What we should know about the United States of America African-American troops from 1865-66.

They were able to help complete the first African-American school in Valdosta. They protected the black citizens here and gave them jobs. They gave them land, clothing for the whole family, food and housed many in Army tents because they were homeless.

Capt. Andrew W. Leonard told them a new time had come, a time of freedom. You must become educated, industrious for you and your children to survive.

You must take the hard road to achieve your goals. The good God will lift you up to a higher level than where you are now.

My descendants and ancestors along with 189,000 African-American troops were honored at Arlington National Cemetery in 1996. The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton with the United States House of Representatives presided.

The Headquarters of 103rd Infantry was at Lowndes County Courthouse in Valdosta.

If anybody is a living descendant of the following troops, please contact me. Rev. Willie Wade at (229) 444-1081:

Private Robert Wade; Private Rueben Wade; Private Lawrence Wade; Private James Wade; Private David Wade; Private Joshua Wade; Private Peter Wade; Private Edward Wade; Private Chester Wade; Private Jim Wade; Private Lummon Wade; Private Neal Wade II; Private Neal Wade III; Private Soreties Wade; Private Gus Wade; Private Cluster Wade; Private Ned Wade; Private Jack Wade; Private Hope Wade.

I have something beautiful planned.

The Rev. Willie F. Wade is a resident of Valdosta