Edna W. Cummings
Retired Army Colonel, Advocate, Author
Just released! A Soldier’s Life shares the inspiring story of retired Army Colonel Edna W. Cummings’ journey in the U.S. Army, and her trailblazing efforts to honor the legendary 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. It’s a story of personal growth, defying the odds, and standing on the shoulders of giants. Order your copy now from most book retailers, or request special copies for academic institutions.
Edna W. Cummings
Retired Army Colonel, Advocate, Author
Just released! A Soldier’s Life shares the inspiring story of retired Army Colonel Edna W. Cummings’ journey in the U.S. Army, and her trailblazing efforts to honor the legendary 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. It’s a story of personal growth, defying the odds, and standing on the shoulders of giants. Order your copy now from most book retailers, or request special copies for academic institutions.
Praise for A Soldier's Life
A Must-Read for All Americans
From universities to government, from Veteran communities to Hollywood celebrities, readers are celebrating A Soldier’s Life as a must-read for all Americans. You can order your print-on-demand copy now through Amazon. Or, select from UVA Press’ publication options, designed specifically for academic institutions.
A Soldier’s Life should be required reading to all interested in a life well lived, courageously and unabashedly. Retired Army Colonel Edna Cummings is an exemplar to me and countless others and I am eternally inspired by her litany of accomplishments and legacy.
Blair UnderwoodActor, Tony nominee, Director, and Executive Producer, Six Triple Eight: A New Musical 
Retired Army Colonel Edna W. Cummings has been a tireless champion in her efforts to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Her depth of knowledge of the unit and indeed on the history of the roles and challenges of women in the US military over the last century is both comprehensive and impressive. Moreover, her ability to tie this knowledge together with a focused determination to see that this history is shown to the wider world is extraordinary.
Stanley Earleyson of 6888th Commander, Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley
Col. Cummings eloquently tells parallel stories of herself and the 6888th— Black women who served their country with honor and distinction amid racial and gender discrimination. The 6888th met the moment, dispelling stereotypes and opening doors for future generations of women in uniform, such as Cummings. And through her own painstaking research and advocacy, the unsung contributions of the 6888th are now nationally known. Quite simply, this is a story of patriotism and perseverance.
Alexis Clarkauthor of Enemies in Love: A German POW, A Black Nurse, and An Unlikely Romance
A transformative, must-read book for anyone seeking to understand how a WWII, US Army unit composed entirely of African American Woman Soldiers met with complete success on a consequential mission thought to be impossible. I strongly recommend this illuminating book by Colonel Cummings because it is the only one on the market that captures how the United States Army changed the way our Nation discusses WWII. Colonel Cummings continues to be Army Strong and epitomizes what it means to be a “Soldier for Life.”
William J. WalkerMajor General, U.S. Army (Retired), 38th Sergeant at Arms, U.S. House of Representatives
A Soldier’s Life is an inspiring and personal journey through the remarkable career of Retired Army Colonel Edna W. Cummings. She defied the odds to rise to leadership in the U.S. Army, but her story is about more than just her own path. Driven by a deep passion to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—an all-Black women’s unit from World War II—Cummings fought tirelessly to secure their recognition. Thanks to her relentless efforts, these 855 trailblazers were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022. This memoir is both a tribute to their legacy and a testament to the power of perseverance.
Frances Murphy DraperCEO and Publisher, AFRO-American Newspapers
A Soldier’s Life is a guidebook on how to face adversity with grace and grit. Colonel Cummings writes about finding purpose and explains in vivid detail the arduous task of recognizing Black women whose incredible accomplishments were ignored by their country for too long. Her actions inspire readers to uplift and honor those who serve in the U.S. military.
Norah O'Donnell CBS News Anchor
Today Retired Army Colonel Edna W. Cummings tirelessly advocates for women in the military. Her book highlights her journey, from standing up for herself and others to breaking barriers as a Black woman in the ranks. One of her notable achievements was playing a key role in securing a Congressional Gold Medal for World War II’s 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in 2022.
