Published March 10, 2017 by Jim

Meet Red Cross Donut Dollie Penni Evans

In our second edition of the Donut Dollie Detail, Penni Evans explains how the words of John F. Kennedy moved her to join the Red Cross SRAO program.

Please share the Donut Dollie Detail with family, friends and veterans you may know, and make sure to like/follow us on Facebook to learn when the next edition is posted. You can also share your email address with us at list@donutdollies.com for updates on the upcoming release of the Donut Dollies Documentary (we will not share/sell your email and will only use it for Donut Dollie related updates).

Please meet Red Cross Donut Dollie Penni Evans…

What prompted you to join the SRAO (Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas) and want to go to Vietnam?

I heard about the program while at Sonoma State and graduated early to go to Vietnam. The Peace Corps wanted languages and a two year commitment. Lots of anti war protesting in 68-69. I believed in what JFK said about what can I do for my country.

When and where were you stationed in Vietnam? Did you go by a nickname?

I was stationed at Cam Rahn Air Base in March – August ’70, Long Binh (II Field Force) in Aug – Oct ’70, Cu Chi in Oct. – Nov ’70, and Quang Tri in Dec. ’70 – March ’71.

My nickname from Cu Chi on was Chicken Little – in our unit and just a few others. At Cu Chi we sometimes had a pick up game of softball and when I caught the ball – most of the time – I would make the sound that Chicken Man made on the AFVN Radio. And we had lots of Red Alerts there too so the sky was falling!

What was a routine day like in Vietnam?

Nothing routine. At Cam Rahn Air Base (CRAB) either recreation center work or out in the field. At all others club mobile and staying in the office to put together programs. I have little memory of a routine day.

Did you ever have any “close calls” either on base or in any vehicles?

Yes

Were you ever injured while in Vietnam?

I had chronic tail bone inflammation and had two (painful) injections of cortisone in the tail bone – CRAB and Quang Tri. Still an issue to this day.

What was it like to visit the soldiers in the hospitals?

I had a real hard time. I remember one time taking some personal items from the field to an injured troop at II Field Force. Less badly injured were at the rear of the ward so I had to walk thru the ward of severely injured. At Quang Tri we were at 18th Surgical and one medic wanted me to write a letter for an injured troop. He had been going out on Christmas Day and we handed out short timer calendars as they saddled up. Then talking to a couple of troops injured out at an aid station in the DMZ. And walking into 18th Surg to hand out calendars and seeing a familiar face. I had a very hard time and was glad not expected to do that. Earlier on the ladies did a lot of hospital visits.

How was the transition returning home to the United States?

I was fortunate, came back briefly then traveled to Europe and backpacked for 6 months. Helped the transition. But learned early on not to say I had been in Vietnam. Took me until the reunion in ’83 to begin to realize I was not alone. Found a grass roots vet center who accepted me without a DD 214 and helped me.

What would you like people to remember and understand most about the women who served?

We all had our own Vietnam, depending upon when and where we served, what we did.

How do you feel Veterans think of your time having served with them? Have any Veterans expressed their feelings to you directly?

Over the years most reactions have been favorable, only twice was I dissed. But the brothers have given us such support and love, even all these years later. And many sisters have learned about each other and give such love and support, no matter what we did.

What were your fondest or most interesting memories of your time serving in Vietnam?

The Bob Hope Show at Camp Eagle Dec. 22, 1970, Christmas Day 1970, flying safely off of Khe Sanh in the fog and night, playing scratch softball at Cu Chi, going to Sydney for R&R and celebrating my 23rd birthday there, General’s Mess at Cu Chi with General Davidson fixing me my Kaliua mist after dinner

PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE 1 PREVIOUS EDITION OF THE DONUT DOLLIE DETAIL THAT CAN BE SEEN HERE, JUST SCROLL DOWN TO READ EACH (AT THE BOTTOM, YOU’LL SEE A LINK TO GO TO THE NEXT PAGE OF DONUT DOLLIE DETAIL FEATURES)

The Donut Dollie Detail

air base American Legion American Legion Auxiliary AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION An Khe ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY Bien Hoa Binh Thuy Cam Ranh Camp Eagle Camp Enari Chu Lai Cu Chi CUMMINGTON Di An Dian Documentary Dong Ba Thien Dong Tam Donut Dollie Donut Dollie Detail Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY donutdollies.com donutdollys.com HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey Korea Korean War Lai Khe Long Binh memories Nha Trang Phan Rang Phu Bai Phu Loi Pleiku Quang Tri Quy Nhon RED CROSS Schertz SRAO Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas thedonutdollies.com Tuy Hoa veterans Veterans of Foreign Wars Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Vets VFW VFW Auxiliary vietnam Vietnam Vet Vietnam Veteran Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vietnam War VVMF Xuan Loc

Meet Red Cross Donut Dollie Dorset Hoogland Anderson

Published March 3, 2017 by Jim

Meet Red Cross Donut Dollie Dorset Hoogland Anderson

Welcome to the first edition of the Donut Dollie Detail! Here you’ll learn about the service of a Donut Dollie in her own words, detailing her experiences in Vietnam or Korea while serving our military.

