Recap

On Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, the World Affairs Council of Orange County hosted its annual Honoring Veterans Program, which focused on Black veterans and the Buffalo Soldiers located at the beautiful American Legion Post 291 in Newport Beach, CA.

The event featured Bobby McDonald as the event’s keynote speaker on America’s history of Black veterans and the Buffalo Soldiers who helped build the nation. McDonald, a veteran, author, historian, and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and is currently the President of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association-Buffalo Soldiers.

With around 60 WAC-OC members in attendance, the event kicked off with a color guard march and the national anthem in honor of our nation and those who served.

Sung by Ray Ricard, a Legionnaire and color guard member, he had some thoughts about what to make of our military history. For him, the story of the Buffalo Soldiers in the past indicated what the country was heading towards, and that is something we should keep in mind during these often turbulent political times.

“The military is our history, our roadmap of where we’re going as a country,” Ricard said.

And after some Wonderful opening remarks from Sajindra Gunawardane, the WAC-OC Chair, and Manuel Marquez, our interns Elise Hackenberg and Tiffany Quezada gave a rousing speech about their time in the internship program.

“My internship with WAC-OC has helped me grow both professionally and personally,” Hackenberg said. “It has given me opportunities to connect with people and participate in events I would never have dreamed of.”

Quezada shared similar sentiments as to what motivates her to travel all the way from LA to Orange County.

“For those who know, it is a lengthy drive, but to me the drive is never long,” Quezada said. “I leave every time thankful for the people I have met and how much I have learned from them and this organization. It is always a long drive, but it is always worth it.”

After the opening speeches, Bobby McDonald presented the bread and butter of the event: the history of Black veterans and Buffalo Soldiers. This 30-minute presentation shared knowledge with WAC-OC members about significant Black military figures and Black veterans’ contributions to building this nation.

A tradition at WAC-OC events is for members to ask questions of our guest speakers. Questions have always ranged from thought-provoking to lighthearted, and this time was no different. From questions about how we can help veterans’ families who have experienced loss to what more we can do as non-veterans to help, WAC-OC members proved how curious and philanthropic they are, and how the organization is as well.

After Q&A and closing remarks, I had the opportunity to interview Bobby McDonald to learn what it all means to take time out of our days and honor Black veterans. Black veterans are a topic that may seem overlooked when discussing our country’s history and military. However, for McDonald, this story is crucial to understanding who we truly are as a country.

“This is very important; you learn from history so you can become better,” McDonald said.

McDonald went on to explain that the story of the Buffalo Soldiers is a lesson for everybody who calls America home, highlighting the diversity and sacrifice of people and veterans from all walks of life and backgrounds, as well as their contributions to the nation.

“Knowing that “we” helped build this country, that’s the key, the proverbial “we,” McDonald said. “America, America, we gave our best to you.”

Overall, the Honoring Black veterans program was an outstanding success that would not have been great without the support of our members, interns, and amazing veteran guest speakers who wanted to share the memory of America’s bravest people.

Special Thanks to Jan Schrieber for all the event photos.