FALL 2012

Volume 2012, Issue 1

OFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF

THE SECOND COMPANY

GOVERNOR’S FOOT GUARD

ASSOCIATION, INC.

Photos by CPL Edward Mitchell

SECOND COMPANY CELEBRATES 237TH

POWDER HOUSE DAY CPT Richard Greenalch

Museum Project Going Ahead

Time to Unpack - LTC Peter D. Laffin

On Saturday, 21 April 2012, The second Company Governor‟s

Foot Guard celebrated the 237th Anniversary of Powder House

Day, an important day in the history of New Haven and the State

of Connecticut. Powder House Day is celebrated annually each

year in New Haven to commemorate the events of 22 April,

1775 When the Second Company under the command of CPT

Benedict Arnold demanded the keys to the powder house in

order to arm themselves and begin the march to Cambridge,

Massachusetts, marking the entry of New Haven into the

American Revolution. The Second Company has been making

this historical event every year since 1904.

The day began with a parade to the Center Church on the

historic New Haven Green. After the church service, The

Second Company marched to New Haven‟s City Hall to reenact

the demanding of the keys. Participants with speaking roles

included: MAJ Gary Stegina, (Commandant, 2GFG) as CPT

Benedict Arnold; CPT Robert Devaney, (Adjutant, 2GFG) as LT

Jessie Leavenworth; Brigadier General Mark Russo, (AAG,

CTANG) as COL David Wooster; the Chief of Staff of the Office

of the Mayor of New Haven, Sean Matteson, as the First

Selectman and the Reverend John Depastino (CW5, 2GFG) as

the Reverend Jonathan Edwards.

After the surrender of the keys and firing of howitzers, the

Guard marched to the New Haven Green for a Battalion Review.

The highlight of the event was Brigadier General Mark Russo

being made Honorary Captain of the Second Company. Other

units participating in the day‟s event were members of the Office

of the Connecticut Adjutant General, (continued on page 3)

After many years of storage, the 2nd Company

artifacts will soon be back on display in it‟s new

museum. Plans are now to convert the old 102nd

supply room. Wood panels, display cases and

lighting fixtures from the old red room will be

used to recreate a room similar to the one we had

in New Haven. Along with this project, Branford Armory artifacts will be returned to the break

room. The display is scheduled to open in March

2013, the 100th Anniversary of the Armory.

Inside this issue:

Assorted photographs

And ...

Major‟s Message

2

Editor‟s Note

2

Our History 2

Member Highlight

COL William Gargano

3

ST RANGE

QUALIFICATION

4

ST 2012

Camp Niantic

5

Last Visit 6

THE SHAKO

Major’s Message - Major Gary W. Stegina

66th Commandant of The Second Company

Editor’s Note - LTC Peter D. Laffin

Every year we reenact the original „Occupy New Haven‟, but how many of us know some of what happened

behind the scenes on that historical day. At that time in history, New Haven‟s commitment to the revolution

was questionable. After all, the colony was getting very rich from it‟s harbor trade and many a rich merchant

valued his business‟ profit over freedom. . Benedict Arnold and his „crew‟ had been blamed for burning down a

few Tory homes and businesses. Fearing the selectmen would run upon learning of the Second Company‟s

approach, Benedict Arnold ordered the building surrounded. A selectman attempted to escape, but was

captured, bound and paraded in front of the Command and onlookers. He was prodded forward by the tip of a

sword with fresh produce thrown in his face by an enthusiastic crowd. Some say Arnold had just as much

trouble controlling the growing mob as he had getting the keys.

In the issues ahead I plan to celebrate this Command‟s history with a series of small articles on artifacts, past

events and members. I have reviewed many old issues and plan to follow some old customs and adding a few

new twists. I welcome any suggestions and will do my best to ensure timely and informative issues.

LTC Laffin

OUR HISTORY - Artifacts Reborn

LTC LAFFIN Each edition I would like to pull an artifact from the „safe‟ and share it with the Command.

As we look forward to building our new museum in Branford, it may be hard to remember the old one in The

Goffe Street Armory. WARREN TIFFANY was the company historian in the 70‟s and built the museum in the

old Adjutant‟s office. Warren passed many years ago, but his legacy lives on.

Recently, his widow Lenore was cleaning out some of his „stuff‟ and discovered this picture. It is of the old

Meadow Street Armory‟s Red Room (1893) containing many of the furnishings that decorated the Goffe Street

Red Room. Who knew when we made the „move‟ that we were just carrying on another great tradition. See

how many items you recognize?

I haven‟t quite figured out how to sharpen this up, but you can arrange with me a closer peek of the original. If

you are reading this digitally, you can blow up any of the photos. Please do not copy them as there may be

some copy right issues.

Page 2 THE SHAKO

“None but the

Almighty shall stop

me from marching

this day!”

