1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:10,800 All across America and around the world, this is Veterans Radio. 2 00:00:10,800 --> 00:00:16,000 This is Veterans Radio. 3 00:00:16,000 --> 00:00:17,920 Welcome to Veterans Radio. 4 00:00:17,920 --> 00:00:20,600 I am Jim Fossone. 5 00:00:20,600 --> 00:00:22,920 I'm the officer of the deck today. 6 00:00:22,920 --> 00:00:24,800 We've got some great programs for you. 7 00:00:24,800 --> 00:00:29,600 We always want to remind you, you can find more about Veterans Radio at its Facebook 8 00:00:29,600 --> 00:00:35,320 site or at the web, veteransradio.org, where we're on the web 24-7. 9 00:00:35,320 --> 00:00:38,440 You can find a lot of our podcasts there as well. 10 00:00:38,440 --> 00:00:45,120 We post new ones every Tuesday, so you can get a new story, a new interview, something 11 00:00:45,120 --> 00:00:49,760 you didn't know before by going to veteransradio.org. 12 00:00:49,760 --> 00:00:53,120 Before we get started, we want to thank our sponsors. 13 00:00:53,120 --> 00:01:00,960 Next up, we want to thank National Veteran Business Development Council, NVBDC.org. 14 00:01:00,960 --> 00:01:06,640 It was established to certify both service disabled and veteran-owned businesses. 15 00:01:06,640 --> 00:01:13,160 You'll find out how they can help your business by going to NVBDC.org. 16 00:01:13,160 --> 00:01:19,080 We want to thank Legal Help for Veterans, Legal Help for Veterans Fights for Veterans 17 00:01:19,080 --> 00:01:22,200 Disability Rights all across the nation. 18 00:01:22,200 --> 00:01:33,320 You can reach them at 800-693-4800 or on the web at legalhelpforveterans.com. 19 00:01:33,320 --> 00:01:36,120 And finally, PuroClean. 20 00:01:36,120 --> 00:01:38,760 PuroClean is the paramedics of property damage. 21 00:01:38,760 --> 00:01:44,640 It provides water damage remediation, flood water removal, fire and smoke damage remediation, 22 00:01:44,640 --> 00:01:48,080 mold removal, biohazard cleanup. 23 00:01:48,080 --> 00:01:52,320 It also has a focus on veteran franchisees. 24 00:01:52,320 --> 00:01:58,280 You can learn more about them by going to puroclean.com. 25 00:01:58,280 --> 00:01:59,560 Welcome back, Deep Divers. 26 00:01:59,560 --> 00:02:03,040 Today, we're going to jump into a story from World War II. 27 00:02:03,040 --> 00:02:04,860 Um, yeah. 28 00:02:04,860 --> 00:02:07,760 You might think you've heard it all when it comes to that era. 29 00:02:07,760 --> 00:02:11,000 You know what I mean, but trust me, this one's really something else. 30 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:12,000 It's incredible. 31 00:02:12,000 --> 00:02:18,200 It's incredible to uncover the history of the 6-Townin 888th Central Postal Directory 32 00:02:18,200 --> 00:02:19,200 Battalion. 33 00:02:19,200 --> 00:02:27,720 The only all-black, all-female unit to serve overseas in the Women's Army Corps during 34 00:02:27,720 --> 00:02:28,720 World War II. 35 00:02:28,720 --> 00:02:29,720 It's pretty amazing. 36 00:02:29,720 --> 00:02:30,720 Yeah. 37 00:02:30,720 --> 00:02:33,160 And their mission, well, it wasn't exactly on the front lines. 38 00:02:33,160 --> 00:02:34,160 Right. 39 00:02:34,160 --> 00:02:35,720 It was still really important to the war effort. 40 00:02:35,720 --> 00:02:36,720 Absolutely. 41 00:02:36,720 --> 00:02:40,640 And amazingly, it was practically forgotten about for decades. 42 00:02:40,640 --> 00:02:41,640 It's crazy, right? 43 00:02:41,640 --> 00:02:42,720 And you think about, well, you know. 44 00:02:42,720 --> 00:02:43,720 Whose stories get told. 45 00:02:43,720 --> 00:02:44,720 Yeah, exactly. 46 00:02:44,720 --> 00:02:45,960 And whose get left behind. 47 00:02:45,960 --> 00:02:51,480 To piece together this journey, we're using this really fascinating article about the 48 00:02:51,480 --> 00:02:55,720 688th, along with some insights into the making of our... 49 00:02:55,720 --> 00:02:56,720 Titer Parries. 50 00:02:56,720 --> 00:02:57,720 Titer Parries, yeah. 51 00:02:57,720 --> 00:02:59,320 New Netflix film, The 6888. 52 00:02:59,320 --> 00:03:02,200 Which is bringing their story to a whole new audience. 53 00:03:02,200 --> 00:03:06,120 It's a perfect example of how history is just full of these incredible untold stories. 54 00:03:06,120 --> 00:03:07,120 Yes. 55 00:03:07,120 --> 00:03:08,400 It's just waiting to be discovered. 56 00:03:08,400 --> 00:03:09,400 So, okay. 57 00:03:09,400 --> 00:03:10,400 Picture this. 58 00:03:10,400 --> 00:03:12,960 It's February 1945. 59 00:03:12,960 --> 00:03:15,760 D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge are behind us. 60 00:03:15,760 --> 00:03:17,040 Okay. 61 00:03:17,040 --> 00:03:19,960 But the war in Europe is still raging on. 62 00:03:19,960 --> 00:03:22,360 And there's this problem brewing. 63 00:03:22,360 --> 00:03:26,640 Problem that's piling up, literally, in warehouses across England. 64 00:03:26,640 --> 00:03:29,240 Millions and millions of pieces of unsorted mail. 65 00:03:29,240 --> 00:03:30,520 Oh, wow. 66 00:03:30,520 --> 00:03:32,160 Some of it dating back years. 67 00:03:32,160 --> 00:03:33,160 That's... 68 00:03:33,160 --> 00:03:35,080 I mean, we're talking about a serious backlog here. 69 00:03:35,080 --> 00:03:36,720 Can you imagine? 70 00:03:36,720 --> 00:03:39,240 Like the logistical nightmare? 