Soldiers from the Connecticut Army National Guard recently were invited to judge the Connecticut Foot Guard’s Charleston Medal Competition. This competition features multiple squads from the Second Company of the Governor’s Foot Guard who compete with one another to see which can achieve the best in Drill & Ceremony Award.
Three rifle squads went before the Army National Guard Judges to demonstrate their skill and proficiency in marching and of handling of their weapons. Every movement and step was intensely analyzed and scored to US Army standards. As each squad finished their attempt they were then inspected by the judges for uniform and rifle evaluation standards.
In the end Squad 1, led by Sergeant Jalowiec won the competition. The soldiers in his unit were comprised of Private Wieland, Private Pichulo and Private Woodward. They demonstrated the best skill and quality in Drill & Ceremony in accordance with US Army Standards. PVT Alber, J from Squad 2 won the individual competition of the event.
The Connecticut Army National Guard Soldiers who judged the competition were Sergeant Major Masotta, Sergeant First Class Pitcher, and Staff Sergeant Buerk.
The Connecticut Foot Guard is currently recruiting for new members to join the ranks, if you are interested please call – 860-758-8866 | or | email -> 1GFGRecruiting@gmail.com or 2GFG.CTMD@ct.gov
Rifle Company – 2nd Squad – (Led by SGT Erardi, C. comprised of PVT Vargo, A., PVT Boutin, J., PVT Alber, J. and CPL Algea, J.). The Charleston Medal Competition consisted not only of individual soldier drill performance, but also squad drill competition in which soldiers demonstrated their proficiency in drill and ceremony as a team. The soldiers of 2nd Squad performed fantastically and impressed both the judges and the crowd in attendance. Their star member PVT Alber, J. later went on to win the individual competition and is this year’s recipient of the Charleston Medal. Great job soldiers!(Photos courtesy of Carlos Martinez)
Rifle Company – 3nd Squad – Led by CPL Paolillo, PVT Castellini, RCT Sibilski, RCT Chrysadakis, RCT Madore and RCT Zmijewski. The 2nd Company consists of Officers, enlisted personnel and recruits. The Charleston Medal Competition presents a unique goal for not only the enlisted but also for our recruits. During the course of their basic training they are learning not only their manual of arms but the basics of drill and ceremony. Desiring not to be left out of the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned our recruits attended and displayed their proficiency in the non-competition portion of the evening. Their dedication and commitment are to be commended! Bravo Zulo!(Photos courtesy of Carlos Martinez)
MAJ John Garcia, Commandant of the 2nd Company, and his Officers and NCOs extend their sincere appreciation to The Connecticut National Guard for generously staffing our Judges panel for this week’s Charleston Medal Competition. (SGM Masotta, SFC Pitcher, and SSG Buerk). The combined support of The Connecticut Military Department, and Major General Francis Evon, Jr., Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard, helps keep our Company’s 247-year-old history alive. “Patriam Defendimus!”
Rifle Company – 1st Squad – (Led by SGT Jalowiec, M. comprised of PVT Wieland, S., PVT Pichulo, E. and PVT Woodward, S.). The Charleston Medal Competition consisted not only of individual soldier drill performance, but also squad drill competition in which soldiers demonstrated their proficiency in drill and ceremony as a team. All the soldiers at the competition expended great efforts to dazzle the judges however 1st Squad presented the most elaborate footwork and rifle handling winning them the Team Competition that evening. Congratulations 1st Squad!(Photos courtesy of Carlos Martinez)
Source: Connecticut Foot Guard