Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point?
Beginning in 1962, Jackie “Jack” Gaines and Alpheus “Al” Jones, retired 9th and 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers of West Point, began to host annual memorial events to honor and celebrate the legacy of the Buffalo Soldier and the contributions of African American Veterans in the Hudson Valley region of New York State.
Who were the original founding members of the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point?
Jackie “Jack” Gaines, Alpheus “Al” Jones, Leon Tatum, Edward Sisk, Edward Smith, Sanders H. Matthews Sr., Perry Hicks, Kenneth Nike, Joseph Dunn, Wilber Mays, Hewitt Teabout, and over 50 other retired 9th and 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers of West Point.
When did the Association receive its nonprofit status?
In 2008, the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point, Inc. was founded by the last living known West Point Buffalo Soldier, Sergeant (Ret.) Sanders H. Matthews (now deceased), with the help of Mattie Moore, Joseph Thaxton, Robert Young, and Kerney Oby (now deceased).
Why was the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point created?
The Association was created as a not-for-profit Corporation (501(c)3 in the state of New York to expand the Buffalo Soldiers Memorial event, increase educational programs, and enhance the awareness of the contributions and experiences of active and retired military personnel in the Army, and Veterans in the Hudson Valley region.
What does the Buffalo Soldiers Association do?
The Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point hosts annual commemorative events, educates the public, honors and celebrates military personnel, and creates Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) initiatives that preserve the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers.
