Today, I salute Army Veteran Edna Cummings. Edna graduated from Appalachian State University (ASU), making her the first African American woman to earn a commission as an Army officer through the university’s Army Reserve Training Corps Program. After graduating and commissioning, she embarked on a 25-year career that spanned a variety of programs and assignments, including senior-level positions at Georgetown University, the Pentagon and at NORAD/USNORTHCOM in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In January 2018, she worked tirelessly to bring recognition and awareness to The Six-Triple Eight, the only female all-Black battalion to serve overseas during World War II. In 2019, Cummings served as a producer for “The Six-Triple Eight,” a documentary. Cummings worked alongside Congress to ensure that “The Six-Triple Eight” earned their due with the Congressional Gold Medal. On March 14, 2022, President Biden signed this legislation into law. Congratulations on your amazing legacy Edna and THANK YOU for your service.
