Buffalo Soldier Memorial Project Installs New Statue at F.E. Warren Air Force Base
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It took more than 15 years, but when a large statue of a buffalo soldier finally appeared outside the main gates of F.E. Warren Air Force Base in June, it marked an important chapter in local history.
“It all started back in 1991, when I was stationed at Warren Air Force Base,” says Cornelius “Doc” Settles, Wyoming Buffalo Soldier Association founder and creator of the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Project. A retired Air Force master sergeant, Settles was stationed at Warren AFB for 13 years.
“I knew that there were 18 buffalo soldiers buried in the base cemetery who had served here in Wyoming and across the frontier, and I began trying to visualize and build a monument of some type in their honor,” Settles says. “Their legacy lay dormant all these years, but finally that dream is a reality.”
Created by artist Chris Navarro of Casper, the bronze statue is just the first part of a larger memorial to honor the black cavalry regiments that served here during the early 1900s. While the term buffalo soldier often is applied to all black soldiers in segregated units prior to World War II, it actually only pertains to cavalry units.
“They were a disciplined group,” Settles says. “They were proud to serve their country.”
Settles says he has been “humbled by the whole experience,” but adds that the project’s work does not end here.
“The project will now continue into the literacy portion, working with local schools in the community and surrounding areas. Most of the buffalo soldiers were former slaves, unable to read or write, so it seems fitting that we would include literacy as part of the project. I am happy that the buffalo soldiers finally have their rightful place in Wyoming history.”
Story by Amy Stumpfl
Photo by Brian McCord
