LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Bobby Young, Sr. of Hillcrest, New York
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2009 Buffalo
Soldier Award by Rockland County

WHEREAS, With February being Black History Month, it is a time to
reflect on the struggles and victories of African Americans throughout
our country's history and to recognize their numerous valuable contrib-
utions to the protection of our democratic society in times of war and
peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Bobby Young, Sr. of Hillcrest, New York upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as recipient of the 2009 Buffalo Soldier Award by Rockland Coun-
ty; and
WHEREAS, Since 1993, this prestigious award has been presented annual-
ly to an outstanding African American veteran who is a resident of Rock-
land County; this year it was given in part to Bobby Young, Sr. in
recognition of Black History Month; and
WHEREAS, Bobby Young, Sr. is the 28th honoree to receive the Buffalo
Soldier Award; a panel of past Buffalo Soldier honorees helped to select
him for this year's award; and
WHEREAS, Buffalo Soldiers was the nickname given the 10th Black Caval-
ry Regiment, which served near railroad construction camps on the Kansas
frontier after the Civil War; the valor of the troops, combined with the
cultural perceptions of the Plains Indians, created a legend; the Indi-
ans spread a story of men with thick, shaggy manes of hair who fought
with an "uncommon valor" like cornered buffalo and suffered wound after
wound, but did not die; and
WHEREAS, The Buffalo Soldiers were never defeated in 23 years of
service in the Indian Wars, from 1867 to 1890; the 10th Cavalry also
served on the Mexican border in World War I, in North Africa during
World War II and in Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, At age 71, Bobby Young, Sr. served as a member of the New
York Army National Guard for 26 years; he retired from the New York City
Transit Authority after over 28 years of service; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Rockland County American Legion, where he was
elected as commander in 2004 and currently serves as the chaplain, Bobby
Young, Sr. has been organizing and conducting the County's Four-Cha-
plains Service for the past three years; he is also a member of the
Anthony Moscarella American Legion Post 199 and the Rockland County
Senior Citizens of Ramapo, where he volunteers with the Meals on Wheels
Program; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Willie Mae, their two
children and two grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Bobby Young, Sr. of Hillcrest, New York upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2009 Buffalo Soldier Award by Rockland
County; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bobby Young, Sr.