28 Jul BUFFALO SOLDIERS: ROLE MODELS OF “TEAMWORK, TONE, TENACITY” (T3)!

BUFFALO SOLDIERS:  ROLE MODELS OF 

“TEAMWORK, TONE, TENACITY” (T3)! 

28 July is Buffalo Soldiers Day, commemorating the formation of the first regular US Army regiments comprising African American soldiers in 1866.  These inspirationally patriotic Americans epitomized: 

TEAMWORK:  TONE: The succinct, impactful mottos of their two regiments were, “We Can, We Will” and “Ready and Forward.”  While facing the hardships of the West and the indignations of discrimination, these valiant Americans earned respect from their fellow troops and superiors. Buffalo Soldiers had a lower-than-average desertion rate, a lower dishonorable discharge rate and a higher reenlistment rate than the rest of the Army.  In the 20 years between 1870-90, 18 Buffalo soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor.  The first national celebration of Buffalo Soldiers occurred in 1992, when GEN Colin Powell dedicated a monument in their honor in Fort Leavenworth, KS where the original 10th Cavalry was stationed. A Buffalo Soldier Museum has since been built in Houston, TX.

TENACITY:

• TEAMWORK: Approx 2,500 Buffalo Soldiers served with distinction on the Frontier in the 9th and 10th Cavalries protecting unsettled lands as pioneers moved westward. They built roads and military posts, strung telegraph lines, served as National Park Rangers and provided security.  Also noted for their dedication and commitment during late 1800’s engagements including storming San Juan Hill in Cuba with Teddy Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders.”  In 1944, the Army activated two regiments of Buffalo Soldiers and transferred their members to other units, as integration in the military began.

• TONE:  The succinct, impactful mottos of their two regiments were, “We Can, We Will” and “Ready and Forward.”  While facing the hardships of the West and the indignations of discrimination, these valiant Americans earned respect from their fellow troops and superiors. Buffalo Soldiers had a lower-than-average desertion rate, a lower dishonorable discharge rate and a higher reenlistment rate than the rest of the Army.  In the 20 years between 1870-90, 18 Buffalo Soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor.  The first national celebration of Buffalo Soldiers occurred in 1992, when GEN Colin Powell dedicated a monument in their honor in Fort Leavenworth, KS where the original 10th Cavalry was stationed. A Buffalo Soldier Museum has since been built in Houston, TX.

• TENACITY:  Amongst the prominent Buffalo Soldiers were: LT Henry Flipper, the first African American graduate from West Point in 1877, and Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis Sr., who served with the regiment as an enlisted man and received his commission in 1901. In 1940 Davis became the first African American promoted to General in the U.S. Army.  In 2005, the oldest living Buffalo Soldier died. Mark Matthews lived to be 111 years old. He rests eternally at Arlington National Cemetery where all Americans can pay their respects.

Buffalo Soldiers distinguished themselves during several decades of America’s Westward Expansion defending settlers, preserving and protecting our first national parks, and performing valiantly in combat actions overseas. Through patriotism, pride and professionalism they laid the groundwork for the advancement of African American Soldiers while leaving a lasting impact on the Army and society.

– Rear Admiral Paul Becker, USN (Ret) is a motivational and national security keynote speaker.  He is a leadership professor at the U.S. Naval Academy and the CEO of The Becker T3 Group. In 2016, The Naval Intelligence Community established “The Rear Admiral Becker ‘Teamwork, Tone, Tenacity Award for Leadership” in his honor.  To connect with Paul, visit his website: https://TheBeckerT3Group.com