Rockland Buffalo Soldier Awardees Honored

Two local African-American veterans, U.S. Army Sgt. Robert L. Ellison and U.S. Army Reserves Lt. Col. Jesse Raymond Robinson, have been recognized by Rockland officials for their service to this country.

Both veterans are recipients of this year’s Buffalo Soldier Award, presented annually since 1993 and named after the black 10th Cavalry Regiment that was stationed near the railroad construction camps of the Kansas Frontier in 1867. Robinson was honored posthumously.

The 10th Cavalry Regiment members were nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers” by the Plains Indians, based on their exceptional and fearsome fighting reputation. They were never defeated during 23 years of service in the Indian Wars, from 1867 to 1890.

They were also presented with Distinguished Service Awards – the County Legislature’s highest award.

“It is an honor to recognize Sgt. Ellison and Lt. Colonel Robinson for their service and contributions to our country. Both men also have stand-out records when it comes to serving our community,” said Rockland County Legislature Chairman Toney L. Earl.

County Executive Ed Day presented the 2018 Buffalo Soldier Awards during a special ceremony at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona.

“The freedoms we enjoy today would not be possible without the bravery of men and women who served our nation like Robert and Jesse. They both embody the American spirit and dedication to service, which is clearly evident through their lifelong commitment to family, community and our armed services,” Day said.

Robert Ellison joined the Army in 1968 and served for 13 months Vietnam from February of 1969 until March of 1970, when he was honorably discharged. During his time in Vietnam, he earned the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Ellison worked for 35 years at the Rockland Psychiatric Center, retiring in 2004 as a Secure Care Treatment Aide.

“I am proud to recognize Robert’s courage and sacrifice," Day said. "Awards like this are important because they allow us to recognize those who have served our nation at home and abroad; sacrificing to preserve our way of life.”

Robinson's Buffalo Soldier Award was accepted by his wife, Wilhelmina Robinson.

Jesse Robinson joined the US Navy as a Corpsman in 1952, serving in the Korean War until he was Honorably Discharged from active duty in 1956. He accepted a Commission in the US Army Reserves in 1963 and served until 1991; retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from NYU and a Master’s Degree from Pace University. He also attended the US Army Command and General Staff College.

“Jesse Robinson today joins a distinguished list of African-American men and women who have served our nation in the military and are recognized with the Buffalo Soldier Award,” Day said.

In addition to presenting the Distinguished Service Awards, Earl also proclaimed Feb. 14, 2018 as Buffalo Soldiers’ Day in Rockland County.

Earl issued the proclamation to join with the Rockland County Veterans’ Association in honoring Ellison and Robinson. The Association’s members choose the recipients of the award each year.

“Whenever we recognize soldiers, we recognize their bravery and their contributions,” Earl said. “However, when we recognize Buffalo Soldiers, we must recognize their willingness to fight for rights and freedoms that they were often denied.

“While the white soldiers fought to protect America as it was, the Buffalo Soldiers fought on the hope of what America could be,” he said. “In remembrance of the contributions made by those soldiers and all African-American veterans, I declare Feb. 14, 2018, as Buffalo Soldiers’ Day in Rockland County.”

Born and raised in Georgia, Ellison entered the U.S. Army in 1968 and served – and somehow survived – 13 months in the Mekong Delta, Earl said. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E5. He has been an active member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Nyack, and is known for his devotion in assisting the elderly and the needy. He and his wife, Paulette, are parents of two children and grandparents of four.

Earl said Robinson, known as Ray, held several degrees and was near completion of his doctorate in education from Columbia University when he died in September 2017. He also attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Robinson enjoyed a long career in the banking industry and was also a teacher at several colleges and universities, including Pace and Dominican College.

He was active with the St. Paul’s A.M.E. Zion Church in Spring Valley, where he belonged to the Men’s Choir and where he was known for photographing the church’s special events. Robinson and his wife Wilhelmina are parents of a daughter and grandparents of two.

PHOTOS:

• U.S. Army Sgt. Robert L. Ellison receives the Rockland Buffalo Soldier Award from Rockland County Executive Ed Day.
  
• Rockland County Legislature Chairman Toney L. Earl honored two local African-American veterans, U.S. Army Sgt. Robert L. Ellison and U.S. Army Reserves Lt. Col. Jesse Raymond Robinson, with a Distinguished Service Award – the Legislature’s highest award. Both vets were chosen by the Rockland County Veterans Association to receive the Buffalo Soldiers' Award. (Left to right) Willie Trotman; Wilhelmina Robinson, who accepted on her late husband's behalf; honoree Robert L. Ellison; Grady Anderson; Toney L. Earl; and Assembly Member Ellen Jaffee. Trotman and Anderson are both past recipients of the Buffalo Soldiers' award and belong to the committee that chose this year's honorees.