71 00:03:39,240 --> 00:03:42,760 But it's not just about the amount of mail you know. 72 00:03:42,760 --> 00:03:45,680 It's about the impact this delay was having on the troops. 73 00:03:45,680 --> 00:03:46,680 You have to remember. 74 00:03:46,680 --> 00:03:47,680 Yeah. 75 00:03:47,680 --> 00:03:51,760 For soldiers on the front lines, letters from home, those were their lifeline. 76 00:03:51,760 --> 00:03:52,760 Wow. 77 00:03:52,760 --> 00:03:53,760 Yeah. 78 00:03:53,760 --> 00:03:54,760 I mean, think about it. 79 00:03:54,760 --> 00:03:55,880 A world without instant communication. 80 00:03:55,880 --> 00:03:56,880 Right. 81 00:03:56,880 --> 00:03:57,880 Letters were everything. 82 00:03:57,880 --> 00:03:59,680 They were a connection to loved ones. 83 00:03:59,680 --> 00:04:00,680 Yeah. 84 00:04:00,680 --> 00:04:02,360 A reminder of what they were fighting for. 85 00:04:02,360 --> 00:04:03,360 Source of hope. 86 00:04:03,360 --> 00:04:04,360 Yeah. 87 00:04:04,360 --> 00:04:05,360 Comfort. 88 00:04:05,360 --> 00:04:06,360 Yeah. 89 00:04:06,360 --> 00:04:07,360 In the midst of just unimaginable hardship. 90 00:04:07,360 --> 00:04:08,360 Yeah. 91 00:04:08,360 --> 00:04:10,480 And we really get that, you know. 92 00:04:10,480 --> 00:04:15,240 That level of just dependence on physical letters in our digital age. 93 00:04:15,240 --> 00:04:16,240 I know. 94 00:04:16,240 --> 00:04:20,960 But back then, you know, not having that connection, that tangible link to home. 95 00:04:20,960 --> 00:04:22,440 It had a real impact on morale. 96 00:04:22,440 --> 00:04:23,440 Oh, absolutely. 97 00:04:23,440 --> 00:04:26,240 And that could affect like the whole war effort. 98 00:04:26,240 --> 00:04:27,240 Exactly. 99 00:04:27,240 --> 00:04:29,440 And that's where the 6888th comes in. 100 00:04:29,440 --> 00:04:30,440 Okay. 101 00:04:30,440 --> 00:04:31,440 Yeah. 102 00:04:31,440 --> 00:04:36,720 This battalion, about 850 black women, led by major charity Adams. 103 00:04:36,720 --> 00:04:40,160 Who at the time was the highest ranking black woman in the army. 104 00:04:40,160 --> 00:04:41,160 Wow. 105 00:04:41,160 --> 00:04:44,440 Was tasked with tackling this mountain of mail. 106 00:04:44,440 --> 00:04:46,880 They were sent to Birmingham, England. 107 00:04:46,880 --> 00:04:48,120 That's right. 108 00:04:48,120 --> 00:04:49,600 And what did they find when they got there? 109 00:04:49,600 --> 00:04:52,520 A freezing cold, rat infested warehouse. 110 00:04:52,520 --> 00:04:54,000 Oh my gosh. 111 00:04:54,000 --> 00:04:56,440 Filled to the brim with unsorted letters and packages. 112 00:04:56,440 --> 00:04:58,200 That is, what a daunting task. 113 00:04:58,200 --> 00:04:59,200 It was. 114 00:04:59,200 --> 00:05:01,200 And they were given a deadline of just six months. 115 00:05:01,200 --> 00:05:02,200 Six months. 116 00:05:02,200 --> 00:05:04,040 To clear the entire backlog. 117 00:05:04,040 --> 00:05:05,440 That it almost sounds impossible. 118 00:05:05,440 --> 00:05:06,440 Yeah. 119 00:05:06,440 --> 00:05:11,800 The pressure, the scale of the task would be overwhelming for anyone. 120 00:05:11,800 --> 00:05:18,000 What stands out to you about how the women of the 6888th approached this challenge? 121 00:05:18,000 --> 00:05:21,560 Well one of the things that's so remarkable about them is that they didn't just see it 122 00:05:21,560 --> 00:05:23,880 as a job. 123 00:05:23,880 --> 00:05:27,720 They understood the deeper significance of their mission. 124 00:05:27,720 --> 00:05:31,480 There's a quote from one of the veterans in the article that really captures this. 125 00:05:31,480 --> 00:05:35,160 She said, quote, no male, low morale. 126 00:05:35,160 --> 00:05:36,160 Wow. 127 00:05:36,160 --> 00:05:40,280 They knew their work had a direct impact on the fighting spirit of the troops. 128 00:05:40,280 --> 00:05:42,160 So they weren't just postal workers. 129 00:05:42,160 --> 00:05:46,680 They were fighting a battle on the home front. 130 00:05:46,680 --> 00:05:50,720 Ensuring that vital connection between soldiers and their families. 131 00:05:50,720 --> 00:05:54,440 It adds a whole new layer of meaning to their work. 132 00:05:54,440 --> 00:05:55,440 It does. 133 00:05:55,440 --> 00:05:59,520 And it's their ingenuity and their sheer determination that shines through. 134 00:05:59,520 --> 00:06:04,840 They developed this unique system for processing the male, working around the clock. 135 00:06:04,840 --> 00:06:07,720 And three eight hour shifts to keep things moving. 136 00:06:07,720 --> 00:06:12,040 I read that they were even nicknamed like the round the clockers. 137 00:06:12,040 --> 00:06:14,600 Because of their 24-7 operation. 138 00:06:14,600 --> 00:06:15,760 And they weren't just sorting. 139 00:06:15,760 --> 00:06:17,640 They were practically detective. 140 00:06:17,640 --> 00:06:23,360 They had to track down soldiers who had been transferred or hospitalized, decipher incomplete 141 00:06:23,360 --> 00:06:28,680 addresses and even deal with cases where soldiers had been killed in action. 142 00:06:28,680 --> 00:06:32,440 Imagine the emotional toll that must have taken on them. 143 00:06:32,440 --> 00:06:35,160 Working with those war casualties day in and day out. 144 00:06:35,160 --> 00:06:37,040 It's heartbreaking to even think about. 145 00:06:37,040 --> 00:06:38,040 I know. 146 00:06:38,040 --> 00:06:39,040 Yet they persevered. 