One of 24 nation-wide chapters of the Ninth and Tenth
(Horse) Cavalry Association of "The Buffalo Soldiers",
we are a patriotic military service organization, which exists for
the purpose of carrying out the non-profit, educational objectives
of the national association. Dedicated to sharing the legacy of
the Buffalo Soldier through community service, we love to tell the
story of the Buffalo Soldiers in schools, churches, community centers,
private corporations, and wherever people are interested in hearing
this forgotten chapter of American history. We are and shall remain
non-partisan and non-political.
Living Legends
We are proud to have in our membership a "Living Legend",
Trooper Henri A. LeGendre, 9th Cavalry World War II. In October 2005,
BSGNCC said goodbye to Trooper Myrtle Rhoden, WAC
Unit (stationed at Fort Clark, Texas) World War II. Trooper LeGendre,
as did Trooper Rhoden, is truly living the last chapter of the Buffalo
Soldiers through continued dedication and service.
Evolution of the Ninth and Tenth (Horse) Cavalry Association
The 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association traces its
beginning to 1966 in Kansa City, Missouri. At that time, a group
of former cavalrymen got together to talk about their military heritage
and unique military experience. One hundred years had passed since,
by an Act of Congress, two regiments of cavlry were created for
colored men. Designated the 9th and 10th Cavalry, these regiments
were part of a bold experiment to accept Black men in the regular
army establishment.
At the Kansas City meeting were veterans of the 9th & 10th
Calvary regiments. Many were assigned to the regiments when they
were inactivated in March 1944. With their ranks getting thin, they
looked for ways to assure that information about the exploits and
accomplishments of the original Black cavalrymen and their own experience
would not die with them. It was decided that this could be accomplished
by forming a 9th & 10th Cavalry Association. It was alos decided
to hold annual reunions at different locations in the nation. Annual
reunions, it was assumed, would attract the men who had served in
the regiments and shared the common unique experience, would perpetuate
the memory of comrades 2ho have passed on, and would provide community
awareness of their rich military heritage.
The 9th & 10th Cavalry Association was initially chartered
in the State of Missouri as a non-profit organization. Later the
name was changed to 9th & 10th (Horse( Cavalry Association to
distinguish it from modern cavalry units. In 1985, the charter of
the 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association was transferred
from the State of Missouri to the State of Kansas.
At the outset, regular membership in the association was limited
to persons who had served in the 9th & 10th Cavalry Regiments.
In 1977, allied membership was extended to any person who has rendered
outstanding service to the association or to the United States through
service either in the Armed Forces or their community.
An active effort of the Association is to stimulate public awareness
and interest in the history and achievements of the Buffalo Soldiers.
Most historians have overlooked or suppressed the role played by
Buffalo Soldiers in the settlement and economic development of the
western half of the United States after the Civil War. Moreover,
their years of service to this nation, both at home and abroad,
is just gradually becoming known. To increase public knowledge of
their unique record of service, the Association uses its resources
to engage in community activities that feature the contributions
of Black men and women in American military history.
Annual Reunions
The first annual reunion, the 101st Anniversary Reunion, was held
in 1967 at Fort Riley, Kansas. Since that time, the association
has held successful annual reunions with extensive lists of notables
that include Colonel (later General) Julius Becton, Jr., Colonel
(later General) Roscoe Robinson, Jr., the late General Daniel "Chappie"
James, Rear Admiral L. A. Williams, Major General John Q. T. King,
Major General Harry Brooks, and Brigadier General (later General,
Joint Chiefs of Staff, and now Secretary of State) Colin L. Powell.
The Greater North Carolina Chapter was the proud host of
the 140th Annual Reunion in Greensboro, North Carolina
in 2006.
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