Patch - Buffalo Soldiers Ruck

Buffalo Soldiers were U.S. Army regiments composed exclusively of black American soldiers, formed during the 19th century to serve on the American frontier after the Civil War. The Buffalo Soldiers played crucial roles in westward expansion, the Indian Wars, and early National Parks, all while overcoming intense racism and segregation, thereby proving black military capability and paving the way for greater integration.

Many of these soldiers also served in California's Sierra Nevada as some of our nation's first park rangers. For this month’s Ruck Club Callout, we’ll perform a service project honoring their service protecting Yosemite and Sequoia before the Park Service even existed.

The Details:

• Begin with a brief story about the Buffalo Soldiers’ early role as park rangers
• Perform a trail cleanup ruck or adopt a section of a local road for cleanup
• Include a moment of silence or reflection in a scenic area
• End with a statement of stewardship, e.g., “We protect what they protected.”
• Minimum distance: your call 
• Weight: rucker's choice
• Share on social media using #RUCKCLUBCALLOUT and tag @goruck