President's Message

Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers Inc. P.O. Box 715 Sierra Vista, Arizona, 85636

Keeping the Community and the Nation Informed

ISSUE II Quarterly Newsletter October-December 2016 Website: www.swabuffalosoldiers.org

President’s Message Christmas Edition

Bradford, Corresponding ing a lease agreement for Secretary; Billie Hollo- SWABS to restore/renovate

way and Charles Forten- the Mountain View Colored berry, Members at Large. Officers Club. New members will be It is both an honor and sworn in during the Janu- privilege to serve as the ary 2017 general mem- President of this associa- bership meeting. Mem- tion. I want to thank all the SWABS Charles Hancock bers are elected for a two members who have sup- NEWLY ELECTED Email: [email protected] -year term that will ex- ported me during the past OFFICERS pire in 2019. The Southwest Associa- two years and I look for- (2017-2019 tion of Buffalo Soldiers During calendar year ward to providing continued (SWABS) held its gen- President: Charles Hancock 2016, the president of the leadership in the next two eral membership elec- association gave over 20 years. Vice President: Demetria tions in December 2016. Buffalo Soldier presenta- Warren The newly elected offi- tions to local schools, 2nd Vice President: Ernie cers are: Charles Han- churches and veteran Calhoun cock, President; De- organization throughout metria Warren, Vice Secretary: La Verne Jenkins Cochise County, Pima President; Ernest Cal- County and Graham Treasurer: Bessie Bradford houn, Second Vice Presi- County. dent; Bessie Bradford, Corresponding Secretary: We continue to work Harlan Bradford Sr. Treasurer; Laverne Jen- kins, Secretary; Harlan with the leadership of Board Member at Large: Fort Huachuca in obtain- Billie Holloway Sr., and Chairman of the Board

Board Member at Large: CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD MESSAGE Charles Fortenberry The fourth quarter has ing a Buffalo Soldier been a very busy time for presence on numerous the SWABS Organiza- occasions when re- tion. We have provided quested. We wish all our Buffalo Soldier presenta- membership a "MERRY tions in Sierra Vista, CHRISTMAS" and a Huachuca City, Tomb- "HAPPY NEW YEAR." stone, and Tucson. We SWABS is looking for- participated in parades in ward to a busy 2017! Billie J. Holloway Sr Tombstone, Wilcox, and Email: [email protected] Sierra Vista, and provid-

Vice President's Message The Medal of Honor is the Highest Military Decoration Text Cited from: Wikipedia Demetria Warren Email: [email protected] The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. Recipients must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Because of the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously. Of the 3,470 Medals of Honor awarded as of June 2015, 90 have been awarded to 89 different African American recipients. Robert Augustus Sweeney is one of nineteen men, and the only African American, to have been awarded two I personally believe the Buffalo Medals of Honor. Soldier is one of the proudest Sol- A 1993 study commissioned by the United States Army investigated racial dis- diers of all time. We share that crimination in the awarding of medals. At the time, no Medals of Honor had same pride today. My desire is been awarded to black soldiers who served in World War II. After an exhaustive that all Americans identify the review of files, the study recommended that several black Distinguished Service Soldiers from the past and present Cross recipients be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. On January 13, 1997, Presi- as a statue of strength to emulate. dent Bill Clinton awarded the Medal to seven African American World War II Contributions of the Buffalo Sol- veterans; of these, only Vernon Baker was still alive. diers, about “How the West was won” is not complete. Many un- On March 18, 2014, following a review of 23 other Citations of Hispanic and told stories have been shared in Jewish soldiers that may have been passed over for the Medal of Honor due to the last year of husbands, fathers, their race or religion, former Special Forces soldier Melvin Morris, an African wives, brothers, and grandfathers American was selected to be included into the review in order to allow his Dis- of their heroism. The battle is in tinguished Service Cross (DSC) Medal, which is the United States Army's sec- the struggles, how we arrived and ond highest award for combat valor to be upgraded to the Medal of Honor continue to march. We honor our (MOH), the Nation's highest decoration for courage in combat. own by telling the Soldiers' story in the West. Currently, SWABS continue to share the legacy of all the Medal of honor winners. In 1877, a quiet movement of colored Soldiers stationed here at Fort Huachuca contributed, a legacy of candor, courage, and com- mitment.