Please share the Donut Dollie Detail with family, friends and veterans you may know, and make sure to like/follow us on Facebook to learn when the next edition is posted. You can also share your email address with us at list@donutdollies.com for updates on the upcoming release of the Donut Dollies Documentary (we will not share/sell your email and will only use it for Donut Dollie related updates).

Please meet Red Cross Donut Dollie Dorset Hoogland Anderson…

What prompted you to join the SRAO (Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas) and want to go to Vietnam?

I was vey concerned about this war and the why. I had to understand what I could, and help in any way possible. The Red Cross SRAO program was what I hoped would help and support our Armed Forces in some way.

When and where were you stationed in Vietnam?

I was stationed in Nha Trang, Cu Chi and Tuy Hoa from 1968-69.

What was a routine day like in Vietnam?

Get up and Go! I hoped to do what I could to see a soldier smile and laugh; to be there with them if they wanted to talk or even cry; to be of some comfort; be it out at the Fire Bases, on Base, at a Recreation Center, on a ship… wherever. A routine day meant we were there to support the men.

Did you ever have any “close calls” either on base or in any vehicles?

Well, I remember 2 things that were a bit scary. I remember incoming fire when I was in Cu Chi. We were in the bunker most of the night. We were lucky to have been OK. Another time was when another Donut Dollie and I and 2 helicopter pilots just left a beach area to head to a fire base. Oddly, one of the doors flew off, hit the tail rotor and down we swooped. I never knew how those 2 pilots managed to get us safely back to the beach area. They were our heroes for sure.

Were you ever injured while in Vietnam?

No. I was clumsy once at an ice house. I was helping with ice blocks on rollers going into the ice house; I did not notice a roller was missing. Down I went. The guys could not have been more concerned. I had a few butterfly bandages applied. All was fine. To this day, I have the scar from that day. It always reminds me of the men and their concern.

What was it like to visit the soldiers in the hospitals?

It was a challenge. We wanted to help in any way possible. There were some heart-breaking times. Holding a hand, singing quietly, chatting, exchanging a smile, talking about family. All this was the best we could do.

How was the transition returning home to the United States?

The transition was okay. I was able to visit all my family and put them at ease. People seemed anxious to ask questions. I was very proud to answer. I was glad to be home. I did miss the Military and my work, however.

What would you like people to remember and understand most about the women who served?

We were passionate about our work. We tried so very hard to boost the soldier’s spirits, to see them smile. We cared so much. We tried hard to help. I believe we did. It took a while for me to realize that this program DID work.

How do you feel Veterans think of your time having served with them? Have any Veterans expressed their feelings to you directly?

Yes, indeed! The Veterans I have met and spoken to since then always smile and light up and remember us and give us huge “Thank You’s.” They make me feel happy, content, special. What I often tell these men is that THEY helped us smile and laugh also.

What were your fondest or most interesting memories of your time serving in Vietnam?

This is a hard question because every minute was special. Every minute counted. Oh my… I remember those giant smiles on the faces of the men when we would visit. I loved their wonderful laughter. It also meant a great deal when a soldier knew they could talk with us, ask for our advice, cry if they needed to. It was great fun when the Donut Dollies could be so silly and goofy with the soldiers at times, and even just among themselves. SO many memories.

PLEASE CLICK THE DONUT DOLLIE DETAIL TAB AT THE TOP TO VIEW EACH STORY AND FEEL FREE TO POST A COMMENT FOR THE DONUT DOLLIES

The Donut Dollie Detail

air base American Legion American Legion Auxiliary AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION An Khe ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY Bien Hoa Binh Thuy Cam Ranh Camp Eagle Camp Enari Chu Lai Cu Chi CUMMINGTON Di An Dian Documentary Dong Ba Thien Dong Tam Donut Dollie Donut Dollie Detail Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey Korea Korean War Lai Khe Long Binh memories Nha Trang Phan Rang Phu Bai Phu Loi Pleiku Quang Tri Quy Nhon RED CROSS Schertz SRAO Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas Tuy Hoa veterans Veterans of Foreign Wars Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Vets VFW VFW Auxiliary vietnam Vietnam Vet Vietnam Veteran Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vietnam War VVMF Xuan Loc

Published February 24, 2017 by Jim

Starting March 3rd… the Donut Dollie Detail begins!

