The National Association of Black Military Women (NABMW) is an association of women located throughout the country who are veterans or current members of the United States Armed Forces. It was founded in 1976 under the former name of "The Black WAAC, WAC, Women in Service."

Their mission is centered on seeking out, recording, maintaining, and telling the history and heritage of these remarkable women. The motto of the organization, "To Tell HerStory," reflects its commitment to highlighting the unique experiences and contributions of African-American military women.

In September 2024, the NABMW will be hosting its 23rd Biennial Convention in Chicago, IL. This convention provides an excellent opportunity for members to connect, share experiences, and participate in organizational activities. There will be workshops, a membership meeting, and a Black & Gold Gala.

The NABMW has local chapters in Atlanta, New York City, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, District of Columbia, Chicago, Charleston, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and New Orleans where you can get involved, engage in activities, share stories, and access resources. If you live in an area that is not near one of the existing chapters, there are procedures on the organization's website that explain how to create a new chapter.

​For more detailed information on their activities, upcoming events, and local chapters, check out their website here: https://www.nabmw.org/.

I was at an event last month, sharing with the audience about the Women Warriors Connect Resource Directory, and the keynote speaker shared the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

I'll do my best to pass along the story I heard that day.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, nicknamed 'The Six Triple Eight" was an all black female battalion of the Women's Army Corps (WAC). The 6888th had 855 black women, both enlisted and officers, and was led by Major Charity Adams. It was the only all-black, all-female battalion overseas during WWII.

The story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II is a powerful testament to the crucial role played by African-American women in the military.

This all-black, all-female battalion was tasked with managing a massive backlog of undelivered mail in Europe, a key factor in maintaining the morale of U.S. troops. And by 'massive backlog' think of warehouses full from floor to ceiling with over seven million pieces of undelivered mail. They were given six months to complete their mission to clear the backlog - they did it in three.

Stationed first in Birmingham, England, and later in Rouen, France, the 6888th worked tirelessly, despite facing racial and gender discrimination, to sort and deliver millions of pieces of mail. Their work was both physically demanding and mentally taxing, as they had to decipher vague addresses and ensure that each letter or package reached its intended recipient, often having to track the movements of soldiers.

Unfortunately, their significant contributions were not recognized at the time. Today, their story stands as a powerful example of the perseverance and resilience of African-American women in the face of adversity, and their critical role in supporting the war effort.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was FINALLY awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Biden in March 2022.

Here is a YouTube clip: Youtube Video of the 6888th

There are SO many free resources available for veterans, but many of them have restrictive language that specify services are for Post 9/11 veterans. I think this is unfortunate, and I want to spotlight those that specifically say they serve veterans of all eras.

Battle Buddy Foundation provides highly trained psychiatric and mobility service dogs to veterans of all eras suffering from PTSD, TBI, and physical limitations. https://www.tbbf.org/

The Road Home Program provides mental health care and wellness to veterans of all eras, service members and their families at no cost and regardless of discharge status. Call us at (312) 942-8387 (VETS) https://roadhomeprogram.org/

Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital program, is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen. https://homebase.org/

Make the Connection wants to reduce the stigma of getting mental health help. This website offers over one hundred real stories from veterans of all eras, genders and backgrounds explaining how they overcame their various post deployment challenges and improved their lives. https://www.maketheconnection.net/

American Red Cross has a military and veteran caregiver network, for caregivers of all eras, all relations, across all locations. https://www.redcross.org

Give an Hour is a mental health service volunteer community that offers counseling to veterans regardless of the time when they served. (No Post-9/11 limiting language). https://giveanhour.org/military/

Saratoga Warhorses offer quick retreats that do not dive into any traumas but give you an opportunity to explore equine therapy. This is for Veterans of all eras and expenses are paid. https://www.saratogawarhorse.org/

​If you know of any other great resources that are not already in the Women Warriors Connect Resource Directory, and they serve veterans of all eras, please send a link to the organization's website to: support@womenwarriorsconnect.com.

In past history, dishonorable discharges were given for reasons that today are looked at differently.

Veterans who want to change a "not honorable" discharge status can apply for a discharge upgrade through the Discharge Review Board (DRB).

This process can be challenging and does not automatically qualify for VA benefits. The DRB cannot change discharges related to court-martial for bad conduct or undesirable discharges but can modify the reason for release and request an upgrade.

To apply, veterans must specify whether they are contesting an improper (error in the discharge process) or inequitable (inconsistent with the rules) discharge.

They must provide evidence supporting the change in the character of their service, including medical and military records, personal statements, buddy letters, post-service employment history, and other relevant documents.

Any known mental or physical disability at the time of discharge could strengthen the case.

Applications are eligible for review if filed within 15 years of discharge.

Applicants can choose to attend the DRB hearing in Washington D.C., though expenses are not reimbursed, or opt for a decision without their presence.

The decision process can take up to two months.

​* Content adapted from VA Claims Insider Blog