Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin - Federation of American ...

Buffalo
Soldier dedication
Story and photo by Garlan Martens
(From left) Joan Way, president of the Southwest Association of Buffalo
This article originally appeared in the Fort Soldiers, the Honorable Ronald James, assistant secretary of the Army
Huachuca Scout, 30 April 2009, and is reprinted (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) and MG John Custer unveil the plaque at the
with permission.
dedication ceremony of the Buffalo Soldier Legacy Plaza, Friday.
For more than 50 years, black men from around the United States called Fort Huachuca home and became
known as Buffalo Soldiers. On April 23, their contributions to the Army and the Southwest were recognized
at the dedication ceremony of the Buffalo Soldier Legacy Plaza.
The plaza, located across from the traffic circle in what is known as Old Post, is also the new location
for the Buffalo Soldier statue that stood by the main gate for many years. The statue, first dedicated over
30 years ago to mark Fort Huachuca’s 100th anniversary, was moved when Major General Barbara Fast,
a former post commander, formalized the idea for the plaza and Legacy Trail. The walking trail begins at
the plaza and takes visitors through Old Post stopping at many historical sites such as the Fort Huachuca
Museum.
The legacy of the Buffalo Soldier is one dating back to 1866 when Congress passed legislation approving
the formation of six Army regiments which included the 9th and 10th Cavalry. The 24th and 25th Infantry
were formed separately several years later, and conducted missions around the West. Beginning in 1892,
all four of the units were permanently located at the remote Army post in Southeast Arizona and remained
there for years to come. Major General John Custer reminded all in attendance that, although many other
Army installations claim they are the home of the Buffalo Soldiers, Fort Huachuca is the true home of the
black soldiers.
“We should all hold that very dear,” he added. The guest speaker for the dedication was the Honorable
Ronald James, the assistant secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs). James, also a retired
Army Officer, spoke of the long history black Soldiers have made in the military, not only the Buffalo
Soldiers, but others dating back to the Civil War. His remarks centered on people such as his great grandfather,
Alexander Hogan, who was born into slavery and entered the military later in life. He added that
many such as his great grandfather made the ultimate sacrifice for a divided nation not fully appreciative
of their service and dedication. James also spoke about how the plaza would be a lasting tribute to all
black Soldiers and the steps they made to make a difference in the Armed services.
The dedication concluded with James, Custer, Colonel Melissa Sturgeon (Fort Huachuca garrison commander),
Joan Way, representing the Southwest Buffalo Soldier Association ,and Ron Eppich of the Old
Guard Riders, unveiling the plaque in front of the Buffalo Soldier statue and then raising the red and white
Buffalo Soldier Cavalry Guidon.
60 Military Intelligence