Buffalo Soldiers honor legacy with community service events

A local motorcycle club dedicated to honoring the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers is making strides in community engagement and education. The Hampton Roads Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, founded in 1993 by Kenneth \"Dreammaker\" Thomas in Chicago, aims to celebrate the history of the 9th and 10th Cavalry, the first African American units in the U.S. Army. The club emphasizes its motto: \"We ride, we educate, and we serve.\"

Members of the club, many of whom are veterans and retired police officers, actively participate in community events, including an annual Veterans Day service in Cuppy Town, where 13 Buffalo Soldiers are buried. The event features a wreath-laying ceremony and flag-raising, fostering connections between the club and the local community.

In addition to their community service, the club invites anyone interested in joining or participating to reach out via their website, hamptonroadsbuffalosoldiers.com.

In other community news, the City of Chesapeake's Waste Management Division has reminded residents to ensure their trash cans are out by 7 AM on collection days. If a collection is missed, residents can leave their cans at the curb for prompt pickup by calling 382-CITY or visiting cityofchesapeake.net/trash.

Furthermore, the Chesapeake Police Department provided insights into its SWAT team operations. Officer Duprey Foster and Sergeant Sparrow discussed the team's role in high-risk situations, including warrant services and hostage rescues. The SWAT team consists of 26 operators and requires candidates to undergo a rigorous application process, including physical fitness tests and marksmanship qualifications. Training is conducted in-house, ensuring that officers are well-prepared for their specialized duties.

These discussions highlight the commitment of local organizations and city services to community involvement and safety.