Newington Town Crier 07 17 2015

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Service commended Friday, July 17, 2015

Marine veteran gifted with new horse trailer By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER

NEWINGTON — When Richard Kowalker joined the Marine Corps in 1965 on his 17th birthday, he never imagined he’d still be serving his country well into his 60s. Now 66 years old, the Newington native has no plans to stop serving, and friends, family, local business owners and town dignitaries are making certain he can continue far into the future. A large crowd recently gathered outside Turnpike Motors to present Kowalker with a new horse trailer — a vehicle symbolizing his compassion. Since 2006, the Vietnam veteran has provided Volume 55, No. 29

Free

riderless horses at funerals for America’s veterans and fallen heroes. When his trailer broke down before the service for World War II veteran Norman Varney recently, the lack of transportation did not stop Kowalker from completing his mission. “I gave my word and I like to be a person of my word,” he said. Alongside horses Melody and Sassy, he’d be making the trek from Middlefield to D’Esopo Funeral Chapel in Wethersfield, but the funeral staff there suggested he cancel the visit. He headed out on foot anyway, and police from Middlefield, Cromwell, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield were happy to escort him. While passing the New York Pickle Deli on Route 3 in Rocky Hill, a fellow good Samaritan intervened. Deli owner Ken Yavis Lisa Sanchez Gonzalez| Special to the Town Crier knew of Kowalker and recognized At left, Newington native and Marine veteran Richard Kowalker with horses, Sassy and Melody. At right, Marine See HORSE, Page 4

Adrian Rodriguez hauls in a new horse trailer for Kowalker.

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