They served in the United States Army from 1866 through 1944. Their last official military service posting was in East County at Campo’s old Camp Lockett, on Buckman Springs Road. Formally titled soldiers of the Ninth and Tenth (Horse) Cavalry Regiments, they were renowned throughout the Old West—with an admiring nod acknowledging resemblance in courage, tenacity and dark, curly hair to the native American bison as the Buffalo Soldiers.
They served in the United States Army from 1866 through 1944. Their last official military service posting was in East County at Campo’s old Camp Lockett, on Buckman Springs Road. Formally titled soldiers of the Ninth and Tenth (Horse) Cavalry Regiments, they were renowned throughout the Old West—with an admiring nod acknowledging resemblance in courage, tenacity and dark, curly hair to the native American bison as the Buffalo Soldiers.
These were former slaves, freed men and black Civil War soldiers, the first African-Americans to serve in the U.S. Army during peacetime. Three local re-enactors, carrying on this legendary history, appeared on Jan. 18, marching in the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade with its Let Freedom Ring theme along downtown San Diego’s Harbor Drive, as part of the contingent of The American Legion’s District 22 parade entry of military veterans and active-duty service members.
Historians have traced the nickname Buffalo Soldiers back to the 1860’s or 1870’s, to the grudging respect accorded these troops by either the Cheyenne or Comanche tribes who fought against them in their tasked missions to escort settlers, protect the borders, build forts and guard the railroads. Today’s San Diego Buffalo Soldiers association is an all-volunteer organization devoted to preserving the rich legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, promoting and preserving the history by giving presentations, re-enactments and displays of memorabilia. The last living Buffalo Soldier, Mark Matthews, died on September 6, 2005, at the age of 111, and was buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Trooper Rachel Hilliard traversed the parade route re-enacting the service of Private William Cathay, the only black female soldier ever in the Buffalo Soldier regiments.
“Many things have changed over the years for women in our country and in our chapter,” she said.
In her re-enactor role, other troopers will forever outrank her, even as she leads them as group president. (Only white officers led the original Buffalo Soldiers.) Rounding out the trio, marching alongside Hilliard was Trooper Shelly White, sergeant-of-arms, and Trooper John Roper, quartermaster.
The three appeared in conjunction with the 22nd District of The American Legion, the veterans service organization with a coverage area contiguous with San Diego County. East County Legionnaires were well represented elsewhere in the MLK Parade. Tomas Luna, junior past commander of La Mesa’s American Legion Post 282, organized and led the District honor guard. Eugene Michonski, commander at Santee Post 364, drove the convertible conveying District 22 Commander Anthony Stewart and District 22 American Legion Auxiliary President June Coatney. The Santee Post’s Adjutant Gary Henriksen drove a pickup truck carrying other Legion dignitaries. Members of all the American Legion Family organizations, including the Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion and American Legion Riders, accompanied legionnaires.
“Two things resonate about the parade,” said Tony Stewart, District 22 commander. “First, is why we were there. Second was how we represented the theme of the day. When asked why our American Legion family took part in the parade, my response is simple. Why not? We represent the most diverse affiliation in the country, as we all are tied to military service, which history has shown to be a unified force for drawing people together under a common goal of preserving freedom. And all along the parade route, watchers of all races waved and thanked us for being there. It was truly remarkable. As military veterans and active duty, freedom is important to us, we fight for it, we believe in it and we were happy to be there helping it ring.”
