Annual Buffalo Soldiers Award Ceremony Presented to Rockland Veterans

By Rockland Daily Staff

The Buffalo Awards Ceremony, honoring veterans with impressive military careers, took place yesterday morning at the Rockland County Fire Training Center on Memorial Drive in Pomona.

The 2024 Award was presented to army veteran James Epps. The Lifetime Recognition award went to army veteran Grady Anderson.

"It was an honor and a privilege to attend the annual Buffalo Soldiers Award Ceremony in Pomona, honoring two exceptional veterans, James Epps and Grady Anderson, for their distinctive contributions to our great country," Legislator Aron Wieder shares with Rockland Daily after the event. 

Anderson and Epps both began their military career in the 1950s.

James Epps joined the Army in 1953 and was later stationed in Germany, where he served as a machine gunner until September of 1956, when he was honorably discharged. James has continued to serve his community, delivering meals to senior citizens with the Prince Hall Freemasonry Tappan Zee Lodge No. 79, which he has been a member of since 1975.

Grady Anderson, Jr. joined the army in 1959 where he served overseas in Germany. Upon his discharge in 1963, he returned to Spring Valley. On top of a fulfilling career as an x-ray technician when he came home, he has been a member and Past Commander of Moscarella Post 199, Member of VVA 333, and Member and past Chef de Gare of the 40&8. He also served as Oratorical Chairperson for Rockland County American Legion for 8 years. Not only is he a past recipient of our Buffalo Soldier Award in 1993 he was co-founder and historian of Buffalo Soldier Awardees and presents that history every year at the event. 

George Crouch, a WWII & Korean War Veteran, was also present with an Unsung Hero Award by the Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County.