Two local veterans were recognized yesterday at a special ceremony in Pomona for their outstanding service to our country. The 2023 Buffalo Soldiers Awards were presented to Staff Sgt. Sherlie Louis and Army Veteran Lee Edward Burns, Senior. Louis is an Aerospace Medical Services Craftsman in the 109th Medical Group of the Air National Guard, she joined the Air Force in 2012. Burns served in the Army from 1962-1965. He then spent 30 years in the New York State Army National Guard. A “Buffalo Soldier” is the nickname first given to members of African-American cavalry regiments of the U.S. Army who served in the western United States from 1867 to 1896, noted for their courage and discipline.