HHC, USAICoE hosts African American History Month Observance

Fort Huachuca, Arizona -- The annual African American History Month observance, sponsored by Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence (USAICoE), was held Feb. 15 in Fitch Auditorium here.

This year's theme is "Success always leaves footprints."

"We are here to celebrate the vital role that African Americans played in the development and progress of America throughout our history," said Capt. Keith Wilkins-Davis Jr., instructor-writer, USAICoE. "Just here alone, as we proudly call ourselves the home of the Buffalo Soldiers as Fort Huachuca was the one time home of every regiment of the original Buffalo Soldier starting in 1892 to the arrival of companies from the 24th Infantry."

Wilkins-Davis said he had a personal connection to Fort Huachuca.

"My own Grandfather served on Fort Huachuca in 1974 at the rank of sergeant major while my grandmother once worked in this very building as a librarian before it became the USAICoE Headquarters."

He spoke of the challenges that face African-American serving in the military.

"To put this in perspective, I could not stand before you today as an Army aviator had it not been for a proud group of individuals known as the Tuskegee Airman," he said. "As we continue with our program, you will able to see that 'success always leaves footprints.' I hope you all learn something new about one another and gain a broader understanding and perspective on not just African American history, but more importantly the history of America."

Capt. Eric Allen, deputy, Ground Sensor Division, USAICoE, read the presidential proclamation declaring February National African American History Month.

The event featured a slide show with historic photos and a video illustrating the historical significance of the African American Soldiers to the Army and Fort Huachuca and the importance of the Buffalo Solider.

Harlan Bradford, corresponding secretary, Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers, was the special guest speaker.

"The national theme this year of Black History month is 'Success always leaves footprints,' Bradford said "This is representative of the primary mission of our Buffalo Soldier organization. We tell the story of the contributions of the legendary Buffalo Soldiers footprints."

Bradford spoke of the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, how the name originated and the importance Fort Huachuca played in that history. He talked about the SWABS and some of the organization's goals for preserving African American history.

Sgt. 1st Class Reinaldo Gonzalez, New Systems Training and Integration Directorate, Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate, spoke of his Family's admiration for the Buffalo Soldiers because of the role they played in