HISTORIC ANNOUNCEMENT & CHARTER Randall D. Christian, Sr. Buffalo Soldiers of East Texas (Christian Buffalo Soldiers, CBS) in November 10, 2025 in Tyler, Texas.
HISTORIC ANNOUNCEMENT & CHARTER
Randall D. Christian, Sr. Buffalo Soldiers of East Texas (Christian Buffalo Soldiers, CBS) in November 10, 2025 in Tyler, Texas.
Presented by Commander RosieLeetta Reed, Texas Buffalo Soldiers Association
and Chaplain Kyev Tatum, Sr., Unit Developer & Founder of Camp Buffalo Soldiers
September 27, 2025
Dear Leaders, Friends, and Future Builders of the Great State of Texas,
It is with unshakable joy, historic pride, and enduring faith that we announce the official commissioning and chartering of the Randall D. Christian, Sr. Buffalo Soldiers of East Texas (CBS) — a unit born from courage, sacrifice, and the relentless hope that has defined the Christian family for generations.
Headquartered at Fort Christian in the historic Shiloh Community of White Oak, Texas — sacred ground where faith meets freedom, memory meets mission, and the next generation will be trained to learn, lead, and lift others forward — this unit honors veterans from East Texas who served in segregated military units from the Civil War through Korea, and all descendants who have continued the legacy of service.
At the center of this honor stands Randall D. Christian, Sr., who served with distinction in both the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments during the Korean War era. Most notably, he was chosen to carry the American flag when the President of the United States ordered the integration of the Armed Forces in 1947, standing as a living witness to freedom’s dawn and holding high the banner of unity for a divided nation.
This extraordinary legacy of courage and service continued through his son, Randall D. Christian, Jr., whose decorated military career reflected the family’s unwavering devotion to God, family, and country. Today, Commander Debra Christian, founder of the Christian Restoration Center, carries this torch forward —
rescuing homeless veterans, restoring dignity, and giving hope to those who served.
It is a fact of immense pride and inspiration that over 250 members of the Christian family have served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, from the Civil War to the current War on Terror — a multigenerational testament to faith, courage, and devotion to freedom. Their service was more than duty; it was a calling, a witness to God’s faithfulness, and a living legacy of sacrifice for the nation and the community.
The Christian Family’s legacy extends beyond military service. In 2025, they were honored by the Texas Department of Agriculture as Family Land Heritage Honorees for their stewardship of Texas farmland, reminding us that freedom and service are also rooted in caring for land, community, and future generations.
OUR MISSION — BRIDGING FAITH, LEGACY, AND THE FUTURE
The Christian Buffalo Soldiers are not only about preserving history — they are about preparing the next generation of leaders:
• To Preserve and Proclaim – We honor East Texas heroes from segregated units, keeping their courage, faith, and sacrifice alive for all who follow.
• To Teach and Train – We equip youth to learn, lead, and lift others forward, cultivating strong character, faith-filled leadership, and community responsibility.
• To Serve and Support – We restore dignity to homeless veterans and vulnerable neighbors, following Christ’s example of compassion and service.
• To Unite and Uplift – We build a circle of resilience, hope, and fellowship across East Texas, ensuring every child and citizen feels the power of community and faith.
This commissioning is a clarion call to youth and families: step forward, embrace your heritage, and carry this story into the future. The Christian Buffalo Soldiers will be more than a unit — they will be a movement of faith, courage, and action, shaping leaders who honor the past and transform tomorrow.
Commander RosieLeetta Reed and the Texas Buffalo Soldiers Association enthusiastically support this endeavor. As Chaplain and Unit Developer, I commit to guiding this unit, building capacity, and ensuring the spirit of the Buffalo Soldiers and the Christian family legacy continues to shine brightly in East Texas and beyond.
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THE SEEDS OF SHILOH — A CHRISTIAN LEGACY
From Rev. Butcher C. Christian, Sr. (1836–1903), a man born into slavery who became a landowner and community builder, to the Christian children who have served in every major conflict from the Civil War to today, this family’s story is one of faith, service, and enduring hope.
Psalm 127:3-5 reminds us:
“Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward… As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.”
• Happy Heritage: A family grounded in faith, teaching future generations that God guides those who trust Him.
• Happy Hands: Hands that fought, tilled, built, taught, prayed, and served — laying foundations for liberty, learning, and leadership.
• Happy Hearts: Hearts full of sacrifice, hope, and joy, offering a legacy of courage, dignity, and faith-filled service.
Through the vision of Ms. Debra Christian, this legacy continues with the donation of 64 acres for a Texas State Veterans Cemetery and the dedication of space within Shiloh Veterans Cemetery, ensuring that the sacrifice and service of East Texas veterans will be honored in perpetuity.
This is more than an announcement — it is a proclamation of faith, legacy, and opportunity. It is a call to honor history, serve the present, and equip the next generation to lead East Texas into a brighter, more compassionate future.
This charter will be presented at the CHRISTIAN VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION:
Monday, November 10, 2025
12:00 Noon
Christian Restoration Center, 134 N. Glenwood Blvd, Tyler, Texas
On behalf of the Texas Buffalo Soldiers Association, we invite the State of Texas to join us in celebrating the commissioning of the Randall D. Christian, Sr. Buffalo Soldiers of East Texas, and in supporting this mission of service, faith, and leadership for generations to come.
With perpetual enthusiasm, historic pride, and unwavering hope,
Commander RosieLeetta Reed
Texas Buffalo Soldiers Association
Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr.
Chaplain & Unit Developer
Founder, Camp Buffalo Soldiers
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