Yosemite National Park ranger Shelton Johnson portrays a Buffalo Soldier in this 5.5-minute video (courtesy of Hearst Castle Theater at the San Simeon State Historical Monument in California). In this clip of the theatrical production, Johnson's character recalls exactly when his father suggested that he join the Army and become a soldier as his life's path. Johnson, who has long studied the role of Buffalo Soldiers in the Sierra, presents research and personal reflections on a related Buffalo Soldiers website. Also, see Johnson's appearance in Ken Burns' upcoming documentary on the national parks to air on PBS in the fall of 2009.