Starting Friday, March 3rd, we’ll be spotlighting one Red Cross Donut Dollie each week featuring vintage photos from their time in Vietnam or Korea and answers to the 10-questions listed below. We ask that you check here each Friday to learn more about the Donut Dollies in their own words. Please help spread the story of the Donut Dollies by sharing these posts, especially with any veterans you may know.

Here are the questions the Donut Dollies will answer:

What prompted you to join the SRAO (Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas) and want to go to Vietnam?

When and where were you stationed in Vietnam? Did you go by a nickname?

What was a routine day like in Vietnam?

Did you ever have any “close calls” either on base or in any vehicles?

Were you ever injured while in Vietnam?

What was it like to visit the soldiers in the hospitals?

How was the transition returning home to the United States?

What would you like people to remember and understand most about the women who served?

How do you feel Veterans think of your time having served with them? Have any Veterans expressed their feelings to you directly?

What were your fondest or most interesting memories of your time serving in Vietnam?

Please check back each week to learn a new story directly from a Donut Dollie!

The Donut Dollie Detail

American Legion AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY Cu Chi CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollie Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey memories Nha Trang Pleiku RED CROSS Schertz SRAO Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas Tuy Hoa veterans Vets VFW vietnam Vietnam Vet Vietnam Veteran Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vietnam War VVMF

Published February 8, 2017 by Jim

New York Times – “Combat Nurses and Donut Dollies”

Here’s a recent op ed from the New York Times titled “Combat Nurses and Donut Dollies”. It describes how the women of the Red Cross Donut Dollies, Army Nurse Corps and the Women’s Army Corps played an important role in Vietnam. We hope you’ll share this important piece.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/31/opinion/combat-nurses-and-donut-dollies.html

In The News

American Legion AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY Cu Chi CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollie Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey memories Nha Trang Pleiku RED CROSS Schertz Tuy Hoa veterans Vets VFW vietnam Vietnam Vet Vietnam Veteran Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vietnam War VVMF

Published January 24, 2017 by Jim

Calling all veterans who met Red Cross Donut Dollies while serving in Vietnam or Korea

We’re asking anyone who can film themselves on their smartphone to record short video remembrances of the Donut Dollies and post them to our Facebook page.

Possible questions to answer: When/where did you see Donut Dollies? What’s your fondest memory of the Donut Dollies? What did the Donut Dollies mean to you? Please film yourself in a quiet, well-lit area.

After filming, just transfer the video file to your computer, then post it to www.facebook.com/thedonutdollies in the “write something” section and your memories will be shared with all visitors to the Donut Dollies page. We’re hoping to include some of these in our upcoming Donut Dollies documentary.

If you run into any issues, please contact us at memories@donutdollies.com If you don’t have access to a smartphone, we will welcome your written memories as well.

Thank you and please spread the word about this request!

In The News

American Legion AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY Cu Chi CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollie Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey memories Nha Trang Pleiku RED CROSS Schertz Tuy Hoa veterans Vets VFW vietnam Vietnam Vet Vietnam Veteran Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vietnam War VVMF

Published November 12, 2016 by Jim

Veterans Day 2016

Today we honor the men and women who have served our country – our brave veterans. America’s history is built on the dedication and service of our military personnel who have put themselves in harms way, far from home and loved ones. They all deserve our thoughts, prayers and thanks for their dedication and sacrifice. On behalf of the Donut Dollies Documentary, we wish to extend our gratitude to our Veterans and the Red Cross Donut Dollies who served them.

Donut Dollie Dorset Hoogland Anderson speaking with Air Force Veteran Steve Michener, Vietnam Veteran Stephen Wallace and his wife Barbara at the Salute to Veterans Parade in Riverside, CA

Donut Dollie Dorset Hoogland Anderson proudly showing the Thank You For Your Service medallion presented to her by Vietnam Veteran Stephen Wallace at the Salute to Veterans Parade in Riverside, CA

Donut Dollie Dorset Hoogland Anderson thanking Korean Veteran Danny Macias (left), WWII & Korean Veteran Moses Diaz (center) and Veteran David Diaz Gonzales (right) for their service at the Salute to Veterans Parade in Riverside, CA

Donut Dollie Mary Blanchard Bowe entering Veterans Memorial Plaza in Schertz, TX

Donut Dollie Mary Blanchard Bowe pointing to the brick honoring her husband Robert Bowe at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Schertz, TX

