Sergeant Richard Arthur Kowalker, known throughout Connecticut as “The Riderless Horse Marine,” passed away on May 2, 2025, at the age of 76. Born September 21, 1948, in Middletown, Connecticut, Sgt. Kowalker devoted his life to honoring the fallen with an unmatched spirit of patriotism, compassion, and duty. He was laid to rest with full military honors on June 6, 2025, at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.
A Marine’s Purpose: Honoring the Dead
Sgt. Kowalker served in the United States Marine Corps for 11 years, including a combat deployment during the Vietnam War from April 1968 to May 1969. For his courage and sacrifice, he received the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation. Upon returning home, he served his community working security at the Long Lane reform school in Middletown. But it was his later calling—to honor fallen veterans—that came to define his legacy.
After facing the challenges of post-traumatic stress, Sgt. Kowalker found healing through a mission rooted in reverence: ensuring no veteran was laid to rest without honor.
Melody and the Riderless Horse Tradition
In 2005, Sgt. Kowalker adopted a Morgan mare named Melody. With no prior horse-handling experience, he trained alongside her until they became inseparable. Clad in his Marine dress blues, Sgt. Kowalker would solemnly lead Melody—with an empty saddle and reversed boots symbolizing a fallen warrior—through hundreds of veteran funerals across Connecticut. Their presence was a moving embodiment of military tradition and love for fellow service members.
Together, Richard and Melody honored over 700 veterans. On countless occasions, he was not officially scheduled to participate—but that never stopped him. He made it his mission to be there for as many veterans as possible, regardless of time, distance, or weather.
One of the most memorable examples of his dedication came when a fire destroyed his horse trailer. Rather than cancel his appearance, he walked over 15 miles with Melody and a borrowed horse to keep his promise. This act led to a community-led fundraiser to replace his trailer—a testament to the respect he had earned across the state.
Even after Melody passed away peacefully in 2018 at the age of 33, Richard continued his mission. Her final days were spent at the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue in East Hampton, where Sgt. Kowalker stayed by her side, speaking gently as she passed—a Marine to the end.
Farewell from His Fellow Marines
Sal V. Sena Sr., a fellow Marine, Connecticut veteran leader, and longtime friend, reflected on Sgt. Kowalker’s passing:
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform all the Connecticut Veterans of the passing of Richard Kowalker, aka ‘The Riderless Horse Marine’. I apologize for the late notice, but I was just notified that Richard passed away and is being laid to rest today at the State Veterans Cemetery. Richard passed away May 2nd. I had the pleasure and Honor of working with Richard in the Military Funeral Honors with the Marine Corps League, Hardware City Detachment in honoring all our Veterans in Connecticut. Richard was a proud member of just about every Veteran Organization in Connecticut. On hundreds of occasions {if not thousands} Richard and his horse, Melody would take upon themselves to stand vigil next to the gravesite. On numerous occasions, even though Richard was not assigned to that particular service, he would take upon himself to Honor as many Veterans as he possibly could, in their ‘Final Resting Place’. Over the years, Richard has honored over 5000 Veterans in their final Hour.”
— Sal V. Sena Sr.
A Tribute from a Distinguished Marine
Sal V. Sena Sr.’s own record of service mirrors his deep respect for Sgt. Kowalker’s mission. Among his recognitions:
- 2024 – DAV / Angelo Tomasso Veteran of Distinction Award
- 2018–present – Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, CT State Liaison – Governor’s Council
- 2017 – CT Service to Country & Community Award
- 2017 – CT Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran of the Year
- 2017 – CCSU Veterans Public Service Award
- 2016 – CT Veterans Hall of Fame
- 2014 – Chapel of Four Chaplains Humanitarian of the Year
- 2013–present – Department of CT Public Relations Officer
- 2012–present – TACOM Compliance Officer
- 2012 – CT MCL Veteran of the Year
- 2012 – CT Pack Dog of the Year
- 2011 – Detachment Marine of the Year
- 2005 – Past Detachment Commandant
- Past New England Division Historian
- Past Commander, Funeral Honors
Final Salute
Sgt. Richard Kowalker, United States Marine Corps, earned the respect of thousands through tireless service not just in war, but in the quiet hours where he honored the dead. His legacy includes more than 5,000 veterans given a respectful farewell, countless grieving families comforted, and a state united in reverence.
He was a proud member of nearly every veteran organization in Connecticut. Sgt. Kowalker is survived by his siblings, extended family, and an entire community who proudly call him brother.
He didn’t just live by the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis—he was the embodiment of it. Always faithful. Always present. Always a Marine.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.