The County Executive’s Corner: A Salute to Our Buffalo Soldiers

It is always a privilege to recognize those who have dedicated their lives to service, and recently, we honored the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers while celebrating four outstanding military heroes from right here in Rockland County.

This year, I presented the 2025 Buffalo Soldiers Award to four remarkable individuals who not only served our country but have continued to make a lasting impact in our community.

Our first honoree, Rev. Raymond Caliman, exemplifies the spirit of service. Enlisting in the U.S. Army Active Reserves in 1957, he served at Fort Dix and rose to the rank of Private First Class. But his commitment to serving others did not end there. Since 1999, he has been a strong faith leader as the pastor of Fairmont Baptist Church, guiding and uplifting our community for 25 years. 

It was my great privilege to present him with Rockland County’s 2025 Buffalo Soldiers Award in recognition of his service and ongoing contributions to our community.

Our next honoree was Alphonso Marshall, a dedicated veteran and community leader. 

Born in New York City on March 29, 1948, Alphonso grew up in Harlem and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, serving for two years during the Vietnam War in Communications. After his military service, he built a successful career in the elevator industry for over 40 years, eventually becoming a Chief Inspector for the New York City Department of Buildings. 

Even in retirement, Alphonso remains active as the Second Vice Commander of American Legion Post 199 in Spring Valley, while continuing part-time work in elevator inspections and evaluations. 

It was my honor to recognize Alphonso Marshall with Rockland County’s 2025 Buffalo Soldiers Award for his dedicated service to both our nation and our local community.

Our next honoree was someone whose name is synonymous with service and leadership—Bertis Blanks, the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Buffalo Soldier Award. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944, he served for a total of seven years during both World War II and the Korean War. His service took him across the world, including France, Japan, and Korea, earning him a Combat Infantry Badge, an Army Commendation Medal, and a European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. 

It was my great honor to present Bertis Blanks with Rockland County’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Buffalo Soldier Award in recognition of his incredible contributions.

Charlie Maurshardt, a Vietnam combat veteran and Blauvelt resident, was honored Wednesday 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.

It takes a special kind of person to put their life on hold, step forward, and serve their country. Individuals like these have made Rockland County stronger, our history richer, and our community better.

For that, we are incredibly proud to add all their names to the distinguished list of Rockland County Buffalo Soldiers, recognized over the past 25 years. 

With that I want to end by saluting Grady Anderson Jr., who co-founded the Buffalo Soldiers and every year delivered a powerful and insightful presentation on its. Sadly, just a few days after our event Anderson passed away. Named our 2024 Buffalo Soldiers Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, this dedicated veteran leaves a lasting legacy in our community through years of service as Post Commander for Moscarella 199 Spring Valley American Legion, Chef Degar Voiture 386 Rockland County, and member of VVA Chapter 333

My administration salutes this hero and extends condolences to family, friends, and fellow veterans of Grady’s.