Donut Dollie Mary Blanchard Bowe taking a moment at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Schertz, TX to honor those who serve and have served in the United States Armed Forces

Photos

American Legion AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY Dorset Hoogland Anderson Grateful for our Vets HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey Mary Blanchard Bowe MASSACHUSETTS Memorial Day memories RED CROSS Schertz Texas veterans VFW vietnam Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vietnam War VVMF WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published May 30, 2016 by Jim

Red Cross Donut Dollies remembering our Vietnam Veterans

Red Cross Donut Dollies Aggie, Mary, Dorset, Wanda and Linda remember our Vietnam Veterans

Videos

American Legion AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY Dorset Hoogland Anderson Grateful for our Vets HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey Mary Blanchard Bowe MASSACHUSETTS Memorial Day memories RED CROSS Schertz Texas veterans VFW vietnam Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vietnam War VVMF WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published May 30, 2016 by Jim

Memorial Day 2016

Today we honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Please join us in keeping them in our thoughts always.

Photos

American Legion AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY Dorset Hoogland Anderson Grateful for our Vets HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey Mary Blanchard Bowe MASSACHUSETTS Memorial Day memories RED CROSS Schertz Texas veterans VFW vietnam Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vietnam War VVMF WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published January 17, 2016 by Jim

Hello and Happy New Year from the Donut Dollies Documentary team!

2015 was quite an eventful year for our project and team. Through our Kickstarter campaign we successfully raised the funds necessary to film the return of Donut Dollies Dorset Hoogland Anderson and Mary Blanchard Bowe to Vietnam for the first time in 46 years. The trip was very exciting and emotional, and included many moments of rediscovery. It also brought up countless memories of the soldiers Dorset and Mary were proud to serve.

Since our last update, we’ve been hard at work editing the 100+ hours of footage we shot in Vietnam. We’ve also been shooting additional interviews and continuing to learn more about these courageous women. Over the last year we’ve received hundreds of comments and memories from Donut Dollies, Veterans and our Facebook friends, and thanks to their interest and support, it has underscored the importance of making this film.

We’re proud to announce that our project has received its first award! Based on our Kickstarter video, the My Hero International Film Festival awarded us first place in the “Indy Features in Development” category. Donut Dollies Mary and Dorset were also honored with special “My Hero” awards. This is a very exciting accolade from a terrific organization, and hopefully it’ll be the first of many laurels that will come along after we’ve finished the film.

We’ve got a lot of work left to do before then, but as the new year begins, it’s important to reiterate that we never would have gotten this far without your support and encouragement. It’s also a good time to reaffirm that we’re more committed than ever to finishing the film and helping to share the story of The Donut Dollies.

All the best in 2016, and stay tuned for more updates soon.

With gratitude, The Donut Dollies Documentary Team

P.S. – You can view our award winning video here

2015 My Hero International Film Festival Laurel presented to the Donut Dollies Documentary in the "Indy Features in Development” category — 2015 My Hero International Film Festival Laurel presented to the Donut Dollies Documentary in the “Indy Features in Development” category

Norm Anderson posing with the award made by Senegalese artist Mamadou Tall Diedhiou, which we received from the 2015 My Hero International Film Festival for 1st place in the "Indy Features in Development” category — Norm Anderson posing with the award made by Senegalese artist Mamadou Tall Diedhiou, which we received from the 2015 My Hero International Film Festival for 1st place in the “Indy Features in Development” category

In The News

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA Award Winning Film BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollie Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY Film Festival Winner HAMPSHIRE COUNTY MASSACHUSETTS My Hero International Film Festival RED CROSS SCHERTZ TX SHERTZ Texas veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published May 18, 2015 by Jim

Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary visit the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City

After most of the film crew headed home to the U.S., Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe, along with the film’s director, Norm Anderson, spent a couple days in Ho Chi Min City (Saigon) filming remembrances of their previous 2 weeks in Vietnam. After visiting the 6 different cities/bases where Dorset and Mary had been stationed 46 years ago, and unfortunately not finding many of the physical locations they once knew, they visited the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City to gain a more direct, physical connection to their experiences in Vietnam.

Thanks to the assistance of the crew’s translator, Dorset and Mary were provided special access to the museum’s exhibits while it was closed. This allowed us to film very special and intimate moments of these women experiencing the history on display, which we believe will make for an important part of our documentary. Our Dollies also viewed the numerous pieces of military equipment on display on the grounds of the museum, including a Bell UH-1 Huey Helicopter, a Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter, a Northrop F-5 Fighter Jet, a D.7E Bulldozer, and several tanks.

Below you’ll find 11 photos in total – All photos credited to the Donut Dollies Documentary Team