Remarkable Journey: Hampton's U.S. Army Veteran #6888 Celebrates Inspiring 103rd Birthday

Beatrice Coleman, a pioneering African American soldier of the U.S. Army's 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during WWII, recently marked her 103rd birthday in Hampton. Celebrated by the Lorraine Bethea Hospice Foundation, she received flowers, gifts, and warm tributes. Carolyn K. Williams praised Beatrice's historic role as one of the first Black women in military service. Coleman joyfully blew out candles on her personalized cake, reminiscing about her unit's brave legacy, including their journey from ship to Birmingham in early 1945.