America's Buffalo Soldiers Survive Summer Camp
Story by: Michelle Powell
On Monday, June 26, 2000, the world changed for 83 culturally diverse, parent registered angels, whose wings were plucked feather by feather. America's Buffalo Soldiers Re-Enactors Association (ABSRA) is proud to congratulate the graduates of WMAT & ABSRA CAPSAG Summer Endurance Boot Camp.
This years Summer Camp was held at Fort Apache, a place of vision, hope, reconciliation, forgiveness, strength, healing and arena to pursue the path of righteousness and self-reliance on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, Whiteriver, Arizona.
Historically, many Apaches living today are direct descendants of Scouts for the 1866, United States Congress Commissioned Black Army troops known as "America's Buffalo Soldiers, 9th & 10th Cavalry, 24th & 25th Infantry." These Black Soldiers were given their name by Native Americans and played a crucial role in American history, yet never appeared in public school history books. In their beginning, America's Buffalo Soldiers were the most culturally diverse regiments to serve who formed enduring alliances with Apache Scouts and other Native American communities including marriage.
The graduating candidates that were challenged by the WMAT & ABSRA CAPSAG Summer Endurance Boot Camp, faced extreme adversity with remarkable tenacity, loyalty and a true sense of tradition.
Each candidate faced his or her own fears, hardships, barriers and truths; graduating with an exceptional sense of pride and community. The eighty-three (83) candidates who started boot camp; thirty-nine (39) survivors graduated. ABSRA awarded the "Mind Award" to Joshua Alexander, the "Body Award" to Juan Mata and the "Spirit Award" to Marcus "Tiger" Bones. For the second time in ABSRA's 11-year history, has the "Top Soldier Award" been presented to a young lady. This year's recipient was Ms. Shawna Arenas.
ABSRA applauds the White Mountain Apache Tribal Council, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tribal mothers and ABSRA Parent Association for their support, sincerity and vote that far exceeded politics.
ABSRA's Summer Endurance Boot Camp is one of four (4) programs offered to Arizona and the nation via "Caring Adults Providing Support And Guidance" (CAPSAG) to young people of all persuasions. ABSRA's CAPSAG Boot Camps are a no non-sense in-your-face, tough love operation that ABSRA's Commander, Colonel Chuck Long, says "we do not apologize for."
ABSRA's CAPSAG Youth Programs offer a Right-of-Passage, Day-In-A-Life, Suspension / Expulsion and Summer Camp that provides intellectual stimulation, a challenge and Discipline. ABSRA's components consist of Physical Fitness, Close Order Drill, Desert Survival, Native American Sweats, Water Safety, Herpetology, Equestrian Arts, Confidence Course, Pledge of Respect, Honor Code and History of America's Buffalo Soldiers, 9th & 10th Cavalry, 24th & 25th Infantry.
The experiences young men and women endured during Summer Camp will facilitate personal growth and become a foundation upon which they can build their dreams of a new and enhanced life.
Colonel Long says, "America's Buffalo Soldiers can produce excellence provided everyone looks beyond their self-interest and bias, some people are treating the symptom rather than eradicate the disease. I always look forward to participation and commitment, and pray that the candidates will exhibit courage, desire, dedication, discipline and loyalty to the history of America's Buffalo Soldiers."
ABSRA's next registration and orientation is for the Fall Right-of-Passage Program on Saturday, August 26, 2000, 10:00 AM Sharp at Phoenix College. For further information on America's Buffalo Soldiers Re-Enactors Association, Senior or Junior Divisions, log onto
http://www.thebuffalosoldiers.com or call ABSRA Headquarters at 480-994-1133.SIEMPRE LEAL
Photos by: Ann Hendry