There are plenty of autobiographies of white male military officers, but Cummings’s story stands out as an important account by a Black woman officer continuing the work of those who came before her. A perfect and timely book highlighting the benefits of diverse organizations.

A Soldier’s Life is a guidebook on how to face adversity with grace and grit. Colonel Cummings writes about finding purpose and explains in vivid detail the arduous task of recognizing Black women whose incredible accomplishments were ignored by their country for too long. Her actions inspire readers to uplift and honor those who serve in the U.S. military.

She had a military ID card from the day she was born. But Edna Cummings still felt like an anomaly. She was the first Black woman to be commissioned into the U.S. Army from Appalachian State University ROTC and in every one of the units she was assigned to during her junior years of service, she was still alone. But Edna stood tall. Her hallmarks were resolve, persistence, and a certain faith. She knew what right looked like and she lived it. No matter the pressure or the prejudice. She endured and she prevailed, through personal tragedy and the challenges of becoming a single mother. Finally, in retirement she discovered her lineage - a true daughter of the trailblazing women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all Black, all female unit to deploy overseas in WWII. Edna became their advocate and their champion. Her spirit aligned with that of the unit's commander, Charity "Edna" Adams and she devoted herself to making certain their story lives on. While preserving their legacy she has created her own.

A Soldier’s Life should be required reading to all interested in a life well lived, courageously and unabashedly. Retired Army Colonel Edna Cummings is an exemplar to me and countless others and I am eternally inspired by her litany of accomplishments and legacy.

Edna Cummings came of age in the 1960s and observed the changes brought by the civil rights movement as the daughter of a non-commissioned U.S. Army officer stationed in bases in the American South. Her memoir tells the remarkable story of how a young African American women embarked on a career as an officer in the U.S. Army. It is essential reading for understanding the role African American women played in the success of the All-Volunteer Army. Cummings is forthright about the challenges of leadership, especially when encountering racism and misogyny. This work deserves a wide audience not only among scholars but should be on the bookshelf of anyone aspiring to a career as an officer in the armed forces of the United States.

A Soldier’s Life is an inspiring and personal journey through the remarkable career of Retired Army Colonel Edna W. Cummings. She defied the odds to rise to leadership in the U.S. Army, but her story is about more than just her own path. Driven by a deep passion to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—an all-Black women’s unit from World War II—Cummings fought tirelessly to secure their recognition. Thanks to her relentless efforts, these 855 trailblazers were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022. This memoir is both a tribute to their legacy and a testament to the power of perseverance.

Retired Army Colonel Edna W. Cummings has been a tireless champion in her efforts to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Her depth of knowledge of the unit and indeed on the history of the roles and challenges of women in the US military over the last century is both comprehensive and impressive. Moreover, her ability to tie this knowledge together with a focused determination to see that this history is shown to the wider world is extraordinary.

Colonel (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings’ insightful and compelling book captures the dedication, resilience, and grit of women, and particularly women of color, who serve in the US military. Through powerful and sobering storytelling, it shines a light on both the camaraderie and struggles faced by women in uniform, from breaking barriers to enduring the mental and physical toll of service, including the trailblazing work of the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion of W.W. II, and Col. Cummings’ own extraordinary efforts to obtain a Congressional Gold Medal - the Nation’s Highest Civilian Honor - for the Six Triple Eight in 2022. This book is a must read that honors the service and sacrifices of Col. Cummings and other women in uniform, and celebrates their achievements, courage, and strength in a world still adjusting to their very existence.

A transformative, must-read book for anyone seeking to understand how a WWII, US Army unit composed entirely of African American Woman Soldiers met with complete success on a consequential mission thought to be impossible. I strongly recommend this illuminating book by Colonel Cummings because it is the only one on the market that captures how the United States Army changed the way our Nation discusses WWII. Colonel Cummings continues to be Army Strong and epitomizes what it means to be a “Soldier for Life.”  

Today Retired Army Colonel Edna W. Cummings tirelessly advocates for women in the military. Her book highlights her journey, from standing up for herself and others to breaking barriers as a Black woman in the ranks. One of her notable achievements was playing a key role in securing a Congressional Gold Medal for World War II’s 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in 2022. 

Cummings’ inspiring story takes readers from her beginnings as an Army brat to her historic career as a Colonel and military advocate.

Col. Cummings eloquently tells parallel stories of herself and the 6888th— Black women who served their country with honor and distinction amid racial and gender discrimination. The 6888th met the moment, dispelling stereotypes and opening doors for future generations of women in uniform, such as Cummings. And through her own painstaking research and advocacy, the unsung contributions of the 6888th are now nationally known. Quite simply, this is a story of patriotism and perseverance.

Like the extraordinary women of the 6888, Col. Edna Cummings endured second-class treatment in the U.S. Army. Through intelligence and sheer grit, Cummings overcame obstacles and proved herself a true leader. Cummings channeled her fascination with these World War II pioneers into a mission to bring these 855 women back into the light. Thanks to the efforts of committed people like Edna Cummings, the remarkable story of the Six Triple Eight is no longer forgotten.

I have been waiting a long time for this book. Col. Cummings did not disappoint. This memoir is generous and vulnerable. It is filled with surprising and touching moments that should be savored as well as studied. A Soldier’s Life is a must for every woman who has served, or is thinking about serving, her country.

A fresh contribution to Black history.