Tyler Perry Instagram – Today this incredibly beautiful woman turns 100 years old. Ms. Lena Derriecott King. I tell you she is as sharp as a laser and is still so full of life. She is one of less than a handful of surviving members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.    She was one of 855 black and brown women that served our country in World War II and returned home to be ignored and ostracized. After 70 plus years later they were finally awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for the work they did.   What did they do you ask? Imagine a world where there is no communication, no email, no Facebook, no telephones on the battlefields. Now, imagine being a solider fighting for your country for years and never hearing a word from home, or your loved ones not knowing if you were dead or alive.   After several years many intended, mailed letters and care packages sat molding and vermin-infested in leaky airplane hangers in Europe. That is until these women were sent over to Europe to get it sorted. Several other companies had tried but couldn’t so the army just assumed that they would fail. But you never underestimate the ability of a black woman nor their intelligence or ingenuity. These women sorted and delivered over 17 million pieces of mail in 90 days, thereby brining hope and communication to every fighting solider and their families.    I had the honor of sitting with Ms. King back in April and after one meeting, her recollection, class and dignity sent me on a path to write the script and tell the stories of these brave, powerful, and remarkable woman. We are currently filming this movie, called The Six triple eight. So Ms. King, on behalf of every person in this country who have the freedoms we do now because of what you all endured in battle and at home I just want to say thank you to you and all the members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Happy 100th birthday and thank you for your service. And I’m so thankful that God has satisfied you with long life.   Here’s to 100 more.