147 00:06:39,040 --> 00:06:40,040 They did. 148 00:06:40,040 --> 00:06:43,520 They pushed through and the results are astounding. 149 00:06:43,520 --> 00:06:48,720 They cleared the entire backlog in just three months. 150 00:06:48,720 --> 00:06:49,720 Three months. 151 00:06:49,720 --> 00:06:50,720 That's half the time they were given. 152 00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:51,720 I know. 153 00:06:51,720 --> 00:06:52,720 It's incredible. 154 00:06:52,720 --> 00:06:57,360 It's a testament to their efficiency, their work ethic, their commitment to the mission, 155 00:06:57,360 --> 00:06:58,360 their commitment. 156 00:06:58,360 --> 00:06:59,560 They truly defied expectations. 157 00:06:59,560 --> 00:07:02,160 It makes you wonder like, what was their secret? 158 00:07:02,160 --> 00:07:03,160 I know. 159 00:07:03,160 --> 00:07:09,040 How did they manage to be so incredibly efficient in such a chaotic environment? 160 00:07:09,040 --> 00:07:12,360 What were some of the specific innovations? 161 00:07:12,360 --> 00:07:18,480 For starters, they realized they couldn't rely on those traditional methods. 162 00:07:18,480 --> 00:07:24,000 Millions of letters addressed to like John Smith or with incomplete addresses. 163 00:07:24,000 --> 00:07:25,000 They had to get creative. 164 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:26,000 I bet. 165 00:07:26,000 --> 00:07:33,360 One of their most ingenious tactics was creating a massive registry of soldiers' names using 166 00:07:33,360 --> 00:07:36,600 whatever information they could get from the letters themselves. 167 00:07:36,600 --> 00:07:40,840 So, they were like piecing together these individual stories, like puzzles, just to get 168 00:07:40,840 --> 00:07:42,120 them out to the right person. 169 00:07:42,120 --> 00:07:44,560 It sounds like almost like a military operation in itself. 170 00:07:44,560 --> 00:07:45,560 It was. 171 00:07:45,560 --> 00:07:46,560 I know. 172 00:07:46,560 --> 00:07:50,960 They had to think outside the box and develop their own unique solutions. 173 00:07:50,960 --> 00:07:57,080 Another key innovation was their system of color coding and cross-referencing. 174 00:07:57,080 --> 00:08:02,840 They would use these different color tags to indicate things like a soldier's unit or 175 00:08:02,840 --> 00:08:08,680 location or status, which allowed them to quickly identify and redirect mail. 176 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:09,680 Wow. 177 00:08:09,680 --> 00:08:13,880 They were basically creating their own postal database from scratch in the middle of a war. 178 00:08:13,880 --> 00:08:14,880 I know. 179 00:08:14,880 --> 00:08:16,380 Talk about resourcefulness under pressure. 180 00:08:16,380 --> 00:08:17,380 That's incredible. 181 00:08:17,380 --> 00:08:20,760 But it wasn't just like the logistical challenges they had to deal with. 182 00:08:20,760 --> 00:08:21,760 No. 183 00:08:21,760 --> 00:08:22,760 Right. 184 00:08:22,760 --> 00:08:23,760 They were also facing another battle. 185 00:08:23,760 --> 00:08:24,760 Right. 186 00:08:24,760 --> 00:08:27,480 A battle against, well, discrimination and prejudice. 187 00:08:27,480 --> 00:08:33,600 Sadly, even while soothing their country, these women, they had to face the realities of racism 188 00:08:33,600 --> 00:08:36,920 and sexism, both in the army and in British society. 189 00:08:36,920 --> 00:08:37,920 Oh. 190 00:08:37,920 --> 00:08:44,880 They were often subjected to unfair treatment, denied basic amenities, faced with hostility 191 00:08:44,880 --> 00:08:46,520 and disrespect. 192 00:08:46,520 --> 00:08:47,720 That's terrible. 193 00:08:47,720 --> 00:08:52,840 The article mentions this one incident where they were forced to sit separately in a movie 194 00:08:52,840 --> 00:08:55,440 theater simply because of their race. 195 00:08:55,440 --> 00:09:00,760 It's a stark reminder of the injustices they faced, even as they were making such a vital 196 00:09:00,760 --> 00:09:05,200 contribution to the war effort. 197 00:09:05,200 --> 00:09:09,840 Did this experience of discrimination affect their morale at all? 198 00:09:09,840 --> 00:09:14,480 You might think it would, but from what I've read, it seems it had the opposite effect. 199 00:09:14,480 --> 00:09:19,240 The 600 and 888th refused to be defined by the prejudice. 200 00:09:19,240 --> 00:09:20,240 Wow. 201 00:09:20,240 --> 00:09:22,720 Instead, they used it as fuel to prove their worth. 202 00:09:22,720 --> 00:09:23,720 That's amazing. 203 00:09:23,720 --> 00:09:27,280 And to create this community of support and solidarity within their ranks. 204 00:09:27,280 --> 00:09:31,480 So they turned this adversity into a source of strength. 205 00:09:31,480 --> 00:09:32,480 They did. 206 00:09:32,480 --> 00:09:33,480 That's incredible. 207 00:09:33,480 --> 00:09:38,600 I'd love to learn more about how they built this sense of community, this esprit de corps, 208 00:09:38,600 --> 00:09:40,080 in the face of such challenges. 209 00:09:40,080 --> 00:09:41,600 Oh, they weren't just a unit. 210 00:09:41,600 --> 00:09:43,240 They were a sisterhood. 211 00:09:43,240 --> 00:09:44,240 Right. 212 00:09:44,240 --> 00:09:47,680 They were the internal support systems, their own social structures. 