County Presents Buffalo Solider Awards

County Executive Ed Day and Director Susan Branam of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency recognized four local veterans for their outstanding service during a special ceremony at the Rockland County Fire Training Center on Tuesday, February 11th. 

The 2025 Buffalo Soldiers Award was presented to Army Rev. Raymond Caliman and Alphonso Marshall, and the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Buffalo Soldier Award was presented to Bertis Blanks. Vietnam veteran Charlie Maurshardt was also honored with an Honorary Membership Certificate.

“It takes a certain kind of person to place your own life on hold to put your country first, and all of our awardees did it without hesitation,” said County Executive Ed Day. “There’s no question, the freedoms we enjoy today would not be possible without the individuals who make the brave choice to serve our nation, including these local heroes, and it is my pleasure to recognize their courage.”

A “Buffalo Soldier” is the nickname first given to members of African American cavalry regiments of the U.S. Army who served in the western United States from 1867 to 1896, noted for their courage and discipline. The Buffalo Soldiers Award is presented annually to outstanding African American veterans who reside in Rockland County.

“We are so pleased about this year’s ceremony because we have four awardees this year with Military service covering WWII through Vietnam era veterans,” said VSA Director Susan Branam. “These veterans have so much to share with us about their experiences. We are proud to be able to honor them not only for their military service but continued service in their local communities.”

Rev. Caliman enlisted in the U.S. Army Active Reserves in 1957, serving at Fort Dix and rose to the rank of Private First Class.But his commitment to serving others didn’t end there. Since 1999, he’s become a strong faith leader as the pastor of Fairmont Baptist Church for 25 years.   

The County’s second Buffalo Soldier Award recipient Alphonso Marshall was drafted into the US Army in 1968 and served for two years during the Vietnam War where he worked in communications. Currently, this veteran serves as the Second Vice Commander of American Legion Post 199 in Spring Valley.

The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Buffalo Soldier Award was presented to Bertis Blanks. Blanks was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944 where he served for a total of 7 years during both World War II and the Korean War. His service took him to many countries including France, Japan, and Korea, and earned him a Combat Infantry Badge, an Army Commendation Media, and a European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. 

Charlie Maurshardt, a Vietnam combat veteran and Blauvelt resident, was also honored with an Honorary Membership Certificate from the Rockland County Buffalo Soldiers in recognition of his dedicated service and leadership as President of the Hudson Valley Nam Knights, former President and current member of Vietnam Veterans Association (VVA 333), Senior Vice Commander of VFW 1615, and member of the Tappan American Legion Post.

“We thank these individuals for their bravery and continued commitment to our residents. We are proud to list your name among the proud African American men and women who have been named to the Rockland County Buffalo Soldiers in years past,” concluded County Executive Day.

(Pictured: Top, Bertis Blanks, Bottom, Alphonso Marshall)