Meet Our Volunteers

Alice is an Arizona native. Her hobbies include family genealogy and researching lineage for DAR applications.

My name is Becky and I am the Chaplain of the Asthon Sosi Chapter, National Society Daughter of the American Revolution. I am passionate about genealogy and preserving family histories. I have learned so much documenting the intricate stories of the remarkable women of the 6888th Postal Battalion. This project ensures their contributions are recognized and remembered.

Beth: professional genealogist with special interest in African American. Recruited at Rootstech to help with this project. Additionally, on Juneteenth of this year, some of the names from the 6888 were parsed out to other members of her workplace (Lineages.com and Price & Associates) who did volunteer service and found detailed information for four different individuals on the list. Thanks for the opportunity and awareness.

Cynthia: member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Yuma Arizona Chapter.  My mother, who recently passed away, volunteered countless hours to many groups throughout her life, and has inspired me to help others using my genealogical skills.  I feel honored to help to preserve the legacy of the WWII Women’s 6888th Battalion, for their families and others, so their service will always be recognized and remembered.

Debbie: I was unacquainted with the 6888 until I saw a short article about them.  And of course with that introduction I wanted to know more.  It is an honor to help share the story of each soldier and invite others to contribute.  Many families world-wide were terribly impacted by WWII.  Preserving their legacy is a way we can understand our family’s collective story. 

Donna:  My interest in genealogy has led to startling discoveries, such as my direct descent from a Black veteran of the Revolution (the American side!) and possibly a signer of the Declaration of Independence (an ongoing project). I’m very pleased to use the skills I’ve developed in this field to assist the family members of the 6888th Battalion. The 6888th provided crucial moral support and succor to the troops during a time of great hardship, and that work should be acknowledged and celebrated by all, particularly their descendants.

Hi, my name is Kim.  I began doing genealogy research with my Mom umpteen years ago and have continued learning about all things in Genealogy Research over the last 45 years. As I continue learning about my own family lineage from Ireland, France, Canada, England, and all over the United States, I continue to be in awe of the challenges every generation has endured and persevered through so I can be here writing to you. I am so happy to be a part of this historic project for the ‘Six-Triple Eight’ Battalion of women.

"Hi! This is Kristine and I am honored to be part of this project. I started researching my own family 18 years ago and have enjoyed every minute of it. Solving mysteries, making discoveries, and piecing together stories soothes my soul somehow. I'm here for all of it!"

Linda:  About 25 years ago, I became interested in learning more about my mother’s family who ‘came west’ with a wagon train before the Civil War.  But first I had to learn how to use a computer and the genealogy program! 

    That search was the beginning of my desire to help others learn as much about their families as I had mine. To date I have worked up a tree for my husband’s side of the family, and many friends and neighbors we well.

    Recently, I happened to read a historical fiction novel about the first all-black women’s Army unit to be sent overseas during World War II.  I was intrigued by these women who blazed a new trail, just like my own ancestors, but in their own way.  I decided to learn everything I could about them.  I ended up creating a ‘Virtual Cemetery’ on FindaGrave.com for all the women I was able to find.   

    That is how I came to be invited to join this group of genealogy lovers who wanted to give these women the recognition they deserve.  It has truly been labor love for all of us.

    Recently, my husband and I celebrated our 39th Wedding anniversary. Together we have 3 grown children, and 2 of the most fun, brilliant, and adorable grandchildren on the planet!   They all bring us great joy and make us proud every single day.

Marnice had no idea that pursuing an interest in genealogy as a new empty-nester would lead to participating on the 6888th Genealogy Research project, of which she’s honored to be a part. She and her husband of 24 years recently made the big move from their Midwestern roots to make the Grand Canyon state their new home. As the mother of five, a new grandparent, and a recent retiree she looks forward to her next chapter.

Mike:  I am Debbie's husband and chauffeur.  Some of the places I take her are BFGHS community outreach events, Juneteenths, DAR community classes, and the Tempe FamilySearch Center.  I help people create "Connected Mytown" web pages that let you see how you are related to notable people in a town/area. Ben Franklin can show you: Connected Boston.

Patricia:  Having a strong interest in history and family ancestry, what a pleasure it was when I learned about the WWII 6888th Battalion study. The honor comes for me being a small integral part in this study, and for the recognition and acknowledgement of the WWII 6888th Battalion especially to their respective family descendants.

Paulette H: I am a Vietnam Era Veteran of the United States Army who served for eight years. I am also a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and cousin to many. I hold a BS in Broadcast Production from Arizona State University with a minor in Advertising. Advertising is my passion. Through life I had to make a change in my

career and I moved into the field of Health Information Management. My foundation of genealogy and family history began with my dad who ensured we knew our relatives. He drove us to visit relatives in New Jersey, New York and Indiana to name a few states. He flew me from Philadelphia to Los Angeles in the summer months one year so I would get to know my Uncle’s family. My grandmother also provided me with a five generation foundation of information of family relatives because I asked her. I honor them by continuing to locate and meet relatives. The 6888 members are also my relatives. Perhaps not blood relatives but we are related due to our service to this

country. I honor them by continuing to unfold their amazing history and contributing that to this wonderful project.

Paulette S: I’m a retired 8th Grade Social Studies teacher with over 25 years of experience teaching American History, Civics, Government, and Geography. During my teaching career, I was honored to be named a two-time Scottsdale Charros Educator of the Year and recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution as an Outstanding American History Educator. One of my proudest moments was leading my students to a 1st Place win in the 2001 National Project Citizen competition. I was also proud to serve on the committee that developed Arizona’s Social Studies Standards.

   I hold a master’s degree in Curriculum Design and continue to stay active by serving on several committees and supporting organizations such as National History Day, the Arizona Historical Society, and the Black Family Genealogy and History Society. As a passionate upcoming genealogist, and a background in U. S. history, I was excited to join the 6888 project.  The experience has been very rewarding.

Terri is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Mayflower Society.  She enjoys helping others with genealogy research.  

Veronica: I have been involved with genealogy for the last 30 years, with an emphasis on Mexican ancestry with some side trips into revolutionary American and, of course, African American history. Retired from Intel Corporation, I rejoice in all the free time I get to spend on my family tree now. 

ConnectedTempeProject@gmail.com