Buffalo Soldier Awards for Outstanding Veterans

POMONA – Rockland County Executive Ed Day presented the 2018 Buffalo Soldier Award to US Army Sergeant Robert L. Ellision and Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Raymond Robinson (deceased) during a special ceremony at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona. The Buffalo Soldier Award is presented annually to outstanding African-American veterans who reside in Rockland County. A “Buffalo Soldier” is the nickname first given to members of African-American cavalry regiments of the U.S. Army who served in the western United States from 1867 to 1896, noted for their courage and discipline.

“The freedoms we enjoy today would not be possible without the bravery of men and women who served our nation like Robert and Jesse. They both embody the American spirit and dedication to service, which is clearly evident through their lifelong commitment to family, community and our armed services,” said County Executive Day.

Robert Ellision joined the Army in 1968 and served for 13 months in Mekong Delta, Vietnam from February of 1969 until March of 1970, when he was honorably discharged. During his time in Vietnam, he earned the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. After returning to the County he worked at the Rockland Psychiatric Center as a Secure Care Treatment Aide until retiring in 2004.

Day continued, “I am proud to recognize Robert’s courage and sacrifice. Awards like this are important because they allow us to recognize those who have served our nation at home and abroad; sacrificing to preserve our way of life.”

“I now have the honor of speaking about Jesse Raymond Robinson and posthumously presenting him with the 2018 Buffalo Soldier Award,” said Day.

Jesse Robinson joined the US Navy as a Corpsman in 1952, serving in the Korean War until he was Honorably Discharged from active duty in 1956. He accepted a Commission in the US Army Reserves in 1963 and served until 1991; retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from NYU and a Master’s Degree from Pace University. He also attended the US Army Command and General Staff College.

“Jesse Robinson today joins a distinguished list of African-American men and women who have served our nation in the military and are recognized with the Buffalo Soldier Award,” concluded County Executive Day.

Jesse Raymond Robinson transitioned to the afterlife on September 14, 2017, his Buffalo Soldier Award was accepted by his wife, Wilhelmina Robinson.