Her beauty with a southern voice, Thanks for doing your part Together the Dollies helped the U.S. troops forget about the war. All the info is on Facebook @ 2017 Cam Rahn Bay Reunion. She was on the stage with Bob ! I have no idea if Emily ever saw this. 15 talking about this. Where does this stuff come from?? As far as I know, she still lives in her childhood home. Maggie: Love them all. IV CORPS/Cu Chi/25th ID July – Dec ’70 My thanks to them all. My Video to HONOR "The Donut Dollie's"These Women helped bring a smile and a little bit of home to many of an American Veteran in the Vietnam War. 854th Signal Detachment. Do you know how I can find out if there are any DDs living in my area? Thank you to all that made this happen and I could not be prouder to have been an early supporter. On August 24, he participated in SAR operations of a downed UH1C, marking its location those of its survivors for SAR helicopters. Thanks again for remembering the Donut Dollies and our visits to LZs. SSG Ronald L. Holtzman of White Post, VA, had called out to Morrison, the A/C commander, that he could not swim. Coming home was very hard and I ended up going back to work for the Red Cross, in Service to Military Families, as the only caseworker for the eastern half of the US Navy and Marine Corps amputees at Philadelphia Naval Hospital. I’ve never forgotten her and she will always be very special to me. This helped our guys get emergency leave more rapidly and got them home to their loved ones, Thank you for your unselfish volunteering…it really meant something to us. This is also a national call to our elected officials in Washington, DC to propose and pass legislation to erect a proper monument depicting the selfless and caring service these ladies performed for our troops… Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen… while in Vietnam. There is a reunion of those of us who served at Cam Ranh Bay coming up. The Dollies deserve a mention and an exhibit in the Museum. I was there in Dtroop 3/4 Cav and have some pictures of some of you Girls but don’t remember any names to go with the pictures !!!!!!!!!!!!! Yet, these non-combatant “angles of mercy” who served selflessly, have NO benefits such as medical; benefits that any honorably discharged veteran who may have served even less time in a combat zone when compared to that service of our Donut Dollies. Wonderful tribute to these brave young women! Any assistance in locating Cynthia Colburn would be appreciated. The rest of the time we were airborn carrying our prop bags – never any cookies, coffee or donuts., Don’t think I ever saw a donut the whole year I was VN. Again, bless you for being there for us. Then and now it may have been the kindest act I have ever known. We never sold a drop! and doing almost no programs. These idealistic young women embraced their mission - to cheer up battle-worn GIs on the frontlines of the Vietnam War - with energy, creativity, compassion and resolve, but had no idea what they were getting into. Rene Johnson saw my picture on Facebook and knew the Dolly in the picture. I hope you are fine. I am SO glad you got out of there! Please remember that your presence and kind words were often the armor we wore those days. Hope to see an exhibit for you guys at the National Museum Of the Air Force in Dayton. I had talked to several who had been told that “as soon as you are done with your job, there’ll be Donut Dolly with cookies and Kool-Aid.” You were famous even then. Z. I shall always be indebted to each and everyone of you from Japan to the Portsmouth naval hospital.. I have a few pictures but in most cases don’t remember the units! I would never trade those years of 1967-1968 for anything in the world and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. Many of these Soldiers were just one or two years out of high school. Spending time with them during the day, and in “the world” at night helped me adjust as much as I helped them. It would give us the recognition that we all need. During my tour, I was on fire support base LZ Center from October 1968 to February 1969. My apologies, Patty. This still remains the most phenomenal time in my life. One particular DD I have tried to locate is barbara Barrett, Detroit. We are working through the legal requirements as we work towards DVD release and planning for additional film festival and community screenings. I’m still very active with the Red Cross, the 4 VA Medical Centers in my state, and other VN Veterans activities and ceremonies. You were “Sheroes” for sure. My very favorite memory was Christmas Day 1968. Holly Watts shared in an interview with PBS the power of being present with the men. Thank ALL of Loved the song they sang at the end of your video. I was in CRB 68-9 and the Red Cross Center was built on Herky Hill during that time. My aunt ( Charlotte ” Sue” Hudson) was in Vietnam with ARC 1969-70, She said she never charged any soldiers for food or drinks and not sure where those stories come from. We’ll see! 