The Phoenix VA Health Care System honored Major Fannie Griffin-McClendon (Ret.), the last surviving member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, with a plaque dedication ceremony at Steele Indian School Park’s Memorial Hall on Aug. 21.
“The living history of the World War II generation is coming to a close, and at VA, we are committed to honoring them now and in the future,” said Elijah Ditter, Phoenix VA interim Medical Center director.
Honoring a trailblazer
The event celebrated McClendon’s remarkable service and legacy with numerous tributes. She was presented with a VA Centenarian certificate, a lifetime membership to the Veterans of Foreign Wars from Pat Tillman Memorial Post 40, a proclamation from the City of Tempe, and a presentation by Congressman Greg Stanton (Ariz.), who awarded McClendon the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal granted to the Six Triple Eight in 2025.
Nearly 300 attendees gathered for the ceremony, which featured a presentation of colors by the Luke Air Force Base Honor Guard, the National Anthem performed by Britahn Newbill, and a keynote address by Col. Wanda Wright (Ret.), director of the Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement at Arizona State University. Guests also had the opportunity to view artifacts from the Six Triple Eight traveling museum, curated by Vietnam Veteran James Marshall, whose late mother, Odessa Taylor Marshall, served in the battalion.
During World War II, constant troop movements led to massive mail delays that damaged morale across the military. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—an all-Black unit of the Women’s Army Corps composed of 855 women—was tasked with clearing a backlog of millions of pieces of mail. What was expected to take six months, the battalion accomplished in just three.
McClendon, now 104-years old and the oldest female Veteran enrolled in the Phoenix VA Health Care System, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“I am honored to be recognized for the work the women did to get mail to the troops all over the world,” said McClendon. “I just wish some of the other women were here to see it, too.”
The bronze plaque honoring McClendon and the Six Triple Eight will be permanently displayed at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center.
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Thank you for your brave service. Congratulations, Major Griffin McClendon. Well done.
It is a wonderful thing that past wrongs are finally being righted. The wrong; lack of recognition for so long for something that was paramount to the morale and success of WWII participants, namely the 6888. The right; it is finally done with a participant of the 6888 left to see it. Her comment of wishing others were alive to see it is what I take away from the whole ceremony as the same action in many other ways still exists. Better late than never gets no points for this action. Whatever the government wants to call it, the efforts of trying to do better at recognizing accomplishments of all is still sorely lacking. Thank God the truth, no matter how buried, delayed, or disguised will eventually come to light as it never dies. How it hurts when something as important as what the 6888 did in their time was not recognized and celebrated in their time.
Major Griffin McClendon, your honor has been long overdue. You and the Six Triple Eight are leading examples of trailblazers who have left a superior mark in history and motivation for the future. Your history will continue to speak to many soldiers who serve this country including myself. I salute you “Major Griffin McClendon” and I pray GOD continue to bless you and your family. Thank you, Shevonne Cleveland for sharing this remarkable celebration. -Ericka Washington, Clover, SC.
Major Griffin McClendon thank you for serving such an important role in the war! You had an impact that was critical to many families and soldiers. Your celebration is deserved and overdue. I pray the Lord has blessed your life!
Was able to attend the ceremony and it was great. Major Griffin McClendon was alert and sharp as a tack at 104 years old. Thanks to the Phoenix VA for honoring her
Thank you for your service Major Fannie Griffin McClendon! I salute you! You are “yet” history still speaking
Awesome! Celebrating History while its “Yet Present”! I salute you Major Fannie Griffin McClendon! Thank you for your service, you are history yet speaking!
Another great example of taking advantage of serving where you have the opportunity, not complaining about where you don’t have the opportunity.
Well Written And Very Much Appreciated Ms. Shevonne Cleveland ? Keep Shining!