Benedict Arnold, 28 April

1775

My Fellow Footguarders: I have always considered it a privilege to belong to the Second Company,

and it is, indeed, an honor to have been elected by you to be the 66th Commandant of this Historic

Command. I will continue to work tirelessly to preserve and honor the legacy of our predecessors.

While not our only mission, we have all joined this Organization to honor and perpetuate the heritage

of those that came before us, and to see to it that the history of not only our Unit, but that of this

State and this Country is preserved for our successors and the citizenry at large. But no one person

can do it alone. I challenge you to get involved. The perpetuation of the Command (and all it

represents) in these difficult times requires hard work, ingenuity, and the full support of each

member. Our schedule is full with drills, color guards, parades, educational details, veteran support

functions, and numerous other events. Participate in as many activities as possible. Lend a hand in

the rebirth of the Charter Museum and the many associated details that that will entail. While I

realize time is precious, I urge you to make time for the Command. You will find that you will derive

no greater satisfaction from being a member than when you hear someone along the parade route or

other detail yell: “Here comes the Foot Guard!”

For the Good of the Command, MAJ Gary W. Stegina

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT - Interview

COL William Gargano with LTC Laffin

The Original ‘Occupy New Haven’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Powder House 2012

Get involved even if it is little

things. I loved marching and it

built camaraderie and life

friends. Your going to love

marching down main streets

with all those people cheering.

COL Gargano has 60 years in

the Command; the longest

standing member. He was the

58th Commandant of the Second

Company. His attendance , still

after all these years, at nearly all

drills and functions is an example

to us all.

When / why did you join the

GFG?

My brother Ed and Dick

Swarthout were B Company

SGTs and pestered me into it.

The were relentless. I had to get

them off my back. That was in

1954.

Tell us about your ….

Assigned to B Company, I was a

PVT for 11 years. There were 4

full companies and nobody

moved. I was a CPL and SGT

before becoming the CPT of B

Company.

You ran for Commandant at the

age of 52, unheard of in 1976,

why?

I ran against Sal (Esposito),

Harvey (La Gassey) and Charlie

Gara. Us young guys needed to

beat the „machine‟. It took 3

votes; came down to me and Sal.

What was your most memorable

moment?

Presidential and Governor

inaugurals, I lead all for militias in

the presidential. Quite an honor.

I loved the Old Guard Balls and

went to Boston for 25 straight

years. I loved to march, still do

when I can.

If you had to talk to a new

member, what would you say?

… the First Company Governor‟s Foot Guard, The Second Company Governor‟s Horse

Guard and many other units from The Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands,

including Sheldon‟s Horse, 2nd Light Dragoons and the New Haven Gray‟s of Connecticut;

the Kentish Guards RIM, Pawtucket Rangers RIM and Federal Blues RIM from Rhode Island;

the Second Corps of Cadets from Massachusetts; the Veteran Corps of Artillery of New

York and the Washington Light Infantry of South Carolina.

After the parade, Major Stegina hosted a gala event at the Branford Armory. A tip of the

Shako to the many who worked so tirelessly to make the day a complete success.

Page 3

„...Regular

orders be

dammed, give

me the powder

or I will take it!

Volume 2012, Issue 1

2ND COMPANY GFG RANGE QUALIFICATION

COURSE

ST 12 SEP 2012

By CPT Gustav Gertz

The unit members listed below qualified with a M1911A1 .45 Cal. Pistol at the New

Haven Sportsman Club Range.

Alternate Pistol Qualification Course FM 3-23-35

NRA - B - 27 Targets - 25 Meters Outdoor Range

EXPERT (160 - 200)

LTC PETER JENKIN - 197

SGT OWEN DAVIDSON - 197

CPT GUSTAV GERTZ - 188

SSG RICHARD WAWRZENIAK - 188

CPL MICHAEL KASSHEIMER - 186

SSG PADDY FLYNN - 170

SSG ROBERT JENKINS - 164

PFC LESLIE AMATRUDO - 162

CPL JOHN GARCIA - 160

NON QUALIFIED - PRACTICE ONLY

CPL STEVEN KENNY

PVT BELINDA CARGILL

Page 4 THE SHAKO

SHARPSHOOTER (120 - 159)

SGM DONALD ROSADINI - 153

CPT WILLIAM O‟ROURKE - 152

CPT RICHARD GREENALCH - 144

CPT ALICE CRONIN - 143

PFC SUSAN ANDREWS - 140

SGT JOAN MORGAN - 122

MARKSMAN (80 - 119)

MAJ GARY STEGINA - 108

CPR ROBERT ELLIS - 87

CPT ROBERT DEVANEY - 85

Specialized Training 2012

The Command enjoyed beautiful cool fall weather as we participated in this years „Specialized‟ training at Camp Niantic. On

Monday, SGM Rosadini inspired the troops with a breathtaking presentation on the dos and don‟ts in military protocol.