Melvin Morris Army Medal of Honor Recipient Army Medal of Honor

Vietnam Board Member at Large Message

Vernon Baker Army Medal of Honor Recipient

World War II

Second Vice President's Message Secretary Report

SWABS has had a very successful previous quarter, having participated in numerous parades and conducting several presentations. The only thing that LaVerne Jenkins can enhance our efforts and make [email protected] us better would be more members. Help us recruit more members so we can make 2017 an even more successful year. All previous and current organization minutes are available for all members to review at their Ernie Calhoun request. Submit your request to the Secretary at [email protected] her email address.

Treasury Report Corresponding Secretary Report

Bessie Bradford Harlan Bradford [email protected] Email [email protected]

Financial Report As events occur, we will seize every opportunity to keep October 20, 2016 our membership informed of what is going on within the organization, and what activities are currently scheduled Beginning Balance: $3,521.32 and projected for the future. I encourage those members that cannot always come out to our meeting or events to Income: $337.00 continue to support us with your donations and letters of Expenses: $480.00 support.

Business Checking: $3,378.32 Scholarship Chairwoman Scholarship Account: $1,033.03 We are looking Business Savings: $7,969.01 forward to an exciting 2017 Ending Balance: $12,380.36 Scholarship year. Continue to support us with your scholarship donations. The youth of our community need our support. Lynnise Moore [email protected]

Board Member at Large

Message

Charles Fortenberry [email protected]

SWABS contributed over $500 during 2016 to the Peaches Pantry 501c (3)non profit backpack food relief program. The names of eligible students for this program are sent to the Peaches Pantry representative by way of the school nurse's office. Many students receive meals at theirs schools on days when classes are in session. On weekends however, some students do not have access to food or complete meals. Volunteers from PP prepare backpacks for these students to provide them with a source of food in a non-conspicuous manner. In some cases over 100 backpacks are prepared for students weekly throughout this school district. In addition to SWABS, several other local service clubs and organizations (as well as individuals) participate in the Peaches Pantry Backpack Program.

TENTATIVE April-15th Pancake Breakfast Fundraising Chairwoman FUNDRAISING EVENT 6 am-11 am DATES: Landmark Cafe'

Golf Tournament will be held some time during the First May-Crispy Crème Donuts Quarter of 2017 June- Juneteenth Celebration Jan-28th Endowment Soirée sponsorship-participation 2pm - 4pm Sierra Suites - Sierra Vista July - Donate a Dollar -Buffalo Allyne McFalls shaped cut out [email protected] Feb-18th 50's - 70's Sock Hop 6pm -9pm August- Candy bar fundraiser October 7th Car Cochise College Wash 8am- 12pm March -18th Car Wash September-12th Dinner Denny's parking lot 8am- 12pm 4pm-9pm Denny's parking lot Outback Steakhouse-Sierra Vista November- April-15th Pancake Breakfast December Telethon

Membership

Chairwoman

Marian Fletcher Email:[email protected]

SOUTHWEST ASSOCIATION OF BUFFALO SOLDIERS, INC. (SWABS) POST OFFICE BOX 715 SIERRA VISTA, AZ 85636-0715

6 January 2017

Dear SWABS Members All ANNUAL members, it’s time to update or renew your membership 1 January each year with a deadline of 31 January 2017. If you wish to renew your membership, please remit your dues to the address at the top of this page. Please provide a valid email address, mailing address, and phone number so we can keep you informed of issues ongoing in the organization.

Membership Fees: Regular $25.00 (Annual) $10.00 (Associate)

Life Fees: Age 50 and over, $250.00 Age 40- 49, $350.00 Age 30-39, $450.00 Age 29- and below, $500

If you have any questions, you can contact Marian M. Fletcher at 520 458-0617 or e-mail me at [email protected] Sincerely, /s/ MARIAN M. FLETCHER Membership Chairman

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN “SPIRIT OF THE BUFFALO SOLDIER AWARDS PROGRAM”

David Perryman [email protected]

The Spirit of the Buffalo Soldier Award Program will be held at Buena High School Performing Arts Auditorium on Saturday April 8th, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Our Association feels that many non-honor students with starting grade of “C” or below who have shown the most improvement should be recognized for their accomplishments and encouraged to continue to improve. Each of these students, like the Buffalo Soldiers of long ago, should never be forgotten because each student has so much to offer his or her Community. Each student will be called up to the auditorium stage to receive a 2” Buffalo Soldier Medal and 8” by 12” wall Certificate of Achievement by Association Buffalo Soldiers in uniform with a photo session following. Last year 160 students from three area school districts and two area Charter schools participated.

