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WWII veteran & Buffalo Soldier Roy J. Caldwood to be honoured @ HLSCC this evening

- The centenarian will be sharing his inspiring story of courage & discipline
A symposium to honour World War II veteran and Bronze Star recipient Roy J. Caldwood, who has strong roots in the Virgin Islands, will be held today, Thursday, November 13, 2025, at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Paraquita Bay. Photo: Photo: AJ Colson/St Leo University
Roy J. Caldwood, now 103, was a soldier in the 92nd Infantry Division of the United States Army during World War II, which was comprised entirely of African-American soldiers. His division was known as the 'Buffalo Soldiers' in reference to the 19th-century African-American cavalrymen. Photo: Roy J. Caldwood
Roy J. Caldwood, now 103, was a soldier in the 92nd Infantry Division of the United States Army during World War II, which was comprised entirely of African-American soldiers. His division was known as the 'Buffalo Soldiers' in reference to the 19th-century African-American cavalrymen. Photo: Roy J. Caldwood
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI- A symposium to honour World War II veteran and Bronze Star recipient Roy J. Caldwood, who has strong roots in the Virgin Islands, will be held today, Thursday, November 13, 2025, at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Paraquita Bay.

Caldwood, now 103, was a soldier in the 92nd Infantry Division of the United States Army during World War II, which was comprised entirely of African-American soldiers. His division was known as the “Buffalo Soldiers” in reference to the 19th-century African-American cavalrymen.

The event, which will begin at 6:00 PM at HLSCC Learning Resource Centre, is being hosted by the family of Mr Caldwood, with support from the Miss World BVI Committee, the Virgin Islands Studies Institute at HLSCC, and the Jost van Dyke Advancement Team.

One of the last living Buffalo Soldiers of World War II

Mr Caldwood’s story has been featured in the National WWII Museum and the West Point Center for Oral History, and even echoes through Bob Marley’s timeless song “Buffalo Soldier.”

“This will be the first time he is being publicly honoured here at home, and we’re thankful to finally have this moment to show our appreciation,” a press release from the Miss World BVI Committee stated.

According to the press release, it will be an evening with Mr. Roy J. Caldwood, Virgin Islands native, and one of the last living Buffalo Soldiers of World War II.

“At 103 years old, Mr Caldwood’s life tells a story of courage, disciplineCaldwood, now 103, was a soldier in the 92nd Infantry Division of the United States Army during World War II, which was comprised entirely of African-American soldiers. His division was known as the “Buffalo Soldiers” in reference to the 19th-century African-American cavalrymen., and Virgin Islands pride. This special evening will feature tributes and reflections,” the Miss World BVI Committee stated.

3 Responses to “WWII veteran & Buffalo Soldier Roy J. Caldwood to be honoured @ HLSCC this evening”

  • bvibuzz (13/11/2025, 11:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    our people continue to serve
  • Real Mcoy (13/11/2025, 11:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Very good information about this man.
    I wish i can live to be that age.
    I hope he is in good health to enjoy his senior days on earth.
    He is a blessed man indeed.
  • Rattler (13/11/2025, 12:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I salute Mr. Calwood for his service in the Buffalo Soldiers infantry/calvary and for his long life of a 103. He has seen much, lived through many changes, and experience much. He has a story to tell, which we can learn much from . Nevertheless, the article did not mention that Buffalo Soldiers unit comprise of all blacks, but for most of its existence, it was led by White Officers. There is a history behind this. The US armed forces was not integrated until 1948. Racism, racism, and racial prejudice were rampant with Blacks not seen as equals, so whites had problems with being led by blacks. The attitude still exist. Blacks were seen as weak in leadership, communication, ie, written, verbal, etc. Some progress was made but there is regression with battles fought before have to be fought again. Former UK PM Margaret Thatcher aka the Iron Lady notes, “ battles won before will have to be fought again to win.” There is truth to this on social, economic, military, etc fronts. The discussion has been on race relations in the US but the UK, John Bull, exhibit the same egregious attitude and behavior as US , Uncle Sam. For example, in the early years, the West Indies Cricket Team, which comprise mostly black players from British colonies in the West Indies, had to be led by a White captsin. Closer to home, the controversial decision being made by UK- appointed Governor Daniel Pruce who asked DCP Jacquline Vanterpool, a highly qualified local, to revert back from Acting Commissioner of Police to her substantive permanent position ( Deputy Commissioner of Police) so that he could assign a retired White fellow Briton with a supposed checkered history as Acting Commissioner of Police. Something is rotten to the core in the state of Denmark/ London/ Road Town. The more things change the more they stsy the same. No diss intended to tie this muck to Mr. Callwood celebration.


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