We Can, We Will, Ready and Forward

Trooper Harold S. Cole offers rare insights into America’s past by highlighting the tumultuous and triumphant history of the Buffalo Soldier. Growing up in North Pelham, New York, he started his military career prior to the start of World War II, and completed his service during the years of the Vietnam War. We Can, We Will, Ready and Forward are the tenets of the famed 9th and 10th Cavalry respectively, and served as Trooper Cole’s motivation in life. He is more than a military man, he is a leader, disciplinarian, husband, father, and served as President for the Ninth and Tenth (Horse) Cavalry Association from 1997 to 2001. His commitment to community service and youth development establishes a foundation for future generations.

For over two decades, the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments conducted campaigns against American Indian tribes on a Western Frontier that extended from Montana in the Northwest to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona in the Southwest. They engaged in several skirmishes against such great Indian Chiefs as Victorio, Geronimo, and Nana. Buffalo

Soldiers was the name given the black cavalrymen resemblance between the black man’s hair and the mane of a buffalo. Another view is that when a buffalo was wounded or cornered, it fought ferociously, displaying unusual stamina and courage. This was the same fighting spirit Indians saw in combat with black cavalrymen. Since Indians held the buffalo in such high regard, it was felt that the name was not given in contempt.