47 years later, they reunite in Vietnam to retrace their steps; ask why they went; ask whether they made a difference; unlock buried memories and share their stories for the first time. We all respectfully declined. Dorset and I were in Cu Chi together even though she and I didn’t know it at the time. Major Potock was highly decorated officer (SS, DFC, AM (13)). That bothers me. Director Norm Anderson and Donut Dolly Dorset Anderson discuss the film and the work of the Donut Dollies. A rifleman, he was a professional photographer before he was drafted. I would be glad to send if you want. I have even heard that ARC sold blood in hospitals!!! The average age of those guys was probably 19, and after many hours in the back of that “bent wing subsonic bug sucker” they were looking forward to getting off, until the clamshells opened and the ramp dropped. Resupply had dried up, leaving us short of water, c-rats and ammo. It was the best year of my life……..used every ounce of ingenuity, courage and boldness I had in me. Anyone have any info I would appreciate it. I was at Bien Hoa 1968-69 68th assault helicopter company. Would you happen to know how to locate her. She is still and always has been very special. On a surface level, their roles seemed simple: provide wholesome entertainment and a … Donut Dollies Judee and Nancy delivering gifts to the men with Santa. Together the Dollies helped the U.S. troops forget about the war. I can send you a photo of her in a helicopter – hard to even tell that it’s a female or that she’s wearing a light blue uniform, but I took it coming back one day when two LOHs came to get us; so we each rode in one. We did serve donuts made by our Korean bakers and I managed to fall into a tray of them while hanging Christmas decorations in one of our sites. WO Dayton Witherall, Pilot – Rescued Kitty was an older DD and has now passed, but she sent me a water color of CRB that is hung at the entrance of my home. It was an honor to serve and to bring a small touch of home. Our mission was to provide a “Touch of Home in the Combat Zone” and to let you guys know that we cared enough to put ourselves at risk to show we cared. In 1968, two best friends joined an elite team and flew into a war zone wearing powder blue dresses. Emily sang a wonderful song “Incoming” that Emily Strange and Barbara Hagar wrote while they were in a bunker as Donut Dollies in Vietnam. I served with Echo 1/11th Inf. She was challenged to come see and do her part, So instead of becoming a part of the problem My name at that time was Sharon Leverson so if anyone remembers me as a person, that was who I was. I agree with Ginny wholeheartedly. last I saw of her was when she skinned up the front gate after hours at the American Airlines Stew school in Dallas, Texas, 71′ or 72′ sue Smith was another name I remember, believe she was from Cincinnati. What extraordinary courage and kindness was expressed by volunteering. Maggie did you serve with Penni Evans and Susan Bradshaw in Quang Tri? Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Hallenbeck-Pelegrino spent most of her time in the Mekong Delta with the 9 th Infantry Division. It was a phenomenal experience! The nurses, doctors and Dollies without a doubt saved my life and I will always be grateful. Soooo good! If you are spending a few days right in Saigon, I mean Ho Chi Minh City, please be careful crossing the streets as there are so many scooters swarming around! Bless you, bless you, bless you! Reply. I agree, we did see a lot of country. As a group of female Red Cross volunteers, the Donut Dollies officially began traveling with American soldiers during World War II. I can’t wait to see it. She was from the East Coast of New Jersey and she was a very very special woman. I was a Donut Dollie, 66-67, including a stint as Unit Director, Cu Chi, 25th Infantry Division December 66 to late spring when I was transferred to open a new unit at Xuan Loc, 11th Armored Cav. Restaurant Equipment. Freestanding Fryers; Flat Bottom Fryers When were you there? My email address is: kptsmith at aol.com. They had no idea what they were getting into. MCU fans, here are some streaming picks to watch while you wait for the next episode of "The Falcon and the Winter Solider.". You have a great son, Dorset! I got to Nam in Aug. ’71, after the Quang Tri Donut Dollie Unit closed…I was stationed in Danang and we covered the northern I Corps area after those ladies derosed. I was also stationed for awhile in Nha Trang in ’69. (F TROOP, 17th CAV, 1971-1972). I flew into Lai Khe many times and was based at Chu Chi. I was in several places in ’69, but lost my best friend from pilot training in “Huns” in ’68 at Phan Rang. Their weapons: cookies and a smile. They cared for us. YOU, STEVE, are my hero today!! I was in Lai Khe. 11-11-1992 Austin City Limits did a wonderful show “In Country” a Veterans Day tribute performed by very talented veterans. Coproducer They deserve to be recognized for their unselfish giving. More info at longbinhdaze.com or just Google “Long Daze at Long Binh.”