Why Old Guard?
The Old Guard of Connecticut was founded in West Hartford in 1966. The name is based on the historic Old Guard of Napolean, competent, loyal, and tested leaders of his army. Their skills were tested over a period of at least ten years and had enjoyed special recognition for their service.
Closer to home, the Third Infantry Regiment of the United States Army, also known as the Old Guard, is the official military guardian of Washington, D.C., the Tomb of the Unknown and provides support for military burials at Arlington National Cemetery.
Old does not describe, however, the effort and contributions of Old Guard members in Connecticut. Members are retired but still help at Habitat for Humanity builds, Foodshare sorting and distribution, staffing a Salvation Army bucket for the holiday season at the LaSalle Road post office, delivering Meals on Wheels and acting as guides at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Their golf tournament, Kilwin’s Old Guard Swing for the Kids, raised over $10,600 this year for YMCA summer camp scholarships. These are volunteer activities participated in by many members but not a requirement. Committee heads act as captains to organize participation and liaise with charitable organizations. Also optional is attendance at weekly meetings featuring guest speakers from government, the community, education and more.
West Hartford Town Council Issues Proclamation to Old Guard
The West Hartford Town Council issued a Proclamation honoring the Old Guard at their meeting at Town Hall last evening (Tuesday). Incoming President John Keleher and most of the living past-presidents were present for the honor. The Proclamation was read by Mayor Shari Cantor and presented to Keleher. The document recognized the contributions of the Old Guard to the community and to the education and fellowship of its members. In the past year alone, members contributed over $100,000 of food “worth” to local and regional food banks, delivered Meals on Wheels, collected for the Salvation Army, contributed over $10,000 to the West Hartford YMCA for camp scholarships, labored for Habitat for Humanity and Restore and provided guides at the UConn Health Center. In his acceptance remarks, Keleher noted that unlike so many social organizations today, the Old Guard membership, while founded in 1966, continues to grow, now over 200 strong and in the past year increased members by over 10%. New members have come from retirees who worked and lived in the area as well as men who have moved into the community to be near their children and grandchildren here. (Additional information can be found at: ctoldguard.org) Photo caption: In the photograph,(l-r), past presidents Al Nweeia, Jeff Lee, Tew DuBois, Bob Hill, Bob Schaefer, John Keleher, Mayor Shari Cantor, Tom Goodrum, Dale Richter, Russ Jones, Ed Turbert. (Missing: John Mitman, Ron VanWinkle, Phil Gardner and Don Kauke (behind camera)).
For information about membership, please contact Membership Chairman Mike Cabrey at MikeCabrey@me.com.