“Mr. Felder is one of the people from Tuskegee I have to see every time I visit my old alma mater; it is one of Tuskegee's natural treasures. Tuskegee wouldn't be the same without him,” says Mike Landrum, a graduate of the class of '92. Upon entering Mr. Felder's shop, I was not only amazed by the sheer quantity of "Skegee gear" but by the liveliness and mobility of this older, slender, light-skinned man. I felt that Mr. Felder was a very humble man and truly passionate about his work. Booker Taliaferro Felder, who was named after his father in honor of the founder of the Tuskegee Institute, was born on June 4, 1922 in Waycross, Georgia. Booker's father recognized the greatness that Booker T. Washington represented; his father wanted to instill those values ​​in his son. In 1924 the family moved to Tampa, Florida, where young Booker completed his elementary and high school education. He was married to his late wife, Deborah, for 35 years and has a son, Marc. He is an avid collector of American Flyer Trains and exotic fish. Furthermore, he greatly enjoys meeting and communing with people. Felder enrolled at Tuskegee Institute in 1941 and continued his education until 1943 when he enlisted in the United States Army and became a member of the famed 92nd Infantry Division, a part of the old historic “Buffalo Soldiers Regiment.” From 1943 to 1946, his infantry unit faced numerous front-line combat in Italy during World War II. He was wounded in combat and returned from the war with a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and fragments of shrapnel from a bomb, bullet or other object thrown out by an explosion, still lodged in his body. returned to Tuskegee and completed his degree in Commercial Industries and Tailoring and graduated Cum...... middle of paper...... The Delbert H. Johnson Man of the Year which is awarded annually by Lewis Adams Lodge No. 67 Prince Hall, Friendship and Community Service Award, Atlanta-Tuskegee Alumni Club Advisor, Personalities of South Award in Recognition of Achievement and Outstanding Service to the Community, Alpha Kappa Mu Regional Director Award, Award for excellence in fashion design (Iota Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity). To this day, Felder can be found directly in front of the main gate running Felder's. I was impressed to learn about his wonderful projects and daily contact with the students and staff of Tuskegee University. He is a good role model and positive influence to young adults in the community. The example you set for today's youth shows that they too can achieve success. I am very grateful for the opportunity to get to know Mr. Felder.