As the nation gears up for the 99th Veterans Day, Newport Polo proudly welcomed the Naval War College Polo Club’s 30th class, with a record-breaking 21 recruits ready for their field training in polo tactics at our instructional HQ.

Joining from D.C., U.S. Polo Association’s Armed Forces Committee Chair Mark Gillespie helped steer the action, dividing the recruits into drill stations for hands-on skill-building. “It's a powerful legacy of the military-polo bond,” said Gillespie.

Dan Keating, Newport Polo President and founding supporter of the Naval War College Polo Club since 1995, remarked, “Our military participants and their families have been some of our most dedicated club members.

 It’s a great honor to offer them a chance for recreation and camaraderie on the polo field.”

Keating’s devotion to military polo earned him the 2021 General George S. Patton Jr. Award—the first civilian to receive this honor—recognizing his extraordinary efforts to keep polo accessible to military members and their families for over 30 years. Inspired by General Patton, who used polo to train soldiers under pressure, Keating’s work keeps this storied military tradition alive and thriving.

 

About Newport Polo: Newport Polo is the home of America's First Polo Club, founded in 1876, a charter member of the United States Polo Association. Newport Polo offers year-round polo club member services and polo instruction, and celebrated the 33rd season of the Newport International Polo Series' public exhibition polo matches last June through September.

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