Veterans honored for military, community service at Buffalo Soldiers ceremony

Four veterans recently were recognized for their military and community service during the annual Buffalo Soldiers award ceremony at the Rockland County Fire Training Center.

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 War veteran Charlie Maurshardt received an Honorary Membership Certificate.

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.

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. He has served as pastor of Fairmont Baptist Church in Haverstraw for 25 years.

The county’s second Buffalo Soldier Award recipient, Alphonso Marshall, was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and served for two years during the Vietnam War where he worked in communications. Currently he serves as the second vice commander of American Legion Post 199 in Spring Valley.

Bertis Blanks was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944 and served for seven 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 Medal, and a European-African=Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.

Charlie Maushardt, a Vietnam War combat veteran and Blauvelt resident, received 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 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,” County Executive Ed Day said at the Feb 11 award ceremony. “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."

Susan Branam, director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, was pleased that this year's awardees represented military service covering World War II through the Vietnam War era.

“These veterans have so much to share with us about their experiences," Branam said. "We are proud to be able to honor them not only for their military service but continued service in their local communities.”

Left to right: County Executive Ed Day, Charlie Maushardt, Legislator Toney Earl and Legislator Dana Stiley at Rockland County's 2025 Buffalo Soldiers Award ceremony.

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley. Contact him and read his work at robertbrum.com.