In the beginning, a group of black World War II veterans gathered to reminisce at the National Guard Armory at the corner of 18th and Highland, a block west of Vine in Kansas City, Missouri. They realized it was July 28, 1966, exactly 100 years after Congress established six all black regiments that would later become known as Buffalo Soldiers. The 1866 act in itself was monumental in establishing
for the first time in U.S. military history, that African-Americans were able to enlist in the peacetime regular army. We fought in every war the 90 year old nation had encountered but never in the regular army. Madison and James Alexander also realized there wasn't an organization representing the legacy of those brave heroes that served between 1866 and 1944 with distinction. Then and there the National Association was born. And 126 years later, the Buffalo Soldiers National Monument was dedicated to those first soldiers who's lives and heroic deeds lay silent and forgotten, was brought to light. On July 25, 1992, the Greater Kansas City-Leavenworth Area Chapter (GKCLAC) was Chartered and established as the FIRST chapter of the National 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association. Following that historic day, several chapters sought assistance from GKCLAC acquiring charters. The chapter was inundated with request for appearances and presentations. Overwhelmed, the president recruited volunteers to help with their work. To come full circle, it is important to mention that although the Buffalo Soldiers were the last world famous organization to get its genesis in the historic 18th and Vine area of east Kansas City, Missouri, its origins were the first. In this famous neighborhood the likes of the Kansas City Monarchs baseball team and Negro Leagues Baseball started just two blocks away at the Paseo YMCA. The greatest jazz legends ever cut their teeth or walked the district nightly from 12th to 18th and Vine. The first black owned new car dealership in the nation sat a block away. The National Guard Armory was in the heart of this street rich in culture and commerce, the likes of which were unknown outside of New York City.
*Since July 1992 we have participated in community, city, state and bordering states events.
*April 1993 the chapter helped organize and charter The Descendants and Friends of Buffalo Soldiers (DFBS) to accompany and support members on trips and appearances.
*April 1994 participated at Fort Leavenworth Post Office with sale of Buffalo Soldier Stamp on first day issue.
*Trooper and co-founder James Madison present at stamp unveiling with President Clinton at the White House 1994.
*Instrumental in Hall Mark Cards creation of the Buffalo Soldier greeting card in 1994.
*Sponsored Art & Literary Contests to encourage teachers and students to learn, study, and research history about the
Buffalo Soldiers.
*Give $500 scholarship award to student with a 2.0 or higher GPA attending Community College/University who submitted am essay on Buffalo Soldier history or a Buffalo Soldier.
*Hosted the 2000 Buffalo Soldier Millennium Reunion in KCMO.
*The chapter had only one president, Trooper James Madison, until 2014. Trooper Madison retired and became President Emeritus. Trooper John "JR" Bruce became the second and current President of the chapter.
*Trooper Madison presented the Grierson Award to graduates at Post graduations from 1994 through 2014.
*Trooper Madison passed on to Fiddler's Green 2015.
*Changed the name of the nonprofit corporation from Greater Kansas City-Leavenworth Area Chapter to the Alexander/Madison Chapter of KCMO Area 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association, June 11, 2015.
*Invited by the National Parks Service to present at the 150th Buffalo Soldier Anniversary at Fort Union, New Mexico, June 17-18th.
*Hosting the 2017 Buffalo Soldiers Association 151st National Reunion in Kansas City, Missouri July 23-29.
*Participate in the Fort Leavenworth, Kansas recognition of the 150th anniversary of the 10th Cavalry and 38th Infantry formation and the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Buffalo Soldier National Monument by Gen. July 28, 2017
*Presentations and encampments for the 150th Anniversary of the Chisholm Trail from 1860's to 1870's, September 2nd-3rd, 2017
In preserving the legacy and to continue the work of our predecessors we perform presentations at corporate organizations, businesses, schools (elementary grades 5 up), colleges, universities, libraries, banks, nursing homes and churches. We also participate in city, state, community/neighborhood activities, dedications, parades, festivals, groundbreaking, and bringing in ceremonial flags. Performances of monologues, historical plays/skit by seasoned veterans with film experience. Our Historian, Thomas Gregory, brings 40 years of protrails of the old west including 30 years as U.S. Marshall Tom Bass and Deadwood Dick. That's Trooper Gregory in the painting on this page done by Essex Garner. Trooper Gregory is featured on a U.S. Exhibits:
*Frontier Army Museum, Fort Leavenworth, Ks
*Richard Allen Cultural Center, Leavenworth, Ks
*Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center, Kansas City
*Patee House Museum, St. Joseph, Mo
*Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Site, Olathe, Ks
As a nonprofit with 501(c)3 status and certificate of good standing with the state of Missouri, the organization does not endorse or support political groups/politicians. The chapter's name shall not be used to promote special interest groups or their agendas.