213 00:09:47,680 --> 00:09:53,360 They organized their own mess hall, their own motor pool, even their own sports teams 214 00:09:53,360 --> 00:09:54,760 to boost morale. 215 00:09:54,760 --> 00:10:00,240 It sounds like they were determined to create their own space, their own sense of agency 216 00:10:00,240 --> 00:10:03,320 within the confines of the military structure. 217 00:10:03,320 --> 00:10:04,320 That's true. 218 00:10:04,320 --> 00:10:05,320 They were trailblazers. 219 00:10:05,320 --> 00:10:06,320 They were. 220 00:10:06,320 --> 00:10:11,880 Not just in their service, but in their resilience and their refusal to be silenced or marginalized. 221 00:10:11,880 --> 00:10:12,920 Exactly. 222 00:10:12,920 --> 00:10:18,480 And speaking of individual stories of resilience, there's one veteran whose story really stands 223 00:10:18,480 --> 00:10:19,480 out. 224 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:20,480 Yeah. 225 00:10:20,480 --> 00:10:21,480 Lena King. 226 00:10:21,480 --> 00:10:25,120 Lena's story is incredibly powerful. 227 00:10:25,120 --> 00:10:28,120 What drew her to enlist in the army in the first place? 228 00:10:28,120 --> 00:10:32,680 Well, it's a story tinged with both sorrow and determination. 229 00:10:32,680 --> 00:10:39,200 She joined the army to honor a childhood friend who had been killed in combat. 230 00:10:39,200 --> 00:10:45,480 Imagine carrying that weight, that grief, and still stepping up to serve. 231 00:10:45,480 --> 00:10:47,960 Facing all the risks and uncertainties that came with it. 232 00:10:47,960 --> 00:10:51,200 It's hard to fathom the emotional burden she must have carried. 233 00:10:51,200 --> 00:10:52,200 I know. 234 00:10:52,200 --> 00:10:58,040 And yet, the article emphasizes her consistently positive attitude, her ability to find joy 235 00:10:58,040 --> 00:11:01,040 and laughter, even in the midst of war. 236 00:11:01,040 --> 00:11:02,200 It makes you wonder, doesn't it? 237 00:11:02,200 --> 00:11:03,200 It does. 238 00:11:03,200 --> 00:11:09,160 It makes you wonder what allowed her to maintain that spirit, that optimism, despite facing 239 00:11:09,160 --> 00:11:15,680 ridicule, fear, even threats to her life on top of the grief of losing her friend. 240 00:11:15,680 --> 00:11:16,680 It's incredible. 241 00:11:16,680 --> 00:11:17,680 It is. 242 00:11:17,680 --> 00:11:18,680 It speaks to an incredible inner strength. 243 00:11:18,680 --> 00:11:19,680 It does. 244 00:11:19,680 --> 00:11:20,680 And resilience. 245 00:11:20,680 --> 00:11:27,560 And her story, like so many others, within the 60s and 8888, reminds us that history isn't 246 00:11:27,560 --> 00:11:30,880 just about grand narratives and sweeping battles. 247 00:11:30,880 --> 00:11:36,880 It's about individual lives, individual acts of courage, and the often unsung heroes who 248 00:11:36,880 --> 00:11:38,760 shape the course of events. 249 00:11:38,760 --> 00:11:45,040 And sadly, when the 60s and 8888 returned home after the war, they were met with very 250 00:11:45,040 --> 00:11:47,040 little fanfare. 251 00:11:47,040 --> 00:11:50,160 Their contributions were largely forgotten. 252 00:11:50,160 --> 00:11:53,440 Their stories left untold for far too long. 253 00:11:53,440 --> 00:11:54,920 It's a common theme, unfortunately. 254 00:11:54,920 --> 00:11:55,920 It is, yeah. 255 00:11:55,920 --> 00:12:00,240 The contributions of marginalized groups, especially in wartime, often get overlooked 256 00:12:00,240 --> 00:12:01,240 or downplayed. 257 00:12:01,240 --> 00:12:02,240 Yeah. 258 00:12:02,240 --> 00:12:06,480 It's a sobering reminder of how history is written and whose voices are amplified and 259 00:12:06,480 --> 00:12:07,720 whose are silenced. 260 00:12:07,720 --> 00:12:13,360 But thankfully, there are people working to change that, to bring these stories to light. 261 00:12:13,360 --> 00:12:19,440 Like military historian Kevin Heimel, whose research was instrumental in uncovering and 262 00:12:19,440 --> 00:12:22,120 sharing the story of the 60s and 8888. 263 00:12:22,120 --> 00:12:23,480 This work has been crucial. 264 00:12:23,480 --> 00:12:29,680 In bringing their story to a wider audience, his articles were even a key source for Tyler 265 00:12:29,680 --> 00:12:31,040 Perry's upcoming film. 266 00:12:31,040 --> 00:12:32,240 That's amazing. 267 00:12:32,240 --> 00:12:37,880 Which is bringing the 6888 story to a whole new generation. 268 00:12:37,880 --> 00:12:45,560 And in 2022, they finally received the Congressional Gold Medal, long overdue recognition for their 269 00:12:45,560 --> 00:12:48,000 incredible service during World War II. 270 00:12:48,000 --> 00:12:49,320 It's a fitting tribute. 271 00:12:49,320 --> 00:12:50,320 It is. 272 00:12:50,320 --> 00:12:52,720 But it also raises an important question. 273 00:12:52,720 --> 00:12:57,400 How many other stories like this are out there waiting to be discovered and honored? 274 00:12:57,400 --> 00:13:03,840 How many other unsung heroes have been relegated to the footnotes of history? 275 00:13:03,840 --> 00:13:05,480 That is a thought provoking question. 276 00:13:05,480 --> 00:13:06,480 It is. 277 00:13:06,480 --> 00:13:11,240 It makes you wonder about all the hidden histories, all the untold stories that are still out there 278 00:13:11,240 --> 00:13:13,560 waiting to be brought to light. 