Page 7 - Desert Oracle September 2021

PRESS RELEASE - SAVE THE DATE

WORLD WAR TWO VETERAN TURNS 101 YEARS OLD!

Major (Ret) Fannie “Fran” McClendon, USAF

Major (Ret) Fannie “Fran) McClendon, USAF, will turn 101 years old, September 22,
2021! She is only one of seven known survivors of the 855 all African American 6888
TH
CENTRAL POSTAL DIRECTORY BATTALION, who served overseas during WW II.
Known as the “Six Triple Eight,” the women accomplished the incredible task of
moving a two-year backlog of undelivered mail to 7,000,000 servicemembers. Working
three shifts per day, they processed approximately 65,000 pieces of mail per shift.
Embracing their motto, “No mail, low morale,” the women cleared the two-year backlog
of mail and packages in three months for U.S. military, civilians and Red Cross workers
throughout Europe.

The Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ARAC) is celebrating
Major McClendon’s birthday with a drive-by parade at her home in Tempe, AZ from
11:00 am to 11:15 am September 22, 2021. The parade is open to friends, neighbors,
and the public. Participants are requested to assemble for the parade at 10:30 am in
Tempe, AZ 85282 (Cross streets E Loyola Drive & S Evergreen Road off E Southern
Avenue). Nearest freeway SR 60 East, Exit 177 S Dobson Road toward E Southern
Avenue.

The parade will proceed promptly at 11:00 am.

For further information or questions, please contact Joseph A. Olano, ARAC Public
Information Officer, Email: josephaolano@gmail.com; Cell: (951) 660-9463