ATLANTA – State Representative Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert), chairman of the House Committee on State Properties, recently led the House of Representatives in a moment of silence for PFC Hester Givens Massey.
“Today, I honor the life and legacy of the late PFC Hester Givens Massey, a native of Randolph County and citizen of Cuthbert, Georgia,” said Chairman Greene. “She served her country with great honor as a member of the Women’s Army Corps from 1943 to 1946. As one of the 855 Black women soldiers allowed to serve in the army, she made her country and state proud. Following her many accomplishments, she passed away in 1996, and we stand here today recognizing her contributions to her country and indelible impact on our history.”
PFC Massey worked as a nurse and received education at the Veteran Administration and Seton Hall University. During World War II, she received numerous medals and awards, including the W.A.A.C Service Ribbon, the American Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. She was later recognized, alongside her 6888th Battalion soldiers, with the Congressional Gold Medal for being war heroes and members of the Women’s Army Corps.
A movie honoring the Six Triple Eight, directed by Tyler Perry, will be released this month on Netflix, honoring the 6888th Battalion soldiers and their contribution to World War II by boosting morale through mail distribution.
Representative Gerald Greene represents the citizens of District 154, which includes Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Early, Miller, Quitman, Randolph and Seminole counties, as well as portions of Dougherty County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1982 and currently serves as Chairman of the State Properties Committee and Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Retirement, Rules, Special Rules and Urban Affairs committees.
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