Millie Dunn Veasey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Millie Dunn Veasey
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| Born | January 31, 1918 Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
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| Died | March 9, 2018 (aged 100) Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
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| Alma mater | St. Augustine's University (formerly St. Augustine's College) North Carolina Central University |
| Occupation | Activist, World War II Veteran |
Millie Dunn Veasey (born January 31, 1918 – died March 9, 2018) was an amazing American woman who served her country during World War II. She was part of the Women's Army Corps (WAC) from 1942 to 1945.
After the war, she worked at St. Augustine’s University. She also became very active in the civil rights movement. She worked with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Raleigh. In 1965, she became the president of her local NAACP chapter.
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Early Life in Raleigh
Millie Veasey was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. She grew up with five brothers and sisters. Her home was just a few blocks from the North Carolina State Capitol building.
Millie was named after her grandmother, Millie Gunter Henry. Her grandmother was a big inspiration. She always tried to help others, especially through her work at the First Baptist Church. Millie also went to this church.
Millie went to Washington High School in Raleigh. After finishing high school, she worked for the local government in Wake County. Soon after, she decided to join the Army.
Millie's Education Journey
In 1953, Millie graduated from St. Augustine’s College. This college is in Raleigh, North Carolina. She earned a special degree in business education and also studied English.
Millie was able to go to college thanks to the G.I. Bill. This program helps veterans pay for their education. While she was studying, she also worked as an assistant to the college president.
A few years later, she continued her education. She went to North Carolina Central University. There, she earned a master's degree in business. She also learned about education counseling.
Serving Her Country: World War II
Millie Veasey joined the Army in December 1942. She was part of a special group called the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This group was known as the "six-triple-eight."
This unit was very unique. It was the only all-female and all-black battalion to serve overseas during World War II. Millie started her training in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
In April 1943, Millie was sent to Fort Des Moines, Iowa. This is where she did her basic military training. She finished her training in Denver, Colorado. After that, she worked as a clerk for the cooks and bakers school in Fort Clark, Texas.
Later, she moved to Camp Maxey, Texas. There, she worked in the hospital, helping with office tasks. She then completed more training in Georgia. In February 1945, she traveled to Europe on a ship called the Queen Elizabeth.
She spent four months in Birmingham, England. Then she moved to Rouen, France. She worked there as a supply clerk until she left the Army. In 1945, she left the WAC as a staff sergeant. This is a high rank for a non-commissioned officer.
After the war, Millie taught business and English at Thompson High School in Mathews, Virginia. She later returned to Raleigh. She worked at St. Augustine's University again. She retired in 1986 as the director of career planning.
Millie's Legacy and Impact
Millie Veasey was a very important person in the civil rights movement. She was a local leader for the NAACP. She became the first female president of the Wake County chapter.
As president, Millie worked with many other NAACP leaders. She even met famous figures like Thurgood Marshall. She also sat next to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the historic 1963 March on Washington.
Besides the NAACP, she was also involved in other groups. These included the National Federation of Democratic Women and the American Legion.
Even after she retired from St. Augustine's College in 1986, Millie stayed active. She taught Sunday school at her church. She also helped her neighbors with their tax forms. She was a member of local groups in Raleigh, North Carolina. She often volunteered with American Legion Post 157. Millie was also a member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. She held important leadership roles in this group.
Millie's Army uniforms are very special. She gave them to the North Carolina Museum of History. These are the only known uniforms from the 6888th Battalion.
In February 2018, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation honored Millie. They gave her the "Distinguished Veteran Living Legend Award." Millie passed away on March 9, 2018, in Raleigh, at 100 years old. In November 2018, she was added to the Raleigh Hall of Fame.