279 00:13:13,560 --> 00:13:20,760 And that brings us to Taylor Perry's the 6888, a film that's aiming to do just that. 280 00:13:20,760 --> 00:13:24,040 To bring the story of these incredible women to the forefront. 281 00:13:24,040 --> 00:13:29,800 I think that's why projects like Tyler Perry's the 6888 are so important. 282 00:13:29,800 --> 00:13:33,040 They bring these stories to a wider audience. 283 00:13:33,040 --> 00:13:38,880 They help to ensure that these women and their contributions aren't forgotten. 284 00:13:38,880 --> 00:13:39,880 Absolutely. 285 00:13:39,880 --> 00:13:46,000 And the fact that Perry is such a prominent filmmaker is the one telling the story adds 286 00:13:46,000 --> 00:13:48,920 another layer of significance, don't you think? 287 00:13:48,920 --> 00:13:53,440 It's about representation, about making sure that these voices are heard. 288 00:13:53,440 --> 00:13:55,920 That history is told from multiple perspectives. 289 00:13:55,920 --> 00:14:00,440 It does and in this case it seems like Perry was really committed to getting it right. 290 00:14:00,440 --> 00:14:04,560 He based the film on Kevin Heimel's research. 291 00:14:04,560 --> 00:14:07,280 Interviews with veterans like Lena King. 292 00:14:07,280 --> 00:14:12,160 Even brought Heimel on as a technical advisor to ensure historical accuracy. 293 00:14:12,160 --> 00:14:20,840 I read that Perry and Heimel spent hours pouring over old photographs, military records, even 294 00:14:20,840 --> 00:14:23,960 personal letters to get the details just right. 295 00:14:23,960 --> 00:14:24,960 It's amazing. 296 00:14:24,960 --> 00:14:25,960 It sounds like a real collaboration. 297 00:14:25,960 --> 00:14:29,840 It was a merging of artistic vision and historical research. 298 00:14:29,840 --> 00:14:30,840 It was. 299 00:14:30,840 --> 00:14:36,160 And it seems like those details really made a difference, bringing the story to life. 300 00:14:36,160 --> 00:14:40,720 There's this story about how Heimel mentioned that major charity Adams, she always wore 301 00:14:40,720 --> 00:14:46,400 these yellow gloves to distinguish herself from the other women. 302 00:14:46,400 --> 00:14:51,640 And Kerry Washington, who plays major Adams in the film, immediately incorporated that 303 00:14:51,640 --> 00:14:53,240 detail into her performance. 304 00:14:53,240 --> 00:14:56,480 Wow, those little touches make such a big difference. 305 00:14:56,480 --> 00:14:57,480 They can? 306 00:14:57,480 --> 00:15:01,840 Creating a sense of authenticity, bringing a historical figure to life. 307 00:15:01,840 --> 00:15:03,080 They can. 308 00:15:03,080 --> 00:15:09,800 It's about capturing not just the events, but the spirit of the time, the personality of 309 00:15:09,800 --> 00:15:10,800 the people involved. 310 00:15:10,800 --> 00:15:13,840 And it seems Perry was really attuned to that. 311 00:15:13,840 --> 00:15:19,760 The article mentions that he even brought in choreographer Debbie Allen to work with 312 00:15:19,760 --> 00:15:24,680 the extras who were playing the 600, 800, 88th women. 313 00:15:24,680 --> 00:15:30,360 He wanted to make sure all those scenes of the women marching and working were just absolutely 314 00:15:30,360 --> 00:15:31,360 perfect. 315 00:15:31,360 --> 00:15:34,400 Wow, that level of attention to detail is pretty impressive. 316 00:15:34,400 --> 00:15:35,400 It is. 317 00:15:35,400 --> 00:15:39,680 Especially when you consider the scale of the film, it wasn't just about recreating the 318 00:15:39,680 --> 00:15:40,680 postal work. 319 00:15:40,680 --> 00:15:42,960 It was about recreating a whole world. 320 00:15:42,960 --> 00:15:44,800 A whole era. 321 00:15:44,800 --> 00:15:51,440 It involved hundreds of extras, period costumes, sets, vehicles. 322 00:15:51,440 --> 00:15:53,760 It must have been a massive undertaking. 323 00:15:53,760 --> 00:15:54,760 It was. 324 00:15:54,760 --> 00:15:58,680 And it seems like there were some unexpected challenges along the way. 325 00:15:58,680 --> 00:16:04,640 The article mentions that Perry was initially overwhelmed by the sheer number of extras 326 00:16:04,640 --> 00:16:11,040 needed to portray the women of the 688, and the combat soldiers. 327 00:16:11,040 --> 00:16:14,920 It was unlike anything he'd done before, directing that many people at once. 328 00:16:14,920 --> 00:16:16,280 I can imagine. 329 00:16:16,280 --> 00:16:19,360 But it sounds like he embraced the challenge. 330 00:16:19,360 --> 00:16:25,280 And with Debbie Allen's help, managed to create some really powerful and visually stunning 331 00:16:25,280 --> 00:16:26,280 scenes. 332 00:16:26,280 --> 00:16:27,280 That's incredible. 333 00:16:27,280 --> 00:16:32,520 And there's this one moment on set that seems to have had a really profound impact on Perry. 334 00:16:32,520 --> 00:16:38,200 A crew member brought in Charity Adams' original trunk, which had been preserved all these 335 00:16:38,200 --> 00:16:39,320 years. 336 00:16:39,320 --> 00:16:40,880 It contained her uniform. 337 00:16:40,880 --> 00:16:41,880 Really? 338 00:16:41,880 --> 00:16:42,880 Letters, pictures. 339 00:16:42,880 --> 00:16:44,640 It was like this time capsule. 340 00:16:44,640 --> 00:16:45,640 Wow. 341 00:16:45,640 --> 00:16:47,040 A direct link to the past. 342 00:16:47,040 --> 00:16:48,840 What an incredible find. 343 00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:49,840 I know. 344 00:16:49,840 --> 00:16:54,040 It must have felt like these women were right there on set with them, guiding the whole 345 00:16:54,040 --> 00:16:55,040 process. 