A Soldier’s Life

Honored and humbled that my book, A Soldier’s Life, A Black Woman’s Rise From Army Brat to Six Triple Eight Champion, received the American Writing Awards Book of the Year for nonfiction! #bookaward #soldierslife #history #blackwomen #WWII More info: fox59.com/business/press…

This Women’s History Month, we recognize the extraordinary women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (“Six Triple Eight”), the only all-Black, all-female Women’s Army Corps (WAC) unit to serve overseas during World War II. Their mission was to clear a massive, 2 to 3-year backlog of an estimated 17 million pieces of undelivered mail for millions of U.S. service members and civilians in Europe. Led by Major Charity Adams, working 24/7 in 3 shifts with the motto “No mail, low morale”, they sorted and processed an estimated 65,000 letters per shift, reconnecting millions of service members with letters and packages from home. A most cumbersome feat accomplished in merely three months - notably in half the time anticipated. Their efforts not only boosted morale across the front lines, but proved the capability, discipline and determination of Black women serving in the Armed Forces at a time where segregation, racism, and sexism informed daily life. For decades, their story had largely gone untold, however, 80 years later, in a U.S. Capitol ceremony on April 29, 2025, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was formally awarded the Congressional Gold Medal expressing the highest national appreciation awarded to citizens/ groups for distinguished achievements and contributions greatly impacting American history and culture. As of September 2025, of the 855 women serving in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, Major (Retired) Fannie Griffin-McClendon is the last surviving member at age 105. Romay Davis passed away at age 104 in 2024. Let us all take a moment to salute, honor, and show appreciation for all of the women both past and present that have sacrificed to serve in the U. S. Armed Forces. 🎖️🙌🏾👩🏽‍🦱🛡️🎖️ #womenshistorymonth #Blackwomenveterans #womenveterans #wesaluteyou

Army (Ret.) Col. Edna W. Cummings uplifts Six Triple Eight women in new memoir By Alexis LaRue, AFRO Intern ow.ly/FCzz50Ys9Y1 #6888battalion #blackmilitaryhistory #sixtripleeight #womeninuniform #ednacummings

In 2023 Governor Wes Moore designated March 9 as Six Triple Eight Day in #Maryland. This day also marks the date of the unit’s deactivation in 1946. Honor the legacy of the 6888th Postal Battalion women from Maryland & throughout the U.S. They prevailed where others failed.

March is Women's History Month. We give special thanks to the brave women of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion. The Six Triple Eight were 824 enlisted and 31 commissioned Black women, drawn from the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), to boost morale by tackling a backlog of U.S. forces’ undelivered mail. Charity Adams Earley was the commanding officer. She later made her home in Dayton and made a big impact in the community. The Dayton VA Women's Clinic was renamed in her honor in June 2024. youtu.be/7WqY_PLZcfQ

For Women’s History Month, we give special thanks to the brave women of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion. The Six Triple Eight were 824 enlisted and 31 commissioned Black women, drawn from the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), to boost morale by tackling a backlog of U.S. forces’ undelivered mail. youtu.be/7WqY_PLZcfQ

Oleta Crain was a trailblazer. She was born in 1913 and died in 2007. Oleta advocated for Black women’s rights. In 1943, 300 women nationwide entered the military officer training. Oleta was one out of three African Americans entering. She served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, retiring with the rank of major. #DemsUnited #BlackHistoryWithLana #WomensHistoryMonth

