In honor of Black History Month, the Rotary Club of East Montgomery County (EMC) was privileged to have Cpt. Paul J. Matthews, Buffalo Soldier Museum Curator, present to the Club at their weekly luncheon. Cpt. Matthews has been researching military history and collecting military artifacts and memorabilia for over 30 years prior to his founding of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. This is the only museum in the United States that chronicles the entire African American military experience from the Revolutionary War to the Persian Gulf War.
In honor of Black History Month, the Rotary Club of East Montgomery County (EMC) was privileged to have Cpt. Paul J. Matthews, Buffalo Soldier Museum Curator, present to the Club at their weekly luncheon. Cpt. Matthews has been researching military history and collecting military artifacts and memorabilia for over 30 years prior to his founding of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. This is the only museum in the United States that chronicles the entire African American military experience from the Revolutionary War to the Persian Gulf War.
Matthews received a B.S. in biology from Prairie View A&M University. He served two years active duty and four years reserve duty in the United States Army, wherein he received a Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal and a Combat Medical Badge in the Republic of Vietnam. Prior to founding the museum, Matthews worked for 30 years as a Hospital Representative, Executive Business Manager and Director of Military Affairs for Merck & Co., Inc., managing the military division that yielded over $800 million in annual revenue.
African Americans have fought in military conflicts since the colonial days; however, the Buffalo Soldiers, comprised of former slaves, freemen, and Black Civil War soldiers, were the first to serve during peacetime. Buffalo Soldiers have participated in many other military campaigns: The Spanish American War, The Philippine Insurrection, The Mexican Expedition, World War I, World War II, and the Korean Police Action.
Much has changed since the days of the Buffalo Soldiers, including the integration of all-military servicemen and women; however, the story of the Buffalo Soldiers remains one of unsurpassed courage and patriotism and will be forever a significant part of the history of America. For more information visit http://buffalosoldiermuseum.com/