine and my home phone is fine if you have to

reach me.

LTC Dennis Conroy - Will you be having CALLING hours? Continued on next page

PFC Todd Unkerfer directs LTC Dennis Conroy and Major Lee Fongemie on kitchen tasks for Horse Guards combined drill.

Photo courtesy of LTC Dennis Conroy



At the 10 May bi-monthly meeting of American Legion Post 1771, a nominating committee was appointed by

Commander Lew Vasquez to prepare a list of officer candidates for the July meeting. Members included Bob Nearine,

chair, Rich Gatewood, and John Ferreira.

On 18 May, the annual Armed Forces Day luncheon was held at the Aqua Turf club in Plantsville to honor

outstanding members of the National Guard, and the Reserve forces. For the first time in many years, the governor

was in attendance, and consequently members of the State’s four militia companies were asked to form an honor

guard for his entrance.

Honor guard representatives included MAJ Mark Boudreau and 1LT Kevin McCrewell, 1GFG; MAJ Richard

Greenalch and CPT Robert Devaney, 2GFG; CPT Robert Mazzara and two privates Hersey, 1GHG; and MAJ (and

past commandant) Gordon Johnson and CPT Paul Mazzara, 2GHG.

CPT(Hon) Lew Vasquez, as USAR Ambassador for Connecticut (LTC, USA, Ret) was also in attendance.

The 13June A&A luncheon was held at the Officers and Enlisted Members Club located at the Broad Street

Armory. The luncheon was hosted by CPTs (Hon) Jim Throwe (BG, USA, Ret) and Bob Moeller (Bob took the money

while Jim gave the Irish blessing).

Sixteen members were present included past commandant Dennis Conroy and honorary captains I J Zembrzuski

(BG, USA, Ret) and George Demers (BG, USAF, Ret), a recent arrival from Florida, who was sporting an A&A

membership button - the first seen in almost a decade!

The menu featured beef tenderloin (rated excellent) and chicken rollatini (also excellent) with NY cheesecake and

strawberries for dessert.

At the meal’s conclusion Inspector Flanagan, with eighteen years of A&A service behind him, announced the

month’s birthdays (finally!) and the upcoming luncheon schedule.

Flag Day, 14 June, is the official Army birthday, but the First Company doesn’t drill on Thursday, so the celebration

was put off until the eighteenth, the following Monday.

CPT (Hon) Bob Butler worked with CPT Brien Horan (COL, USA, Ret) to put the celebration together.

CPT Horan researched the history of the First Company and in his presentation as master of ceremony, he noted

that our first two commandants, in the rank of captain at that time, served in the Continental Army during the

revolution. He also noted that Foot Guarders have served in every conflict up to the present time.

A number of individuals also provided assistance. CPT (Hon) Sal Orlando, a WW 2 and Korean Conflict veteran,

collected donations for the cake, while Bob Butler secured the cake and delivered it to the armory. SGM Dave Dwelley

and MAJ Roger Conley organized the drill floor activities, while several members of the rifle platoon along with CPT

Butler, MAJ Flanagan, and CPT (Hon) Sar Prouthasack set up the tables. CPT Rich Gatewood arranged for the Army

plates and napkins, while CPT (Hon) Ox Gara arranged for the piper.

The celebration began with the traditional evening formation and pass in review. This was followed by CPT

Horan’s historical presentation, the parading of the cake, and the center floor assembly of Army veterans.

The band, led by CPT Dave Carlson play the Army Song and this was

followed by the playing of Gary Owen by Pipe Major Terence McGovern,

First Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment.

Army Veterans, members, and guests of the Command “fell in” on the

cake which was cut with an Army Saber by CW5 Kenneth Roach (USA, Ret)

with the first piece going to the oldest Army veteran, Sal Orlando and the

second to the youngest, PVT John Harwood. CW5 Roach served as a

chopper pilot with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam, and was awarded

the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross medals.

The following evening, 19 June, the Association of the US Army (AUSA)

held its annual meeting and Army birthday party. Foot Guarders participating

included CPTs (Hon) Jim Throwe, Bob Moeller, Lew Vasquez, Sar Prouthasack, and MAJ Bob Nearine.

Photo courtesy of MAJ Bob Nearine

Dignified Flag Disposal Held MAJ Bob Nearine

On 11 June, members of American Legion Post 1771, Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron 1771, and the First Company, conducted a Dignified Flag Disposal ceremony at the Rocky Hill Fire Department

Headquarters.

Participants included Lew Vasquez Post Commander, Max Covell Post Adjutant, Robert Butler Past Commander, Sal Orlando, Dave Hawkins, Larry Botting Squadron Vice Commander, Mal Holland (Bugler and Acting Chaplin), Richard Gatewood. Dennis Conroy Squadron Commander, and John Ferreira

Treasurer.

A dignified flag disposal ceremony was conducted at the Rocky Hill Fire DPT Headquarters on 11 Jiune 2018.


Battalion Review July 2018 page15

Stubby, America’s first dog of service was born in New Haven, circa 1916, and died in Washington, D.C. in 1926. He was a mixed breed stray, adopted as the mascot of the 26th “Yankee” Division and became a comrade in arms for the doughboys of WWI.

