Welcome To The Buffalo Soldier Chapter!
The Buffalo Soldier Chapter of ROCKS Inc., is a tax exempt, non profit charitable organization under IRS Section 501(c)(19), purposed to provide mentorship, professional development, and fellowship to ROTC Cadets, active duty, reserve and national guard component, commissioned, retired, and warrant officers. We are dedicated to assisting retired or former military officers in transitioning to the civilian sector. Founded on the basis of mentorship, we welcome military officers and Department of Defense Civilians in the Fort Leavenworth, Kansas area. We invite all officers, regardless of genders, ethnicity, or background to share in a professional networking experience.
Chapter Focus
- Mentorship & Professional Development
- Leadership Outreach & ROTC Enhancement
- Scholarship
- Community Involvement/Outreach
- Networking
Chapter Objectives
- Increase active local membership
- Sustain professional development and networking opportunities
- Reestablish relationships with community and corporate partners
Goals
- Leverage leader engagements/mentorship sessions with Pre-Command Course sudents, General Officers, and guest speakers
- Retain Senior Leader involvement
- Provide at least $1,500 in scholarships to deserving students
Chapter History & Highlights
The ROCKS, Inc. began in the mid 1960s, when a group of Army officers assigned to the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, began to informally socialize after class. Many of these officers met in previous assignments, and now realized one significant common goal: “Surviving CGSC”. Post graduation, many officers secured follow-on assignments in the Virginia/Washington D.C. area. It was during this time, the informal group took action to formalize the gatherings. In 1974, the small group of officers who valued mentorship and professional development of ALL officers, officially became known as The ROCKS, Inc.
Today the members of the Buffalo Soldiers Chapter (Fort Leavenworth, KS) continue to honor the history and essence of the The ROCKS, Inc. CGSC students continue to lead the organization in partnership with local military officers and DoD Civilians. The Chapter strives to look to the future with a desire to reach into the various facets of society in order to groom the next generation of leaders for America's finest force.
Members are encouraged to continue engaging the community to include coordinated visits to Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and local high schools, to speak about their experiences of serving in the military and provide mentorship.
Leader Professional Development is a core program for The ROCKS, Inc. The Buffalo Soldiers Chapter is fortunate to benefit and learn from numerous General Officers and senior military leaders visiting the Fort Leavenworth area.
If you are scheduled a move, permanent change of station (PCS) and/or a visit to Fort Leavenworth in the near future, please visit our website event page or contact the Buffalo Soldiers Leavenworth Chapter Executive Board at buffalosoldierrocks@gmail.com. We look forward to having you!