Rockland Post

POMONA – Feb. 11, 2026 – Rockland County came together Wednesday to celebrate the service and legacy of African American veterans during the annual Buffalo Soldiers Award ceremony at the Rockland County Fire Training Center.

Three local veterans were recognized for their military service and dedication to the community: Austin Hansen, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War; Thomas Edward McBride, Jr., also an Air Force veteran who served in the Pacific Theater; and Douglas Dickerson, who served in the U.S. Army after being drafted during the Vietnam era.

In addition, Jacqueline Anderson received an honorary Buffalo Soldier Award for her efforts to preserve the history of the Buffalo Soldiers in Rockland County. Anderson continues the work of her late husband, Grady Anderson, one of the program’s original organizers.

County Executive Ed Day and Susan Branam, director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, led the ceremony, highlighting the honorees’ courage and the importance of remembering their contributions. “Recognizing our veterans helps keep their stories alive and inspires the next generation,” Day said.

The Buffalo Soldier Award is named for the African American cavalry regiments formed after the Civil War, known for their discipline and bravery on the western frontier. Each year, the award honors outstanding African American veterans who call Rockland County home.

For the honorees and their families, the ceremony was a meaningful reminder of both their service and the broader legacy of African American soldiers in U.S. history.