This statue can be found in Middletown, CT.

Photo courtesy of

CPT (Hon) Lew Vasquez

Color

Guard

members

from the 1st

and 2nd

GFG

participated

in the

recognition

ceremony for

Raoul

Lufbery in

Wallingford

on 5 May

2018.

Photo courtesy of CPT Kevin

Cormack

The First

Company

Governor’s Foot

Guard drum section

marches in the

Newington Memorial

Day parade.

Photo courtesy of CPT Kevin

McCormack


Monument To Honor Laotian Special Guerrilla Unit Finally In Place MAJ Bob Nearine

The Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) comprised of Hmong and Laotian fighters, trained by US Forces during the Vietnam War, finally has the beginnings of a national monument.

The SGU fought the North Vietnamese Army from 1961 to 1978 alongside US troops, and in areas where American soldiers were not allowed to go. They were also responsible for rescuing some 300 plus downed American pilots from contested

areas such as the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

The first element in the monument, a retired US Army Huey UH-1B helicopter, was transported from Bristol to Middletown by National Guard mechanics with the assistance of Barnhart Crane, Summit Crane Company, and D’Amato Construction. It was placed on a pedestal in Veterans Memorial Park, adjacent to the soon-to-be opened Greater Middletown Military Museum (GMMM), by volunteers including CPTs (Hon) Ron Organek and Sar Prouthasack (BG, SGU), MSG Max Covell, National Guard CSM Tony Savino, who supervised the selection, painting and restoration of the Huey, and Vietnam veterans Ken McClellan and Ron Winter. The overall installation was overseen by CPT (Hon) Lew Vasquez (LTC, USA, Ret, and USAR Ambassador for Connecticut), and Chris Holden, deputy director of public works for Middletown.

The memorial itself will not only include the helicopter, but will contain monuments which illustrate the chopper’s role in the battle and will tell the about the services provided by the SGU.

CPT (Hon) Sar Prouthasack stands beside the helicopter mount for the Laotian National SGU Memorial.

Photo courtesy of CPT (Hon) Lew Vasquez

The 1st Company Governor’s Foot Guard participated in

the Newington Memorial Day Parade


Color Guard members from 1GFG and 2GFG participated in the Raoul Lufbery recognition ceremony at the Wallingford Historical Society of 5 May 2018. Lufbery was a WWI fighter pilot.


2018 Prize Drill Held at Armory MAJ Bob Nearine

Prize drill for 2018 took place at our armory on 21 May. A long time tradition, both of militia and National Guard units, the activities were intended to show the public and our families how we trained during the current year. Demonstrations of drill and ceremonies were featured.

This year there were no competitions. Instead, there was a concert by the First Company band, the awarding of service and other medals, and a sumptuous buffet prepared by chefs Todd Unkefer, Dennis Conroy, Lee Fongemie, and Lee’s daughter Penny.

Offerings included a fresh green salad, fruit salad, salsa and chips, a veggie platter, pasta and chicken

alfredo, rice and beans, pulled pork, rolls, and chicken fajitas.

The following promotions and awards were reported in Company orders:

CPT Laura O’Connell was granted Life membership in the 1GFG.

LTC Dennis Conroy was awarded the Burnham Medal of Merit.

CPL Carl Schuman was named the George Tule Bandsman of the Year.

MAJ Mark Boudreau was awarded the Perfect Attendance medal for 15 years.

SSG Michael Chiaro was promoted SFC.

SGT Valerie Chisholm was promoted SSG.

SGT Allen Denyer was promoted SSG.

CPL Carl Schuman was promoted SGT.

CPL Emma Capitao was promoted SGT.

CPL Fred Macsata was promoted SGT.

PFC Daniel Murphy was promoted CPL.

PFC Robert Szczepanski was promoted CPL.

The following members earned First Company Governor’s Foot Guard Long Service medals:

LTC Dennis Conroy 50 years

MAJ Bernard Krukoski 50 years

MSG Richard Oatman 50 years

LTC John O’Connell 45 years

CPT Louis Smith 35 years

MSG Walton Schlechtweg 30 years

SFC Michael Condon 30 years

SSG Thomas Bozek 25 years

CPT Laura O’Connell 25 years

SGT Valerie Chisholm 25 years

MAJ John Flanagan 20 years

SSG Fred Miodowski 20 years

CPT David Carlson 20 years

MSG Edward Connors 20 years

SGT Ralph Sherman 10 years

PVT Todd Unkefer 5 years

Cora Lou Laraia and MAJ Dennis Conroy accept the Burnham Medals of Merit.


Thanks to all who contributed to

the July 2018 Battalion Review.

Special thanks to MAJ Bob

Nearine, without whom the Battalion

Review would never come to

fruition.

Thanks also to MAJ Mark Boudreau, and SFC Mike Chiaro, and, of course, MAJ Loren Schave, SGT Emma L. Capitao and SGT Natasha Handschumacher for their

ongoing contributions.

Thanks also to all the contributing photographers.


1st Co. Governor’s Foot Guard

P.O. Box 1771

Hartford, CT 06144-1771

JULY 2018

gfg and ghg attend ahac june day - governor's foot...

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