Major Fannie Griffin-McClendon, at 104 years of age and the last surviving member of the groundbreaking 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, has been duly honored in Phoenix. The battalion, an all-Black, all-female unit from World War II, was pivotal in clearing an extensive backlog of undelivered mail, thus restoring vital communication lines for troops abroad during a time of war. This Thursday, the Phoenix Veterans Affairs commemorated Major Griffin-McClendon's service with a plaque that has been placed at Steele Indian School Park, ABC15 reported.
While recovering from a broken hip at her rehab facility, Major McClendon was transported by the VA's medical team to attend the plaque dedication. Her journey and the stories of the “Six Triple Eight” have not only been celebrated locally but also caught the attention of Hollywood, inspiring the Netflix film titled "The Six Triple Eight", as covered by ABC15. This comes after the collective honors their unit received in the recent past, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022.
According to a KTAR News 92.3 FM interview, a visibly moved McClendon expressed her amazement at the recognition, lamenting that her mother and sister were not present to share in this momentous occasion. Her family's initial reluctance to her military service turned into a beaming pride, with her mother eager to show off her daughter in her uniform. McClendon's post-WWII career saw her serving as an Air Force supply officer until her retirement in 1971.
The accomplishments of Major McClendon and her unit's sterling efforts during the war were further acknowledged by U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, who presented her with the recently minted Congressional Gold Medal. He lauded her resilience and dedication, stating, "Your service, your sacrifice, your strength makes all of us better Americans," as related by KTAR News 92.3 FM. The event drew local dignitaries including Tempe Mayor Corey Woods and Phoenix Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington, both acknowledging the profound impact of Major McClendon's service and trailblazing efforts for both women and African Americans.
