The Running of the Buffalo
Bliss servicemembers unite in PT, remembrance during Buffalo Soldier Run

David Poe

Monitor Staff

In 1866, Congress approved the formation of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, made up primarily of African-American Civil War Veterans, and they were the first to be known as the “Buffalo Soldiers,” legendary troops who courageously maintained order in a chaotic, post-Civil War Texas and Southwest.

More than 140 years later, approximately 6,000 Fort Bliss servicemembers continued their observance of Black History Month by participating in the post-wide Buffalo Soldier Run here Thursday morning.

Just after sunrise, more than a dozen units formed up on Bliss’ Noel Parade Field, and soon after, led by Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg and Command Sgt. Maj. David S. Davenport, Bliss’ commanding general and command sergeant major, respectively, the troops took to the streets and the spirited three-mile run began.

The formation crossed Bliss thoroughfares such as JEB Stuart and Robert E. Lee roads and met a symbolic turnaround at the Buffalo Soldier Memorial of El Paso, located just inside of Bliss’ Robert E. Lee Gate. They doubled back and, amid ceremonial artillery fire, finished back on the same parade field.

 

 

Davenport said the post-wide run was fitting in honoring the sacrifices of Buffalo Soldiers because readiness and determination were some of the cornerstones that made their effort legendary. Remembering the run days later, he also said it was symbolic because the Buffalo Soldiers ran the same ground more than a generation ago.

“We lined up on a parade field that was once used by the horse cavalry, ran around the Buffalo Soldier Memorial as the sun was coming up, and saw all the units across post demonstrate that they are physically fit for the rigors of combat,” said Davenport, “all the while calling cadence, being in unit-level T-shirts, and demonstrating the discipline to remain in formation and complete the run.”

Historians said the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments were given the name “Buffalo Sol-diers” by the adversaries they battled in the Southwest because they had the fighting prowess and determination of buffaloes. 

Though their legend was born in the Southwest, 9th and 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers also fought with honor beside Gen. John J. Pershing during the Mexican Punitive Expedition of 1916 and also with Teddy Roosevelt and the “Rough Riders” at Cuba’s San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

Davenport said he felt the history of Buffalo Soldiers and 21st century Soldiers are seamless in that their legacies are based on sacrifice, and a post-wide run was a poignant way to acknowledge that fact.

“These were well-trained and disciplined Soldiers that could operate several different mission sets, or full-spectrum operations to doctrine, all the while facing and having to deal with prejudice, racism and bigotry,” said Daven-port. “The Buffalo Soldiers easily could have given in to these factors, but instead chose to change the opinion of the nation through deeds and actions, while developing a high sense of morale and esprit de corps that continues to this day.”

 

 

Though he said he felt taking part in the run was good for his Soldiers, he also said it shouldn’t be the only way they remember those who’ve gone before them as they continue the legacy of the Army. 

“As well-disciplined and trained Soldiers who had a high sense of esprit de corps for their organization, the Buffalo Soldiers of yesterday continue to be a great example for all units of Fort Bliss,” said Davenport. “Regardless of the type of unit you are in, following these basics will allow you to accomplish any mission within full-spectrum operations.”

To learn more about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, visit the Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museum at 1735 Marshall Road, Old Fort Bliss’ reading room in Bldg. 5054 at the corner of Pleasonton and Pershing Roads, or go to www.buffalosoldiers-lawtonftsill.org.