President Charles Hancock and other SWABS Board Members, David Perryman, Billie Holloway and Harlan Bradford attended a presentation in Patagonia, Arizona, on 30 September 2016 where John Langellier, historian and author of Buffalo Soldier history, gave a brief overview of Buffalo Soldier history in Arizona and showed a movie “Sergeant Rutledge,” a western and military courtroom drama directed by John Ford and filmed in Monument Valley, Utah. John P. Langellier We purchased John Langellier’s latest book Fighting for Uncle Historian and Author Sam: Buffalo Soldiers in the Frontier Army. We also picked up the latest copy of a collector’s Edition of “TRUEWEST” magazine, featuring the Buffalo Soldier. John has served in various positions for the US Army at the Presidio of San Francisco; the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Wyoming State Museum; Autry Western Heritage Center; Reagan Presidential Library; Sharlot Hall Museum; and the Arizona Historical Society.

EVENTS AND SWABS PHOTOS OF 2016

SWABS won BEST ENTRY in the Benson, Arizona , “Butterfield Parade” on 8 October 2016. Representing SWABS were President Charles Hancock, Allyne McFalls, Barbara Blankenship, and Harlan Bradford. Billie Holloway took this photo before they departed to line up for the parade. Billie departed to get SWABS display site set up in Lions Park, where we displayed SWABS products in a fundraiser, and Barbara spent time with the Benson “ladies” of the 1800s.

Setting up SWABS products display

"Ladies" of the 1800's

SWABS President Charles Hancock With Film Director, Robert Isho, on the site of the recent filming of the “Buffalo Soldier” in Naco, Arizona on 29 Oct 16. Also in attendance were Dave Perryman, Allyne McFalls, and Demetria Warren. Charles Hancock and Barbara Blakenship both had speaking roles in the film.

Here Barbara Blankenship is escorted by a Buffalo Soldier from Tucson

SWABS President Charles Hancock provided a Buffalo Soldier presentation to the 10th grade class at Sky Island High School in Tucson, Arizona, on 8 November 2016. Billie Holloway, SWABS Chairman of the Board, also provided an additional Buffalo Soldier presence.

Veterans Day Parade, Sierra Vista, Friday, November 11, 2016. Operating from special assignment location #47, with our trailer, we traveled the route of the parade. SWABS President Charles Hancock, BJ Holloway, Harlan Bradford, Demetria Warren and Barbara Blankenship all participated in the event. Demetria drove the truck pulling the trailer. Charles marched out front with the SWABS colors; Barbara marched out front and periodically left the marching route to personally thank children. BJ and Harlan (Brad) rode in the trailer, waived at the crowds and tossed pieces of candy to children; and all gave special recognition to celebrities in the reviewing stand. At the end of the parade, we all attended the ceremony in Veterans Park and greeted military and civilian special participants and attendees.

BJ Holloway is ready to participate as he stands by the SWABS trailer. Go, BJ!

Vietnam Veterans Association: Saturday, November 12, 2016, 7:30 A.M.: Charles Hancock, President; BJ Holloway, Chairman of the Board; Harlan Bradford, Corresponding Secretary; and Barbara Blankenship attended the event. Charles made a presentation in regards to the story of the Buffalo Soldiers and African- American men and women in the military service of our Nation during a period of segregation. Barbara gave a brief presentation of the one female soldier and modeled a self- made outfit of ladies of the 1800’s.

