This week’s Veterans Spotlight shines on Edna Cummings.
Edna Cummings, a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, broke barriers early in life by becoming the first African American woman commissioned as an Army officer through Appalachian State University’s Army ROTC program. Her remarkable military journey spanned 25 years and included high-level roles at institutions such as Georgetown University, the Pentagon, and NORAD/USNORTHCOM in Colorado Springs.
After retiring from active duty, Cummings transitioned into federal contracting leadership. She played influential roles at the Department of Homeland Security, and contributed to IT initiatives across the Departments of Defense and Justice, bringing her mission-driven mindset into the public sector.
Beyond the uniform, Cummings became a driving force in preserving military history, particularly that of African American women in World War II. In 2018, she turned her attention to the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—better known as The Six Triple Eight—the only all-Black, all-female battalion deployed overseas during the war. Inspired by her upbringing in a military family and the leadership of Charity Adams, the battalion’s commanding officer and the first African American woman to be commissioned in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, Cummings knew this story needed to be told.
She produced a documentary, The Six-Triple Eight, in 2019 to bring their legacy to light. Her advocacy didn’t stop there—Cummings lobbied alongside lawmakers to secure formal recognition for the battalion. On March 14, 2022, President **Joe Biden signed legislation awarding the 6888 the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor in the United States. “No other unit was like them,” Cummings said, reflecting on the battalion’s unmatched work ethic and achievements.
Now in her late 70s, Cummings continues to lead by example. She serves as a Military Advisory Board member for The HistoryMakers, an Army Reserve Ambassador for Maryland, and a volunteer special government employee, a role equivalent in stature to a major general.
Her trailblazing contributions have earned her accolades including induction into the Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame, recognition as a “Changemaker” by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and the prestigious Jesse Brown Leadership Award in 2022.
Reflecting on her career, Cummings says, “The military will push you to your limits—it’s designed to build leaders. I wouldn’t be able to do the things I do today without that foundation.”
Today, we honor Edna Cummings—for her service, her resilience, and her unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of those who came before her.