. My mother was a Donut Dolly. Thank you for serving. I was not in Vietnam; still I hear from all the guys how much they appreciate your service. My very favorite memory was Christmas Day 1968. BEAUTIFUL DONUT DOLLIES Ann, Ann. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. She was a native of Downs, KS, but raised in San Antonio, TX and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. With her charm and her grace A number of Donut Dollies used the 24th as their home base, although I don’t remember their names. I spent from Jan. to Dec. of ’71 with E Co. !/327th 101st. We covered Tay Nin through the Delta.. The Donut Dollies are an often-forgotten piece of the Vietnam War, one that co-producers Jim Gardner and Norm Anderson want others to remember. You are a special group. a long time ago! With her smile and round-eyes You, too, are veterans. Two mortar teams, three of us FDC and a rifle platoon spent 55 days there. Unfortunately, the name Pagent doesn’t appear in our far from complete list of Donut Dollies who served in Korea and Vietnam, but hopefully someone will recognize her name and share some information here. The nickname Donut Dolly was a left over from Korea where hot coffee and donuts were a cold weather treat. V/r June 70-May71 and would have probably met you there. The U-H1C (one report says it was a U-H1H), Serial #66-12526, of the 119th Attack Helicopter Company (AHC) crash landed in Se San River, near Kontum, Pleiku Province, not far from the Cambodian border. If nothing more than a monument depicting a Donut Dollie handing a cookie or a piece of mail to a battle wary Soldier… allowing him a small respite from the grueling nature of war. ARC VN DD 7/67-8/68. We do hope you are able to come experience our film on the big screen. This FAQ is empty. He joined after 9/11 to continue our family’s legacy of service dating back to the Revolutionary War. Delivery & Pickup Options - 60 reviews of Doughnut Dollies "Doughnut Dollies just opened a new location in Atlanta and I am so excited. Our work at Lai Khe, Cu Chi and Xuan Loc were all mobile, i.e, no Red Cross Centers. I was in Bien Hoa 1967-1968 and remember the DD coming down on the flight line and it was so nice to see them!!!!! Donut Dollies may refer to: Women who volunteered in the American Red Cross Clubmobile Service during World War II. Afraid you’re retreading an old WWII story. I won’t say that I had forgotten them because I never will, but this was the first time I had seen one since Nam. I owe her Yet, these God fearing, selfless ladies served alongside of us day after day, witnessing the horrors and harshness of war for at least one year. Required fields are marked *. I served with 173rd AB at the same time. I was a DD in Vietnam from April 66-April 67. Thank you for your service Patty. Two DDs came, Marsha from WI and Kitty from VA. Needless to say, their lives were as equally at risk as that of the brave military men fighting the battles. I was one of the Donut Dollies your Unit transported to Dong Ha, and surrounding bases on the DMZ from Camp Eagle…We so appreciated your help in getting us safely to the forward areas and back! Synopsis: In 1968, two best friends joined an elite team and flew into a war zone wearing powder blue dresses. In Publix at 39th Ave 11/24=202 @ 10:13am and saw Vietnam Doughnut Dollies license plate frame on a car! Sent to war in 1968, these idealistic young women embraced their mission - to cheer up the GIs with energy, creativity, compassion and … Thanks forever to all our soldiers who were…..and still are…..absolute HEROES. I was with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade from February 1968 to February 1969, mostly with B Company 3/21 as an RTO. I served at Bien Hoa Army Post, Qui Nhon, Tuy Hoa, and Cu Chi. These idealistic young women embraced their mission – to cheer up battle-worn GIs on the frontlines of the Vietnam War – with energy, creativity, compassion and resolve, but had no idea what they were getting into. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Donut Dollies Documentary Q&A session - Albuquerque Film & Music Experience … I agree with you, Joan- that “in the grunt” sounds suspiciously like someone who was never in the field and maybe not even in the Army. I don’t spend a lot of time on Facebook myself so if you or anyone supports this idea you can let me know at whaack70@charter.net We have a local Donut Dollie and she is still serving coffee and donuts to vets thru the Heroes Cafe in Stevens Point, WI. Women serving in Vietnam were not supposed to be placed in combat situations. I keep thinking her name was Joan. Looking forward to see the documentary since I was also in NhaTrang, Thu Hoa, Phy My and Bong Son 66-67. Mrs. Phyllis Dorothy (Hasterlik) Allard, of Chicago, the mother of SFC Richard Allard, travelled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia in late January 1972 to search for her son. I would not trade