By NORINE ROWE
NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs Department

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD—When Hurricane Isabel unleashed her fury on Southern Maryland in September, Master Gunnery Sgt. Rich Buttigieg stood sentry in the stables at Greenwell State Park, ready to rescue a herd of horses should blustering winds wreak havoc to the barns there.

As the storm raged on, boards banged and the tin roof rattled. Frightened by the racket, the horses paced in their stalls, pawing at the sawdust floors. But Buttigieg, a member of the Marine Aviation Detachment here, was determined to sit out the storm to ensure the safety of his steeds. Stretching a hammock between two cross-ties, he turned on some classical music and hunkered down for the night.

At the height of the storm, a nine-year-old appendix quarterhorse named Emily became so scared that Buttigieg took her out of her stall and groomed her for an hour, using his calming touch to ease her fears. Later in the night, a frightened Welsh pony named Prince escaped from his stall and ran out into the dark. Buttigieg, who was right behind, managed to lure him back with an apple.

At dawn, Buttigieg found downed trees, scattered boards and pastures littered with leaves and limbs. But there was no serious damage to the stables. Most importantly, the horses used in the Therapeutic Riding Program at Greenwell were safe.

"Above and beyond the call of duty" is how Kathy Sears, executive director of the Greenwell Foundation, described Buttigieg's work that night.

"Rich wanted to be close to the horses and help them if needed in an emergency," Sears said. "He's just that good."

Known for being there when needed, Buttigieg has been named Volunteer of the Year by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. He received the award for NARHA's Region 2, which includes Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., New Jersey and New York.

As a volunteer at Greenwell, Buttigieg puts in about 40 hours per month. Much of the time, he helps children with disabilities learn to ride while they improve motor skills, develop a sense of balance and boost self-esteem. He also assists the riding program by tacking up horses, mucking out stalls and mending fences.

"He's there the minute a fence rail comes down," said Greenwell riding instructor Helaine Burch, who nominated Buttigieg for the award. "Whatever the task or need, Rich is usually performing it before being asked."

Since responding to an ad for volunteers in 1999, Buttigieg has spent the last four years at Greenwell learning from the ground up.

"He came here as a novice about horses, but his interest was keen," Burch said. "He absorbed information like a sponge."

Buttigieg started out working with an autistic young man in the Therapeutic Riding Program who, Burch said, "adored his company." Since then, he has helped many other students in the riding program, knowing just how much to cue young riders according to the instructor's commands. With a handicapped child sitting astride the horse, he offers words of encouragement while walking alongside to ensure the child's safety.

"Rich has a wonderful way of increasing the attention span of little ones, and knows when to be a bit more stern and say 'settle down and cut the clowning,'" Burch said. "His calm, focused attention gives both horses and riders a sense of comfort."

As Buttigieg's knowledge and experience have increased, his volunteer responsibilities have expanded. He now helps exercise the horses on Greenwell's 600 acres of trails. He also serves as a volunteer coordinator on designated days, making sure that the horses are tacked up and volunteers and students are in the arena on schedule. And he stands in as a substitute for volunteers who can't make a session, helping to keep the lesson program running smoothly.

"Rich adds a wonderful aura of dignified efficiency to the entire Therapeutic Riding Program," Burch said. "And because his standard of performance is so high, he constantly inspires all of us to strive for the highest quality in providing services to our community."

The greatest impact Buttigieg makes, however, is with individual students like nine-year-old Brady Carrigan.

"Brady is challenged by the effects of Down Syndrome, but mostly he is a little boy thrilled to be riding horses," said his grandmother, Judith Carrigan. "Rich has made his experience much more than a thrill. He has cheerfully run by Brady's side keeping him safe while Brady enjoyed his greatest thrill, trotting."

By gently but firmly placing Brady's hands in the correct position on the reins, by giving clear and respectful directions about what to do next in the riding ring, and by giving consistent advice without pressuring, Buttigieg has helped Brady improve his riding skills.

"Rich has made Brady's world brighter each time he has been with him," Carrigan said. "It has been a joy for me to see Brady grow in confidence, skill and self-esteem as he responds to Rich's patient, positive reminders."

"Rich is beloved and admired by all at Greenwell, perhaps because while he leads so well, he never seems to be giving orders," Burch said. "He is always polite and concerned, and is a pleasure to work with."

More the strong, silent type, Buttigieg hates to toot his own horn.

"My whole focus is supporting the program here so the students have a good experience. I just do what needs to be done," Buttigieg said.

Summing up the qualities that earned Buttigieg the volunteer-of-the-year award, Burch talked about his strong work ethic, his dedication to Greenwell's Therapeutic Riding Program and his commitment to excellence.

"Rich is trusted beyond measure by all," Burch said, "both human and equine."

A recognition ceremony honoring all of the regional volunteer-of-the-year award winners with the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. will be held in Phoenix, Ariz., in November.

—USN—

Master Gunnery Sgt. Rich Buttigieg, a volunteer in the Therapeutic Riding Program at Greenwell State Park, gives instructions to Brady Carrigan on how to hold the reins during a recent riding session. Buttigieg won the regional Volunteer of the Year by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. An awards ceremony for Buttigieg and other regional winners will be held in Phoenix in November.
Photo by Norine Rowe