Remember, if you don‟t know what it is; salute it. Thirteen members graduated form driver training as the band practiced

on.

Tuesday, personal and Command safety was the goal during the morning‟s First Aid Certification. After noon mess, the

troops marched over to the FATS building to train on various weapons and prepare for the following day‟s range

qualifications

On Wednesday it was off to the range for pistol qualification. It was great to see SGT Bob Jenkins back as instructor. Those

who qualified are listed on page 4. Now Steve, it wasn‟t that hard, was it? Congratulations to all on an enjoyable and safe

day. In the evening, we all dressed up to honor MAJ Stegina in the traditional Major‟s Reception sponsored by the Major‟s

staff. Guests MAJ Johnson from 2 GHG and MAJ Cain from 1GFG joined in the good camaraderie and great food!

Thursday annual field trip was to the Naval Base and a tour of the USS Virginia of the new Virginia Class Boats. CPT ‟Chief”

Atkins arranged a great tour and a surprise when the USS South Carolina was added to the tour. Great job Bud! The

simulator will never be the same after a few of our „experts‟ had the controls. The evening was capped off by a picnic and

bocce challenge by the 1st Company. As darkness fell, a winner could not be determined, again. Looks like the tradition will

continue.

A new Camp record was set on Friday; getting the buildings cleared and back to home station to unload.

Thanks to CPT Gertz for the training schedule, LTC Marino and MAJ Erff for keeping up our spirits. The Pepto Crew of MAJ

Baylow and Mr. Legge did a backbreaking job of keeping us all fed. They started at 0430 and finishes at 2100. Did you guys

see any daylight? We thank you for your hard work and dedication.

ST PATRICK‟S DAY PARADE

NEW HAVEN

Photos by CPL Ed Mitchell

NEW TROOP 610 EAGLE SCOUTS

Patrick Geirin and Mark Vannorbeeck

Girl Scout 100th

Anniversary

Color SGT Kevin Dow

19 MAY 2012

What a fantastic day, there wasn't a cloud in the

sky. We had 15 Foot Guarders there. The opening

ceremony started with a parade, lead by Captain

Cronin and the Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, followed

by the Foot Guard Color Guard, followed by the

Girl Scouts color Guard. We had two Foot

Guarders as guards for the Girl Scouts., followed

by 4 fifers, followed by 300/400 Girl Scouts. The

remaining Foot Guarders marched with the

Council leaders and their banners.

Who knew when the three of us rode down to New Jersey on 10 MAY 2012 to see an old Foot

Guard friend he would pass soon after on 11 June. At 92, Fred Haesche was the oldest member of

the Second Company, second in time served (55 years). He served three years in the United States

Army as a machine gunner. He served during the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze

Star and Purple Heart. Fred worked as a patent attorney for the Hartford Firm and is survived by

his wife Betty and daughters Elizabeth and Mary Jane.

I asked Fred about his most memorable moment and he said at AT one year: “I was a little younger

and Bob Ruthven and I somehow got our butts stuck in one metal garbage can. The guys left us

there for hours. Ruthven fell asleep. So many good people, so many great friends.”

December 7th never went by without his best story of the little school boy. He will be truly missed

and never forgotten.

LAST VISIT WITH

LTC

FRED HAESCHE

FLAG DAY HAMDEN

After a tough

day at the

range...

"The Connecticut Foot Guard made an impressive entrance into the city. There

is nothing ordinary or commonplace about the aristocratic organizations whose

function is to guard the person of their governor. The Connecticut Governor's

Foot Guard travel in state--in sleeping cars, may it please you. The armories,

warehouses, and halls of the City of Brotherly Love are not for them. They will

move from their private coaches when occasion requires it, but no sooner. They

are really fine fellows for all that."

1897 FOLLOWING THE BLOWING UP OF THE MAINE

FROM THE PAST… Can you guess the others?

Mailing address for the

Second Company Governor‟s Foot Guard

Association, inc

P.O. Box 9670

New Haven, CT 06536

Page 8 Volume 2012, Issue 1

Headquarters

87 Montowese Street

Branford, CT 06405

LTC Peter D. Laffin (ret) - Editor

203-281-3241 (home)

203-605-4621 (cell)

plaffin@att.net

www.footguard.org

THE SECOND COMPANY GOVERNOR‟S FOOT

GUARD ASSOCIATION, INC. IS A 501 ( C ) ( 3 )

charitable organization. For more information or to

make a tax deductible contribution contact us at:

COMBINED DRILL RACHAMBEAU DAY

22 SEPTEMBER 2012

POWDER HOUSE GUESTS

… a beautiful day on the Branford Green

Congratulations to Soldier of The Year SFC JANIS ROSADINI