Veterans of Color Recount their War Experiences

Among the Rockland County veterans of color assembled at the College for a Black History Month panel commemorating the military service of persons of color, were decorated servicemen from World War Two, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Recounting their experiences of racism and segregation along with their triumphs in both in their military and professional careers, they highlighted the issue of race in this country, and the perseverance of racial minorities throughout our history.

Judge Joe Thaxton served in the US Navy from 1950-1954, worked with the famous all-black Tuskegee Airmen, and became the first black judge of Rockland County. "Regardless of whether it's the Navy, Army or Air Force, it's still your country," he said.

Even with the proud service of all the panel members, each in his own way faced adversity due to his color. Judge Thaxton's military career was threatened with a Navy court martial because of his skin color, he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Butler excelled in his examinations and in boot camp, but like many other young black servicemen, he said, was denied further training and ordered to be a flag carrier. e was also told that he "wasn't college material" by his commanding officer. Colonel Butler went on to earn three degrees, including a masters.

David C. Smith, former President of the Chamber of Commerce, served in Special Operations during the Vietnam War. He became an officer to a battalion of 1,000 men and earned over a dozen service medals and awards. When things came to race during his tour, he said, "The only color we knew was red…no matter who you are we all bled red."

African American history is "beautiful," he said, expressing pride in the accomplishments of new generations.

The panel conveyed that their wartime experiences motivated them to make a difference in a country still struggling with racism.

Willie J. Trotman, President of the Spring Valley NAACP, served in the US Army. Expressing his motivations, Trotman said, "If you get something and don't share, no one knows you have it." His experiences and his accomplishments could only help others if he gave back to the community, he said.

After serving in Special Reconnaissance in Cambodia during Vietnam,  Chief Dwaine C. Perry of the Ramapo Lenape Tribe, returned to join the NAACP and American Legion. As the elected Chief of the Ramapo Lenape, he said, he continues to work against discrimination.

Angela Vasser Cooper, MSW, said she needed to reciprocate the help she received as a woman in the armed forces, and is now the President of the Women Veterans Association of the Hudson Valley.