346 00:16:55,040 --> 00:16:56,920 Yeah, it gives me chills just thinking about it. 347 00:16:56,920 --> 00:16:57,920 Me too. 348 00:16:57,920 --> 00:16:59,840 It seems like Perry felt the same way. 349 00:16:59,840 --> 00:17:04,800 He described it as a sign that these women wanted their story told. 350 00:17:04,800 --> 00:17:05,800 Wow. 351 00:17:05,800 --> 00:17:08,120 That they were somehow present in that moment. 352 00:17:08,120 --> 00:17:15,600 It makes you realize the weight of responsibility that comes with telling these kinds of stories. 353 00:17:15,600 --> 00:17:17,560 You're not just making a film. 354 00:17:17,560 --> 00:17:24,480 You're honoring a legacy preserving a part of history that might otherwise be forgotten. 355 00:17:24,480 --> 00:17:25,480 Exactly. 356 00:17:25,480 --> 00:17:28,080 And it seems like Perry took that responsibility really seriously. 357 00:17:28,080 --> 00:17:32,960 I read that he even made sure to show Lena King an early cut of the film. 358 00:17:32,960 --> 00:17:34,920 And her reaction was so moving. 359 00:17:34,920 --> 00:17:36,160 She laughed. 360 00:17:36,160 --> 00:17:37,520 She cried. 361 00:17:37,520 --> 00:17:39,880 She even saluted the screen at one point. 362 00:17:39,880 --> 00:17:40,880 I love that. 363 00:17:40,880 --> 00:17:42,480 It must have been so validating. 364 00:17:42,480 --> 00:17:43,480 It must have been. 365 00:17:43,480 --> 00:17:48,640 For both her and Perry to see this story come to life in such a powerful way. 366 00:17:48,640 --> 00:17:49,640 It must have. 367 00:17:49,640 --> 00:17:55,280 And it's sad to think that neither Lena nor Romay Davis, the oldest surviving member 368 00:17:55,280 --> 00:17:59,280 of the unit at the time, will be here to see the film's premiere. 369 00:17:59,280 --> 00:18:00,280 Oh no. 370 00:18:00,280 --> 00:18:01,280 Me too. 371 00:18:01,280 --> 00:18:02,280 Me too. 372 00:18:02,280 --> 00:18:03,280 Me too. 373 00:18:03,280 --> 00:18:04,280 Me too. 374 00:18:04,280 --> 00:18:05,280 Me too. 375 00:18:05,280 --> 00:18:06,280 January this year at the age of 100. 376 00:18:06,280 --> 00:18:07,280 Oh my gosh. 377 00:18:07,280 --> 00:18:08,280 The age of 104. 378 00:18:08,280 --> 00:18:09,280 Oh wow. 379 00:18:09,280 --> 00:18:11,280 It's bittersweet, isn't it? 380 00:18:11,280 --> 00:18:15,920 They got to see their story honored to know that their legacy would live on through this 381 00:18:15,920 --> 00:18:16,920 film. 382 00:18:16,920 --> 00:18:17,920 Right. 383 00:18:17,920 --> 00:18:19,920 But they won't be there to witness its impact on the world. 384 00:18:19,920 --> 00:18:25,000 But their stories, their spirits are woven into the fabric of the film. 385 00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:26,000 Absolutely. 386 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:28,480 You know, and that's what makes this more than just entertainment. 387 00:18:28,480 --> 00:18:34,760 It's a testament to their courage, their resilience and the often overlooked contributions 388 00:18:34,760 --> 00:18:37,000 of black women during World War II. 389 00:18:37,000 --> 00:18:38,000 That's true. 390 00:18:38,000 --> 00:18:43,400 It's also a timely reminder, I think, about the importance of preserving history. 391 00:18:43,400 --> 00:18:47,600 Of sharing all stories, even the uncomfortable ones. 392 00:18:47,600 --> 00:18:55,400 The article mentions that Perry expressed concern about the trend of banning books and censoring 393 00:18:55,400 --> 00:18:56,800 certain parts of history. 394 00:18:56,800 --> 00:18:57,800 It's scary. 395 00:18:57,800 --> 00:19:02,120 He sees the 6888 as a way to push back against that trend. 396 00:19:02,120 --> 00:19:03,120 Absolutely. 397 00:19:03,120 --> 00:19:07,720 It's clear that these voices are heard, that these stories are not erased. 398 00:19:07,720 --> 00:19:08,720 It's a valid concern. 399 00:19:08,720 --> 00:19:09,720 It is. 400 00:19:09,720 --> 00:19:16,480 When we try to erase or downplay certain aspects of history, we lose sight of the bigger picture. 401 00:19:16,480 --> 00:19:21,120 We lose sight of the diverse voices and experiences that have shaped who we are today. 402 00:19:21,120 --> 00:19:22,120 Absolutely. 403 00:19:22,120 --> 00:19:27,680 Like 6888's story is a perfect example of why we need to fight against that kind of censorship. 404 00:19:27,680 --> 00:19:30,920 I mean, these women's contributions were almost forgotten. 405 00:19:30,920 --> 00:19:31,920 It's true. 406 00:19:31,920 --> 00:19:33,640 They were nearly lost. 407 00:19:33,640 --> 00:19:40,320 Imagine if we didn't have people like Kevin Heimel digging into the archives, uncovering 408 00:19:40,320 --> 00:19:44,040 these hidden gems, sharing them with the world. 409 00:19:44,040 --> 00:19:48,400 Imagine if Tyler Perry hadn't been moved to bring this story to life. 410 00:19:48,400 --> 00:19:49,400 Yeah. 411 00:19:49,400 --> 00:19:51,680 We'd be missing out on such a crucial piece of history. 412 00:19:51,680 --> 00:19:52,680 We would. 413 00:19:52,680 --> 00:19:54,480 It's not just about the past. 414 00:19:54,480 --> 00:19:56,440 These stories have relevance for us today. 