Andrea Darline Catlin Williamson
City/State: Bowie, MD
Current Role/Profession or Area of Expertise: African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) Board Member and Maryland Ambassador, Military Women’s Memorial
Brief Background
Andrea Darline Catlin Williamson is a retired United States Army Reserve Major who proudly served in two branches: the Adjutant General Corps and Civil Affairs. She brings the same dedication, discipline, and leadership she exemplified throughout her military career to every facet of her community service.
Andrea holds a B.S. in Communications/Public Relations from Shippensburg University and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from American Military University. She currently serves on the Board of the African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) and as a Maryland Ambassador for the Military Women’s Memorial. She is also an engaged and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Iota Gamma Omega Chapter in Prince George’s County, MD.
During her 34-year federal service career, Andrea spent more than 25 years as a Federal Acquisition Contract Program and Project Manager, overseeing contracts exceeding $25 million. Her work reflects a legacy of strong leadership, strategic execution, and a commitment to excellence.
Connection to the 6888th
How did you first learn about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion?
I first learned about the 6888th in 2021 while watching a Veterans Day news segment that featured the last living members of this historic battalion.
What inspired you to become involved in the 6888th Stamp Project?
As I watched that segment, I felt compelled to learn more about the eight living legends who were featured. These women cleared paths many of us would later walk through. I wanted to honor them in a meaningful way.
I reached out to Commander Clarence Philpot, a retired Navy historian, who connected me with Sergeant Major (Ret.) Elizabeth Helm Frazier. With Elizabeth’s guidance—and in my role as former Co-Chair of the Veterans Affinity Group—we recognized the legacy of the 6888th during HUD’s 2022 Memorial Day Program by presenting Certificates of Remembrance to Janice Martin, daughter of PFC India Hunt Martin, and Patricia Heldoorn, daughter of PFC Deloris L. Rudock Ruddock.
Presenting these certificates during the 80th Anniversary of the Women’s Army Corps was an honor I will never forget.
What does the legacy of the 6888th mean to you personally?
The 6888th served during a time when African-American women were not expected to lead, excel, or even serve.
When I reflect on their legacy, I think of the women who stood in uniform long before I ever wore my first pair of boots. As an African-American female officer who proudly served 20 years, I know my journey is connected to theirs. The women of the 6888 faced racism, sexism, doubt, and isolation—challenges that echo across generations. Yet they showed up with discipline, skill, and pride, performing their mission so well that the world had no choice but to acknowledge them.
Their legacy reminds me that I belong in the uniform, that my leadership matters, and that my service contributes to something greater than myself. The 6888th proves that Black women’s excellence is not new—it is historic. I carry their legacy with me, and my responsibility is to keep doors open for the women who will come after me.
Is there a particular member or story that resonates deeply with you?
Yes. The moment when a General threatened to replace Major Charity Adams with a male officer resonated with me personally because I experienced something similar.
A General of the 352nd Civil Affairs Battalion once told me he planned to relieve me of my commission. I immediately contacted my two platoon leaders and said, “We’re going to see the General.” We walked into his office without an appointment, and I told him directly that if he relieved me of my commission, I would take my two Lieutenants with me. We walked out unified.
The next time we saw him, his demeanor had changed. Respect followed—and we continued our mission.
Role and Contributions
What is your role or area of focus within the Stamp Team?
My focus is gathering signatures across the North Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., as well as from mayors across the United States, in addition to engaging my family, friends, and professional network.
What accomplishment on the project are you most proud of?
I am especially proud that the North Atlantic Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., promoted the petition across all five regional clusters—from Delaware to Vermont. This effort educated members and sparked excitement about supporting the 6888th Forever Stamp.
How is this project helping preserve African American women’s military history?
Every stamp tells a story. A U.S. Forever Stamp featuring the 6888th places their history into the daily lives of millions. Each time someone uses or sees the stamp, it sparks curiosity: Who were these women? What did they accomplish?
The stamp serves as a national acknowledgment of strength, courage, and excellence. It elevates African American women’s military history by giving long-overdue visibility to a battalion whose service changed the course of military logistics and representation. It corrects historical omissions and reinforces the significant place these women hold in America’s story.
Vision and Reflection
What impact do you hope the 6888th Forever Stamp will have once released?
I hope it encourages people to explore the hidden history of the Six Triple Eight and highlights a military operation that has often been overlooked. My hope is that the stamp brings long-awaited recognition to these trailblazing women and inspires schools, communities, and future generations to learn their story. Most of all, I hope it ensures that their legacy of courage, service, and excellence continues to shape how we honor African American women in uniform.
Your Support Powers This Mission
Our work is not finished. Every new signature pushes us closer to a stamp that ensures the 6888th receives the national acknowledgment they earned through courage, excellence, and unwavering dedication.
We invite you to:
Sign and share the petition widely
Print signature sheets for local events
Talk about the 6888th — keep their story alive
Contact the Stamp Team
The Stamp Project
P.O. Box #616
Bowie, Maryland 20718
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