"Dark Horse" CSM gives a history lesson to Black Jack troops

Photo By Master Sgt. Kap Kim | Command Sgt. Maj. James P. Daniels, the senior noncommissioned officer with 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment from Fort Gaines, Ga., donned a Buffalo Soldiers hat during his speech at a Black History Month commemoration program Feb. 16 at Forward Operating Base Prosperity Feb. 16. Daniels discussed the history of the 9th Cavalry's Buffalo Soldiers, the sacrifices they made, and the role of today's Soldiers.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

02.26.2007

Courtesy Story

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. 1st Class Kap Kim
2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PROSPERITY, Iraq – Most Black Jack Soldiers know the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division's history, but during its Black History Month observance Feb. 16, the keynote speaker spoke about the 9th U.S. Cavalry and its "Buffalo Soldiers."

Command Sergeant Major James P. Daniels, 4th "Dark Horse" Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment's top noncommissioned officer started his history lesson of the many contributions made by the black Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry, and the many contributions made by black Soldiers in today's Army.

"My EO (Equal Opportunity) rep asked me (to speak at the gathering), being a sergeant major of the 9th Cav. – especially 4-9, and of course, I said, 'Yes,'" said Daniels. "I did it because they said I'm a role model. I don't look at myself as a role model. I just look at myself as a Soldier. I am honored to have those kind words used for me, though."

Taking the national theme – African Americans in the Military, Then and Now – Daniels went back to something his father told him in his youth.

"My father once told me that nothing in life is free – there's a lot of sweat in it," recalled the Fort Gaines, Ga., native.

Wearing a "Buffalo Soldier" ball cap, he described the life and accomplishments of the Buffalo Soldiers. Later in his lesson, he donned today's Cavalry Stetson to describe today's Soldiers, and even what the future might hold.

The history lesson was "educational" for Staff Sgt. Jammie Blunt, a Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT food service sergeant from Newport News, Va.

"I really didn't know a lot about the Buffalo Soldier history," he admitted. "Today, I learned something important, and it's important because it expands our culture. It makes me feel elite, because we overcame and rose to become successful."

As the brigade EO representative, Sgt. 1st Class Atoro Barnes, he said that all observances are important to celebrate and learn about. Yet, he said this one was special because of Daniels' Buffalo Soldier theme.

"It shows us how great the history of the 1st Cav is and also 4-9 Cav – especially to the African Americans," said Barnes of Asbury Park, N.J. "Growing up, not many of us were taught in school about other races there were [in the military]."

Daniels said the intent of his speech and history lesson was to show others to appreciate the positive contributions that yesterday's Soldiers have given us.

"Because of their many sacrifices, we are allowed to serve with our brothers-in-arms as Soldiers. We serve together toward one common goal: to serve our nation," Daniels said.

"It is time for us to give back to what they didn't have," he concluded. "Everyday, history is being made. It's up to us to reflect on that history and see how far we have come."

• Date Taken: 02.26.2007
• Date Posted: 02.26.2007 11:19
• Story ID: 9245
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