415 00:19:56,440 --> 00:19:57,440 They do, yeah. 416 00:19:57,440 --> 00:20:03,160 They inspire us, challenge us, and help us to understand the complexities of our own 417 00:20:03,160 --> 00:20:04,160 world. 418 00:20:04,160 --> 00:20:11,320 So as we wrap up this part of our deep dive into the story of the 6888th, let's shift 419 00:20:11,320 --> 00:20:15,440 gears a bit and talk about those connections to the present. 420 00:20:15,440 --> 00:20:21,520 What can we here in the 21st century learn from these women and their experiences? 421 00:20:21,520 --> 00:20:23,720 What resonates with you the most? 422 00:20:23,720 --> 00:20:31,120 Well, on a fundamental level, it's a story about perseverance, about overcoming obstacles, 423 00:20:31,120 --> 00:20:33,120 and about the power of community. 424 00:20:33,120 --> 00:20:40,520 These women faced unimaginable challenges, both in terms of the task at hand and the 425 00:20:40,520 --> 00:20:42,400 societal prejudices they encountered. 426 00:20:42,400 --> 00:20:43,400 It's true. 427 00:20:43,400 --> 00:20:44,400 And yet they persevered. 428 00:20:44,400 --> 00:20:45,400 They did. 429 00:20:45,400 --> 00:20:46,400 They found strength in each other. 430 00:20:46,400 --> 00:20:47,400 They innovated. 431 00:20:47,400 --> 00:20:50,760 They adapted, and they ultimately triumphed. 432 00:20:50,760 --> 00:20:52,800 It's a powerful message, isn't it? 433 00:20:52,800 --> 00:20:53,800 It is. 434 00:20:53,800 --> 00:20:59,920 That even in the face of adversity, even when the odds seem stacked against you, you can 435 00:20:59,920 --> 00:21:01,960 still achieve extraordinary things. 436 00:21:01,960 --> 00:21:02,960 You can. 437 00:21:02,960 --> 00:21:08,440 And it's a message that's relevant not just for individuals, but for entire communities, 438 00:21:08,440 --> 00:21:09,440 for entire nations. 439 00:21:09,440 --> 00:21:10,440 Absolutely. 440 00:21:10,440 --> 00:21:18,600 The 6888th story reminds us that progress is often hard won, but it's always worth fighting 441 00:21:18,600 --> 00:21:19,600 for. 442 00:21:19,600 --> 00:21:20,600 Absolutely. 443 00:21:20,600 --> 00:21:26,320 And we can think about all the other untold stories that are out there waiting to be discovered. 444 00:21:26,320 --> 00:21:33,760 If the 6888th story was almost lost to history, what other histories might be out there hidden 445 00:21:33,760 --> 00:21:37,480 in archives, or passed down through oral traditions? 446 00:21:37,480 --> 00:21:39,000 It's an intriguing thought, isn't it? 447 00:21:39,000 --> 00:21:40,000 It is. 448 00:21:40,000 --> 00:21:45,440 And it underscores the importance of seeking out those stories, amplifying those voices 449 00:21:45,440 --> 00:21:47,840 that have been marginalized or forgotten. 450 00:21:47,840 --> 00:21:52,400 It's about recognizing that history is not like a monolithic entity. 451 00:21:52,400 --> 00:21:53,400 It's a tapestry. 452 00:21:53,400 --> 00:21:54,400 It is. 453 00:21:54,400 --> 00:21:58,040 Woven from countless individual threads. 454 00:21:58,040 --> 00:22:03,120 And each thread, each story deserves to be honored and remembered. 455 00:22:03,120 --> 00:22:04,520 It is a tapestry. 456 00:22:04,520 --> 00:22:09,280 And the more diverse those threads are, the richer and more vibrant it becomes. 457 00:22:09,280 --> 00:22:13,520 And it makes you think, what stories are we still missing? 458 00:22:13,520 --> 00:22:17,160 What perspectives haven't been fully explored? 459 00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:24,040 If the 6888th contributions were overlooked for so long, what other narratives are waiting 460 00:22:24,040 --> 00:22:27,680 to be uncovered, maybe even in our own families or communities? 461 00:22:27,680 --> 00:22:29,280 It's a question we should all be asking. 462 00:22:29,280 --> 00:22:30,280 I think so too. 463 00:22:30,280 --> 00:22:32,160 Whose stories are we telling? 464 00:22:32,160 --> 00:22:33,800 Who's are we leaving out? 465 00:22:33,800 --> 00:22:36,760 What can we do to make sure that history is more inclusive? 466 00:22:36,760 --> 00:22:37,760 Yeah. 467 00:22:37,760 --> 00:22:41,120 That it reflects the full spectrum of human experiences. 468 00:22:41,120 --> 00:22:42,120 It's a challenge. 469 00:22:42,120 --> 00:22:43,120 It is. 470 00:22:43,120 --> 00:22:49,840 It's also an opportunity, an opportunity to dig deeper, to listen more closely and 471 00:22:49,840 --> 00:22:55,440 to broaden our understanding of the past and how it shapes us today. 472 00:22:55,440 --> 00:23:07,560 The 6888th story is a powerful example of how one group of women through their determination, 473 00:23:07,560 --> 00:23:15,920 their resilience, their unwavering commitment to service made a lasting impact on that world. 474 00:23:15,920 --> 00:23:20,560 And their story is a reminder that heroism can take many forms. 475 00:23:20,560 --> 00:23:25,320 It's not always about grand gestures or battlefield victories. 476 00:23:25,320 --> 00:23:32,440 Sometimes it's about the quiet acts of courage, the everyday sacrifices, the unwavering dedication 477 00:23:32,440 --> 00:23:34,240 to a cause. 478 00:23:34,240 --> 00:23:39,160 That might seem smaller and insignificant, but ultimately has this profound impact on 479 00:23:39,160 --> 00:23:40,160 the lives of others. 