I was born on May 9, 1925. From the start, life was a struggle. I suffered with rickets, and doctors told me that I might not be able to walk. With the help of my lovely wife, a good diet, and plenty of exercise, I overcame that prognosis. My wife believes the syrup and bread that I have been eating for years has kept me going.

In 1935, I moved to Virginia. I attended school and worked as a field hand. This is where I found my love for horses, I even bought a horse.

During 1943, I enlisted in the Army. I was a private in the 10th Calvary (known as the Buffalo Soldiers) in Fort Bliss, TX. I was patrolling, my horse became frightened by a snake and threw me. I was stranded there for 3 days and 3 nights. In the dry desert terrain, temperatures were 110° in the daytime and 30 to 40° at night, and I suffered from hypothermia, dehydration, and early starvation. All that was in my possession was a compass and flashlight. My other gear was lost, because my horse had run off. To keep the coyotes away I started fires from desert weeds and matches I had attached to my belt.

After completing rehabilitation, I enrolled at Tuskegee Institute. There I met my wife Sylvia, to whom I have been married for 56 years. We had 7 boys and 1 girl. I have been active in my community. As far as aging goes, I have worked hard, lived hard, and loved hard, and I never believed in the word "can't." I have lost my driving privileges, but I still get around with help from my family and friends, public transportation (the senior pass is great), and even my motor scooter. I never give up, so I always try to show my support for my family, friends, church, and the community. I may get weak and weary, or wake up with arthritis and need to lay back down with liniment, but I still keep on going like a Buffalo Soldier should.