Evergreen Cemetery Tour/Presentation (SWABS Invitation) – Honor & Remember Veterans- Bisbee, AZ; Saturday, November 12, 2016; 10 AM – 2 PM. The event on the right hand page was sponsored by the Muheim Heritage House Committee. We, SWABS, were invited to this tour/presentation (SWABS President Charles Hancock, BJ Holloway, Harlan Bradford, and Barbara Blankenship). However, we soon became involved in the story telling of the Buffalo Soldiers. These stories were repeated each time a group came for a tour of Evergreen—even if there were only two or three in the group. The event took place at the grave site of Asa Ross, Civil War (Buffalo Soldier) Seminole Negro Indian Scout. Asa Ross served in the Civil War, Company A, 12th US Colored Heavy Artillery. Asa lived a very interesting life; and he performed a very important military service. Funds raised will be programmed in support of the Muheim Museum original location which is located in Brewery Gulch, Old Bisbee area. Bisbee officials in attendance as history presenters: David Smith, newly elected mayor; Rich Marsh, newly hired City Manager (Marsh related the history of our Buffalo Soldier, Asa R. Ross); Doug Dunn, City Councilman (Dunn shared the history of Civil War Veteran Charles Blackburn). The Evergreen Information and Souvenir Booklet had the following quotes: “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”—Elmer Davis. “How Important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”---Maya Angelou. “Freedom is never free.” ---Author Unknown.

Tombstone, Arizona Home Show Tour – Saturday, December 3, 2016, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. President Charles Hancock arranged with the planners/organizers of this annual event for SWABS’ participation. SWABS participants: Charles Hancock, Billie Holloway, Harlan Bradford and Barbara Blankenship. In addition to telling history of Buffalo Soldiers, we told the story of an Army building which was built on Fort Huachuca, 1942, and moved to Tombstone In 1948. It is considered, along with other local buildings and homes, to be an Historic Building. SWABS provided information papers and booklets for the tourists. Our time was from 9:00 a.m. (set-up was by 8:00 a.m.) to 3:00 p.m. As it turned out, SWABS was the major attraction. An estimate of the number of tourists stopping to hear our presentations and view our displays is 150. The owners of the buildings from which we worked offered SWABS future visitor usage of the building (now remodeled on the order of a motel room).

Barbara Blankenship on site SWABS display with handouts for Charles Hancock speaking visitors with visitors

The Buffalo Soldiers were invited by the Fleury Family to join them during the Tombstone Home Tours on 3 Dec 16.

SWABS in the staging area for the 2016 “Sierra Vista Annual, View of parade from inside the Night Lighted, CHRISTMAS PARADE. The huge Sierra Vista crowd SWABS vehicle with Charles, that lined Fry Blvd. in 40 degree cold weather was amazing. Barbara, Harlan and BJ,

2016 "SPIRIT OF THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS, INC., AWARDS PROGRAM

Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona Promoting Population Health and Community Wellness Throughout Southeast Arizona

PO Box 1089 Sierra Vista, AZ 85636 520-335-6015 [email protected] www.facebook/lfsaz

AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL

SIERRA VISTA BUILDERS SUPPLY, INC.

SPONSORS OF THE 2016 SPIRIT OF THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS AWARDS PROGRAM

4996 E Mediterranean Dr. STE A Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 (520) 458-5805

My son was a recipient of the Buffalo Soldier Award about 3 years ago. I remember how happy he was when he received his Buffalo Soldier Award and to this day still has his medal in his room. The Buffalo Soldier award is about encouraging hard work and fostering a good work ethic for the future with our kids. This award is for the late nights, the tears, the struggles and the ultimate success it all lead to. I am happy to sponsor this award because I have seen how much it does for those who receive it.

Howard Merkwan Financial Advisor Edward Jones Buffalo Soldiers Awards Sponsored by Edward Jones Helping you prepare for Your future Education

DONATIONS

Operations Scholarship Program

2016 Scholarship Recipients Nicolas Belvin, Tombstone High School Jalen Scott, Buena High School

For SWABS members who are homebound who cannot support the organization physically or with your attendance, or that may be long distance, we encourage you to make a donation of support by mail and designate where you would like your donation to be applied to either (1) Organizational Operations, so we can continue to provide presentations, conduct events like the “Spirit of the Buffalo Soldiers Awards Program," and conduct Tours on Fort Huachuca of Buffalo Soldier sites; or (2) our Scholarship Program for local graduating high school seniors. Please mail your donations to:

Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers Inc. P.O. Box 715 Sierra Vista, AZ 85636

SWABS is a non-profit organization. We are able to offer donors the maximum charitable tax deduction permitted by law.

Contributions may also be made online using PayPal at our website: swabuffalosoldiers.org

Thank You This newsletter was prepared as a joint effort by Billie Holloway Sr. and volunteer editor, Tommie Teel, with input from SWABS members.