Honoring Veterans: Army Veteran Edna Cummings

Edna Cummings hails from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and 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. 

Following her retirement from the Army, Cummings held management positions for federal contracting companies through her leadership at the Department of Homeland Security, and in information technology initiatives for federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense and Justice.

Cummings also played a pivotal role in the film community. 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. Growing up as the daughter of a career enlisted soldier, she felt a connection with these women, especially with Commanding Officer Charity Adams, who was the first African American woman to become an Officer in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps.

In 2019, Cummings served as a producer for “The Six-Triple Eight,” a documentary that tells the story of these individuals and the sacrifices they made for our country.

“These women of any race were never depicted other than the object of a love interest of a male who was in the war. Then, digging deeper, learning that there were actually more than 7,000 Black women on active duty during World War II, including nurses in a group of these Black women, Red Cross workers, nurses, and this large contingent of women, the Six Triple Eight actually served overseas. That really heightened my interest,” said Cummings.

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, officially presenting them with the highest civilian honor. “Not only do they deserve it for processing millions of pieces of mail in record time. There were no other units like the 6888,” Cummings said.

At 78, Cummings is still a pillar in the community. She currently serves as a member of the Military Advisory Board of the History Makers, an Army Reserve Ambassador for the State of Maryland and a volunteer special government employee, a role that’s equivalent to a major general in the Armed Forces.

In March 2020, Cummings was inducted into the Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame. She was also recognized by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), who selected her as one of its national “Changemakers.” In July 2022, Cummings received the Jesse Brown Leadership Award. 

Cummings took on every challenge that came her way and never surrendered to fear or adversity. “I learned a lot about choosing your battles, and when to take a stand,” she said. “The military will push you to your limits. It is designed to build leadership. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to do some of the things I do now.”

We honor her service.

Writer: Rachel Martin

Editors: Justin Skarupa, Tayler Rairigh

Researcher: Angela Holtby, Raphael Romea

Graphic Designer: Sydney Burton