LOCAL STUDENTS GRADUATE ANTI-DRUG, PRO-HORSE CAMP

BRISTOL -- Parents of the 12 local students who attended a camp to teach
them horsemanship and anti-drug skills last week praised the work of the
1st Company Governor's Horse Guard troopers at the children's graduation
ceremony Sunday.

Following a ceremony in which the students demonstrated their newly
acquired skills by riding around a ring and lining up their mounts, the
parents of the campers shared their praise for the "Just Say Nay to
Drugs" program and the work of local police Officer Mark Bernier, who
organized the camp.

"I wish we had more programs like this for young kids," said Bristol
resident Diane Vita, who was in attendance to see her niece, Tiffany
Vita, graduate. "I teach and have a DARE [Drug Abuse Resistance
Education] program in another town, but I wish we had something like
this. I think it's wonderful to show them [the students] other things to
do and keep them busy."

Bristol resident Earl Affhauser said his son, Christopher Banaszek, was
excited about his experiences in the four-day camp.

"He was talking about the drug program going on and how they were
working with horses and trotting them in. He loved that part, working
with the horses," Affhauser said. "At first he said it was like boot
camp, but the troopers were a lot nicer."

The parents all said they liked how the Horse Guards troopers paired the
learning about the responsibilities associated with caring for and
riding horses with an anti-drug message about taking responsibility for
one's actions.

"I was so happy to see her doing something so good," Bristol resident
Roxanne Schmid said about her daughter, Kristina Bartolotta.

"It keeps them occupied and they stay out of trouble," said Scott Schmid
about the students.

Private First Class Howard Miller, a Horse Guards trooper, said he was
impressed by the students during his first opportunity to volunteer at
the camp.

"They seem to have gained new confidence and I think it was very
successful. They seem to be very conscientious, I don't see anybody
goofing off or neglecting their duties with the horses, even the less
glamorous ones," Miller said. "For every hour actually spent in the
saddle, you probably spend three hours cleaning, grooming and taking
care of tack. They seem to have accepted that and you can't ask for much
more than that."

Following the students' graduation ceremony, in which they received
plaques Bernier assembled from wood, a horseshoe and a photo of the
campers with their horse, the children joined their families for a
picnic lunch with food provided by Canton Adam's IGA and Biscayne West
Luncheonette.

The camp was free for the students and everything the students needed
was donated, included their instructors' time and all of their meals.

Bristol resident Maureen Nadeau said her son, Eric, was excited by the
opportunity to ride.

"He came home every night talking about a great adventure. He really
enjoyed it and I enjoyed hearing about it everyday," Nadeau said. "It's
a great thing they're doing out here. It's really good for the kids."