Bill and Sheryl McCurtis and Dr. Lawrence Jeff Gaskin joined the AZ. 10th Cavalry in 1994. In researching
information on the 10th Cavalry, they repeatedly came across references about the 9th Cavalry. They looked deeper
into the history, became extremely interested, left the 10th Cavalry, and founded the 9th Memorial Cavalry.
The main purpose of this organization was, and is, to learn all we can about these men and the people they
were associated with. Our main goal: get this knowledge to the general public and bring attention to the courage,
sacrifice, bravery, loyalty, and devotion to duty of these men, and to teach our children about those who struggled,
bled, and died to bring civilization to our western frontier - the true history of the West.
Initially quite a few people joined, but, after discovering this was not just "fun and games",
many quickly left. They found out it takes dedicated people with the drive to see this through. It is now 2010
and we have come a long way in a relatively short time. We count 35 members in our organization as of this writing.
Our membership is privileged to include several celebrities - Harry Carey, Jr., Rex Allen, Jr., Buck Taylor,
and Herb Jefferies, "the Bronze Buckaroo". Deceased members include Ben Johnson, Rex Allen, Dale Evans
(Rogers), and Roy Rogers. We have met these wonderful supportive people through our activities as the 9th Memorial
Cavalry.
The 9th United States Cavalry was formed
in New Orleans, Louisiana, in August 1866, led by Colonel Edward Hatch. They were among the first complete regiments
to be called to war on a foreign shore. They served with distinction and honor, helping to establish the
United States of America as a world power.
After one hundred and thirty four plus years of prejudice, hard-core racism, and successful attempts to conceal
their excellent service and devotion to their flag and country, the 9th Memorial Cavalry as inheritors of their
legacy are bringing their exemplary record to light.