Cummings’ inspiring story takes readers from her beginnings as an Army brat to her historic career as a Colonel and military advocate.
Kate Kelly Writer and publisher of America Comes Alive!
Like the extraordinary women of the 6888, Col. Edna Cummings endured second-class treatment in the U.S. Army. Through intelligence and sheer grit, Cummings overcame obstacles and proved herself a true leader. Cummings channeled her fascination with these World War II pioneers into a mission to bring these 855 women back into the light. Thanks to the efforts of committed people like Edna Cummings, the remarkable story of the Six Triple Eight is no longer forgotten.
Linda HervieuxAuthor of Forgotten: The Untold Sory of D-Day's Black Heroes
“A fresh contribution to Black history.”
Kirkus Reviews
“There are plenty of autobiographies of white male military officers, but Cummings’s story stands out as an important account by a Black woman officer continuing the work of those who came before her. A perfect and timely book highlighting the benefits of diverse organizations.
Library Journal
About the Author
About the Author
Edna Cummings is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and consultant. She became the first Black woman commissioned through Appalachian State University’s ROTC program and served a distinguished, highly decorated 25-year military career. As a contractor, she managed federal initiatives in homeland security and information technology.
Edna is renowned for championing recognition of the WWII all-black Women’s Army Corps unit, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (“Six Triple Eight”), ultimately securing the unit’s Congressional Gold Medal in 2022. She continues advancing military awareness through various leadership roles and contributions, including establishing a scholarship fund for veterans. Edna continues to serve, and has earned numerous awards and honors for her work.
Awards and Honors
Edna has worked tirelessly to empower veterans, honor their legacies, and pull back the veil on untold stories. Numerous organizations have recognized her contributions to our nation and to its historical record. She is the recipient of several distinguished awards. Explore a timeline of her work and honors below.
Advocacy
Storyteller and Champion for Underrepresented Voices
Edna has committed her post-military life to uplifting and honoring veterans’ stories, which have been hidden within popular history. Her ongoing work shapes legacies of Black women veterans, empowers veterans and their families to share their stories, and memorializes their places in our country’s history.
6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (Six Triple Eight)
Edna has been a tireless advocate for the WWII all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit, the Six Triple Eight. Since 2018, she has raised funds for a monument, co-produced an award-winning documentary, and begun serving as a historical advisor for a Broadway musical. Edna successfully championed legislation to honor the Six Triple Eight. In 2022 President Biden signed a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal. On April 29, 2025, the Speaker of the House presented the medal at a ceremony attended by more than 500 people. Approximately 300 family members of the Six Triple Eight were in attendance.
Educational Advancement and Scholarships
As part of her work to support veterans and their families, Edna has helped create scholarships for underrepresented groups. The Six Triple Eight Legacy Scholarship is awarded annually to a woman who is serving or has served honorably in the U.S. Army. In addition, the Appalachian Warrior Fund Scholarship is an opportunity offered through Edna’s alma mater, Appalachian State University. This provides annual scholarships to any honorably discharged and disabled veteran or their children. Click the buttons below to learn more, view eligibility requirements to apply, or make a donation.
Additional Resources
Edna’s work connects audiences to diverse resources that reveal untold stories in military history, sparking new opportunities for education and discovery. Recently, the Army Women’s Museum released the Six Triple Eight Paper Doll, which is available to download here. Further, in June 2025, Edna published a one of a kind guide to Black service members buried or missing at Normandy, A Guide to the Black, Buried, and Missing: Normandy American Cemetery. The guide is available on Amazon.
Appearances
Schedule engagements and book signings
A sought-after speaker, Edna is renowned for her commitment to giving voice to underrepresented stories and empowering Black female veterans. Inquire here about scheduling Edna for your next event or for a book signing.
Topics Include:
Honoring Legacies
Leadership and Resilience
Underrepresented Voices
Hidden Histories
Advocacy and Outcomes
Veterans Issues
In the News
Learn about historical milestones, read articles about Edna’s work, and explore veterans’ stories here.
Contact
For General Inquiries
Ask questions or make general inquiries by emailing directly.