During World War II the opportunities for women to serve in the military grew. The Army had WAC and the Navy formed the WAVES. The Coast Guard formed the SPARS (Semper Paratus-Always Ready) in 1942. Soon after the legislation to form SPAR was passed in November 1942, a recruiting drive began to build the SPAR corps. Although military services had been recruiting their members for many years, SPAR recruiters faced two challenges - recruiting women and recruiting them for one of the least-known services. While the recruiting drive was moving forward, it wasn't until October 1944 that the Coast Guard authorized its recruiting officers to accept black women for enlistment. Olivia Juliette Hooker was the first African-American woman to enter the U.S. Coast Guard in February 1945. After being rejected from joining the WAVES because of her race, she became a SPAR. Along with four other Black women, she completed boot camp at the Coast Guard’s training center in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn. Hooker went on to further training as a yeoman, or administrative specialist. After finishing yeoman school, she faced additional obstacles. The head of the school wrote to every Coast Guard station commander—there were 11—to find an assignment for her. Only one, in Boston, agreed to take a Black yeoman. In Boston, Hooker worked in the separation center, processing paperwork for those who were discharging from the service. While she was there, the war ended. The SPARS, which was approved for the “duration of the war plus six months”, prepared to disband. “I think I was the last one out because I had to type my own discharge,” Hooker recalled. She left the SPARS having been promoted to yeoman 2nd class. #WeRememberThem #BlackVetsCount #WomensHistoryMonth

Caption: For Women’s History Month, we give special thanks to the brave women of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion. The Six Triple Eight were 824 enlisted and 31 commissioned Black women, drawn from the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), to boost morale by tackling a backlog of U.S. forces’ undelivered mail. #6888 #WomensHistory youtu.be/7WqY_PLZcfQ

State leaders gathered in Hartford to recognize the resilience of the Six Triple Eight -- the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II -- and to honor the ten women whose families are from CT. wtnh.com/news/connectic…

A decades-old family mystery turned into a moment of pride Wednesday during a ceremony at the state capitol in Hartford, where Connecticut leaders honored the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The “Six Triple Eight” was the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. bit.ly/4cuOaKa

Another Six Triple Eight Day! #Delaware Governor officially signed HB 68 into law to designate March 9th as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (Six Triple Eight) Day. The Ceremonial Signing of HB68 commemorating the will take place on March 12, 2026, 12:45-1:00 PM.

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Edna Cummings will discuss her journey from military brat to advocate for a trailblazing Black female WWII unit at a Baltimore museum. bit.ly/4lhFCsE

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Edna Cummings will discuss her journey from military brat to advocate for a trailblazing Black female WWII unit at a Baltimore museum. bit.ly/4rTrEiQ

Register to attend this author’s event with Six Triple Eight families @SixTripleEight on Saturday March 7, 1PM at the Reginald Lewis Museum, Baltimore, MD. Tickets: lewismuseum.ticketing.veevartapp.com/groups/view/li…

Correct! The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion AKA Six Triple Eight not only shaped history, but blazed a path for future generations! #WomensHistoryMonth #armywomen #legacy soldiers. #Thankyou @NorahODonnell for recognizing their legacy and impact. m.youtube.com/watch?v=PTydkg…

It is a privilege to introduce this resolution honoring my lifelong friend and mentor: Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams-Earley - a trailblazer in every sense of the word. I am proud to partner with @RepMikeTurner to honor her sacrifice. 🔗More here: bit.ly/4l97Sxl

Book signing tickets include a self-guided tour of the museum that honors Reginald F. Lewis, the first African American to build a billion dollar company lewismuseum.ticketing.veevartapp.com/groups/view/li… #Blackhistory

Celebrate Women’s History Month w/me on March 7, 2026, 1-4PM at the @LewisMuseum of Baltimore, MD for a book talk, signing, and panel with Six Triple Eight family members. Tickets: lewismuseum.ticketing.veevartapp.com/groups/view/li… You may purchase books at the event or in advance: amazon.com/Soldiers-Life-…

@SixTripleEight @CCLLC2008 Lovely wonderful people the 6888th !! @USArmy @usps

Powerful interview by retired Navy aviator Matt Bowman with Army COL (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings @CCLLC2008 about the 6888th Central Postal Battalion’s (Six Triple Eight) path to the Congressional Gold Medal, her military service, and much more. He refers to her as someone who rewrote history. Watch here: m.youtube.com/watch?v=CjQOOR… #storytelling #legacy #Blackhistory #womenshistory