Rockland County held its annual Buffalo Soldier Awards ceremony at the Fire Training Center in Pomona on Wednesday, celebrating local African American veterans for their service and sacrifice.

The event honored three veterans this year: Thomas Edward McBride Jr., Austin Hansen and Douglas Dickerson. Each recipient received a plaque and a pin — along with heartfelt gratitude from the community.

“I was really shocked when I found out I was receiving this,” said McBride Jr., who preferred to be called T. Ed.

He served in the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific Theater from 1966 to 1970.

“I think it’s an honor," McBride Jr. said.

Hansen, who also served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, reflected on the legacy of those who came before him.

“That’s when it came to me that I stood on their backs,” Hansen said. “So I always have to give them the kudos.”

Dickerson, a U.S. Army veteran, also spoke during the ceremony. He shared how his faith guided him during his service and believes God ultimately kept him from being deployed to Vietnam.

“God looked down upon me with mercy to make sure that I’m still here to do His work,” Dickerson said.

The Buffalo Soldier Awards pay tribute to the historic African American cavalry regiments formed in the late 1800s. The nickname “Buffalo Soldiers” is believed to have been given by Native Americans to those units in the western United States in recognition of their courage and discipline.

In addition to the veterans, Jacqueline Anderson received an honorary award. She was married for 59 years to Grady Anderson Jr., one of the original organizers of Rockland County’s Buffalo Soldier Awards. Since his passing just days after last year’s ceremony, she has continued to carry on his legacy.

“It’s just an honor for me to be honored by them. I truly appreciate it,” Anderson said. “Because it’s more important now than ever that we embrace our history and not let anyone take it away from us.”

Rockland County began the Buffalo Soldier Award program in 1993 and continues the tradition each year to celebrate the service and history of African American veterans in the community.