Oct 23, 2025 — Buffalo Soldiers

Bulletin for October 23, 2025

Featured Speaker: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Terrance Beasley & Willie Breazell

Honoring the Buffalo Soldiers — History, Legacy, and the Colorado Front Range Memorial

OPENING

Bob Luccia led the club in prayer and Larry Gaddis led the Pledge of Allegiance.

"If one dishonors God or his country, he dishonors himself."

— Raymond M. Clausen, Jr., United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor

CLUB BUSINESS

New Club Policy: Positive Recognition

Rather than only fining members for questionable behaviors, the club will also begin recognizing members who make a positive contribution to the public. The first recipient of this recognition was Paula Linares , an excellent writer with multiple letters to the editor published in the Gazette. She received a quarter for her contributions. Congratulations, Paula!

Mentorship Discussion

A central question for leaders becoming mentors was raised from the book Unlock the Transformer: The Power of Questions : 'How do you decide who to mentor?' The group reflected on what makes mentorship meaningful and effective.

KEYNOTE: THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Terrance Beasley and Willie Breazell delivered a deeply compelling presentation on the history and commemoration of the Buffalo Soldiers.

About the Speakers

Terrance is the founder and founding chairman of the Colorado Front Range Buffalo Soldiers. For the past 20 years, he has traveled to events telling the story of those who served in segregated cavalry and infantry regiments. Willie Breazell is a community partner and co-presenter in this important effort.

Who Were the Buffalo Soldiers?

The Buffalo Soldiers were African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War. In 1866, the year after the Civil War ended, Congress authorized the creation of six segregated African American army regiments. They were stationed in the largely unsettled Rocky Mountain West — far from the Southern states where many had been enslaved.

In Colorado, Buffalo Soldiers were stationed at Fort Lyon, Fort Lewis, and Fort Garland, and fought in battles against the Cheyenne and the Ute. They served with distinction, earning the name 'Buffalo Soldiers' from the Native American warriors who faced them in battle.

A Community Memorial

The Buffalo Soldiers Community Memorial committee has worked with city and state governments over the last several years to honor these brave men and women, who have been largely overlooked in history curricula. The presentation described both the fascinating history and the pathway to giving these soldiers the recognition they deserve — including a memorial in Colorado Springs' Memorial Park.

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