my year for anything. I continued to work for ARC for a few years on my return from travels home. I I was flying out of NaTrang Vietnam and I’met a donut dolly there, her name was Charlotte Ruggallo. Ed Eaton We had the first soft ice cream stand at Xi An to the Tet Offensive at Cam Rahn. Her name is Lindy Adams. I stayed “under the Southern Cross“ except for a 2-week TDY with the 101st ABN in late May,, 69.until I Derosed in Aug, 1969. WELCOME HOME EMILY – my sister… I too went back to Viet Nam last year. THANKS for your Service…and WELCOME HOME! Although the Vietnam war ended over 46 years ago, the events that happened aren’t long forgotten, having been so influential and impacting the lives of many. I hear it’s gorgeous. My email is rayjasso5@gmail.com. I landed at Cam Rahn in 68 numerous times in C-141’s, and flew airevac out of there to Yokota. SSG Ronald L. Holtzman, Gunner – KIA (body not recovered) We boarded a helicopter very early that morning and we flew to every area possible giving the soldiers bags of goodies, which were donated by the American people. It was really and truly like a visit from home. More importantly she became a part of the soldiers heart, As I look back on memories of the past On August 24, 1967, Cynthia (Cindy?) WO Richard N. Morrison, Pilot A/C Commander – Rescued We passed each other, she was leaving and was I arriving in Cam Rahn and we saw each other for 1 hour. I’d love to honor them and invite them to our American Legion Post to share a meal and speak with us about their experiences.. Dee S. (Veteran, US Army, 1982-2002) San Diego CA. Any coffee we served, especially in Cu Chi where we did not have a center, we were all mobile, any coffee we served was made by Mess Hall guys and either served there or put in back of a jeep or a truck to serve on a line, usually guys lined up to board choppers to go out on a large scale operation. No cookies anywhere. I so remember the girls coming out to my plane and offering cool aid and cookies. There is nothing left there on our base. I, too, believe Daniel has OD’d on “Full Metal Jacket” and “Deer Hunter” fantasies of those that were never there. Dear Peggy…. Due to the swift current the other survivors were also carried downstream. ... Dollie Brioche, Creme Brulee, Brulee Sugar. According to my research, the nickname was first coined during WW II and then it stuck. SFC Richard M. Allard, Crew Chief – KIA (body not recovered) My sister Nancy Caracciolo Warner was a Donut Dollie and in country from August 1969 to July 1970. These ladies… our Donut Dollies… were for many of our Soldiers the embodiment of a sister, a girlfriend, and yes, even a mother they left behind. * a second one too. They told me coming to the 525th was the best unit they visited as they felt they were being effectively utilized. Thank you so much for everything!!! I hope you won’t generalize about the 600 plus of us over several years based on the experiences/views of some. These Red Cross volunteers served to provide food, entertainment and a bit of a connection to home to servicemen stationed in Great Britain and those on many European battlefronts. Roger Thomas These young women brought a "Touch Of Home" to our troops serving in combat zones. The 4th Infantry, with the assistance of the 25th Infantry Division and 1st Cavalry (Airmobile), were conducting an operation called Paul Revere IV, an ongoing effort to halt enemy activity near the Cambodian border. It was the most memorable year and a half of my life and what I go back to when I am feeling sorry for myself or when those worthless thoughts creep in. This is the story of a group of amazing American women who volunteered to serve during the Vietnam War through the Red Cross as part of a program called Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO), better known by our brave military men as “The Donut Dollies”. Nor did I sell anything. She found herself confused They were Red Cross Donut Dollies. Jeez…I called you Peggy….my goodness. (Service to Military Hospitals.). However, in 2005 in Branson, Missouri at the Operation Homecoming USA, I meet some Dollies. The last time I had seen her was at University of South Carolina, we went to a football game together. The two experts sent we two newbies to welcome incoming troops w coffee etc. Still married after 50 years. Donut Dollies was the affectionate name given to American Red Cross Recreational Workers in Vietnam. They are likely still at the bottom of the Se San River inside their helicopter. Armed with nothing but cookies and home-made entertainment programs, the Donut Dollies risked their lives every day as they tried to fulfill their mission and cheer up the US troops. They were like your sister, your girlfriend – they helped you to make the best of a difficult time in your life. Disambiguation page providing links to topics that could be referred to by the same search term. Rescue helicopters arrived 45 minutes after the crash and rescued four of the nine people onboard the A/C.