480 00:23:40,160 --> 00:23:41,360 It really does. 481 00:23:41,360 --> 00:23:47,200 In this case, it was about ensuring that those soldiers on the front lines received those 482 00:23:47,200 --> 00:23:49,280 vital letters from home. 483 00:23:49,280 --> 00:23:54,840 Letters that boosted morale, offered comfort, reminded them of what they were fighting for. 484 00:23:54,840 --> 00:24:03,160 In doing so, the 6888th not only contributed to the war effort, they also helped to redefine 485 00:24:03,160 --> 00:24:11,400 what it meant to be a woman, a blas woman in a society that often sought to limit their 486 00:24:11,400 --> 00:24:14,280 opportunities and their voices. 487 00:24:14,280 --> 00:24:19,880 They challenged societal norms, they defied expectations, and they paved the way for future 488 00:24:19,880 --> 00:24:20,880 generations. 489 00:24:20,880 --> 00:24:25,920 Their legacy extends far beyond those mountains of mail they sorted. 490 00:24:25,920 --> 00:24:33,000 It's a legacy of strength, perseverance, community, and of the power of untold stories. 491 00:24:33,000 --> 00:24:35,520 It's a legacy of strength, perseverance, and courage to reshape our understanding of the 492 00:24:35,520 --> 00:24:40,760 past and inspire us to build a more just and equitable future. 493 00:24:40,760 --> 00:24:46,720 And now, thanks to Tyler Perry's film, their story will reach an even wider audience. 494 00:24:46,720 --> 00:24:51,000 It's a story that deserves to be told, a story that needs to be heard. 495 00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:58,760 So as we wrap up this deep dive into this incredible history of the 688th Central Postal 496 00:24:58,760 --> 00:25:05,840 Directory Battalion, we encourage you to learn more about these remarkable women, watch 497 00:25:05,840 --> 00:25:14,480 Tyler Perry's The 6888 on Netflix, seek out Kevin Heiml's articles, and consider how their 498 00:25:14,480 --> 00:25:19,240 story resonates with you with your own experiences and with the world we live in today. 499 00:25:19,240 --> 00:25:23,880 And perhaps inspired by their example, you might even start digging into your own family 500 00:25:23,880 --> 00:25:26,440 history, your own community's past. 501 00:25:26,440 --> 00:25:32,600 To uncover those untold stories, those hidden gems of history that are waiting to be brought 502 00:25:32,600 --> 00:25:33,600 to light. 503 00:25:33,600 --> 00:25:35,600 Because every story matters. 504 00:25:35,600 --> 00:25:37,800 Every voice deserves to be heard. 505 00:25:37,800 --> 00:25:38,800 And sometimes, yeah. 506 00:25:38,800 --> 00:25:45,040 It's those quiet, often overlooked stories that have the most power to change the world. 507 00:25:45,040 --> 00:25:48,360 Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery. 508 00:25:48,360 --> 00:25:53,560 Until next time, keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep diving deep. 509 00:25:53,560 --> 00:25:56,480 And I want to thank everybody for listening to Veterans Radio today. 510 00:25:56,480 --> 00:25:57,960 I am Jim Fawcone. 511 00:25:57,960 --> 00:26:00,320 It's been a pleasure to be your host. 512 00:26:00,320 --> 00:26:04,240 I'm a Veterans Disability Lawyer at Legal Help for Veterans. 513 00:26:04,240 --> 00:26:12,640 And you can reach us at 800-693-4800 or legalhelpforveterans.com on the web. 514 00:26:12,640 --> 00:26:17,560 You can follow Veterans Radio on Facebook and listen to its podcasts and internet radio 515 00:26:17,560 --> 00:26:18,560 shows. 516 00:26:18,560 --> 00:26:24,720 By visiting us at veteransradio.org, that's veteransradio.org. 517 00:26:24,720 --> 00:26:30,320 We again want to thank our national sponsors, the National Veterans Business Development 518 00:26:30,320 --> 00:26:34,280 Council, NVBDC.org. 519 00:26:34,280 --> 00:26:41,200 Legal Help for Veterans, a Veterans Disability Law Firm with a national practice before the 520 00:26:41,200 --> 00:26:42,200 VA. 521 00:26:42,200 --> 00:26:46,400 It can help you on your claims and your appeals. 522 00:26:46,400 --> 00:26:55,200 Plants can be reached at legalhelpforveterans.com or 1-800-693-4800. 523 00:26:55,200 --> 00:27:00,000 And PuroClean, a leader in property emergency services. 524 00:27:00,000 --> 00:27:06,240 It's the paramedics of property damage, providing water damage remediation, flood water removal, 525 00:27:06,240 --> 00:27:11,920 fire and smoke damage remediation, mold and biohazard cleanups. 526 00:27:11,920 --> 00:27:20,240 You can reach them at puroclean.com or 800-775-7876. 527 00:27:20,240 --> 00:27:23,200 We also want to thank our local sponsors. 528 00:27:23,200 --> 00:27:31,000 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Kettles chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, 529 00:27:31,000 --> 00:27:32,840 that's chapter 310. 530 00:27:32,840 --> 00:27:41,520 VFW, Graf O'Hara Post 423, the American Legion Irwin Preskin Post 46 in Ann Arbor as well. 531 00:27:41,520 --> 00:27:48,480 The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and certainly the National Vietnam Veterans of America Association. 532 00:27:48,480 --> 00:27:55,400 You can be a sponsor by going to veteransradio.org, clicking on the about us and our sponsors 533 00:27:55,400 --> 00:27:56,400 and help us out. 534 00:27:56,400 --> 00:28:02,280 Keep this program alive for the 21 and 22 years. 535 00:28:02,280 --> 00:28:03,800 Keep us going for another 20. 536 00:28:03,800 --> 00:28:11,800 Thank you.