A U.S. Army veteran from Rockland County received a special award as a part of Black History Month.

Rockland County awarded Lewis Green its annual "Buffalo Soldier Award" at Rockland Community College in Suffern for his service to the country.

Green was inducted in the Army back in 1966 and served in Vietnam.

The Spring Valley man has continued to give back, helping raise money and collect food for victims affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Matthew.

Buffalo Soldiers is a nickname given to the African-American cavalry by Native American tribes who fought in the Indian Wars. Rockland County has given out this award since 1993 as part of Black History Month to honor soldiers who fought for the nation's freedom.

"It recognizes African-American soldiers who were often not recognized by their own country for which they fought and died. Their nickname is attributed in some cases to the fact that when they were at the Civil War, the Indians showed them great respect as fierce fighters," says Rockland County Executive Ed Day.