The next stop on Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary’s first trip to Vietnam in 46 years was Tuy Hoa. Thanks to the hospitality of expat Vietnam Veteran (’65 – ’68), Bob Johnston, the owner of Bob’s Cafe American, the Dollies and the film crew spent a couple days in Tuy Hoa. The first photo shows the Welcome to Tuy Hua billboard, followed by the Welcome Donut Dollies sign at Bob’s Cafe American, and Dorset and Mary with Bob.
While in Nha Trang, Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary not only visited the beach, but also the beautiful and peaceful Long Son Pagoda, a Buddhist temple. Below are some photos from their visit, the most impressive being of the White Buddha statue, which stands 77’ tall and completed in 1964.
DRAGON STAIRCASE AT THE LONG SON PAGODA IN NHA TRANG
Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe visited Nha Trang next, which was where Dorset was stationed first after arriving in Vietnam, and where Mary was stationed before leaving after her year of service to our brave military men (1968 – 69). Here’s a few of the sights they saw during their first trip back to Nha Trang in 46 years. (all photo credits – The Donut Dollies Documentary Team)
Before Leaving Ho Chi Min City, Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe visited the Cu Chi Tunnels War Memorial Park. As Cu Chi was Dorset’s second base posting with the 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightning), this was an important, but somber stop during Dorset and Mary’s first trip back to Vietnam in 46 years.
Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe, the Memorial Park Guide and Suong, our translator/fixer discussing the history of the Cu Chi Tunnels
Red Cross Donut Dollie Mary (Blanchard) Bowe exiting a portion of the Cu Chi Tunnels during a tour of the site
After filming interviews at the Continental Hotel Saigon, Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary wanted to see the sights, and decided on a Pedi-cab ride. The first photo shows Dorset and Mary in the first Pedi-cab, Director Norm Anderson and translator/fixer Suong in the second, and Producer Jess Hill driving a scooter with Cameraman Joe Cicio on back. Later that evening our Photographer captured two beautiful street scene shots, the first of a building’s awning, and the second of a Virgin Mary statue. (All photo credits – Angeline Herron)
After arriving in Ho Chi Min City, Dorset and Mary sat down for their first interviews in Vietnam at the Continental Hotel Saigon to discuss their experiences of serving as Red Cross Donut Dollies over 46 years ago. This began 2 weeks of extensive travel and filming in the cities where they had been stationed. Stay tuned for more photos from our documentary trip. (all photos taken 02/28/15)
In mid-March we returned from our 2-week filming trip to Vietnam, and following this once-in-a-lifetime journey we took a break to recharge our batteries. We’ve started to review the many hours of film footage and numerous still photos, which documented Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe on their first trip back to Vietnam in 46 years. Big thanks go out to Angeline Herron for taking these 3 photos. We hope you’ll follow our postings to see the story of this special trip unfold.
Photo 1 – Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary’s plane arriving at the Ho Chi Min City Airport
Photo 2 – Dorset and Mary pushing their luggage cart through the airport lobby
Photo 3 – Dorset and Mary waiting for their van with our documentary’s producer, Jess Hill. As soon as they arrived in the Ho Chi Min City airport, they were both given wireless microphone and filming began. (all photos taken 02/26/15)
Mary and Dorset (in their vintage uniforms) were warmly welcomed at Bob’s Café American in Tuy Hòa, Vietnam. They were both very moved by this gesture, and enjoyed some terrific BBQ!
We are a little over a week into our trip to Vietnam with the Donut Dollies and things are going very well. We’ve met some wonderful people – both Vietnamese and ex-pats – who have been very welcoming and helpful on our quest. We’ll be sharing more photos in the days to come.
While in Nha Trang, Mary and Dorset spoke with a friendly local women in their attempt to locate the villa where the Donut Dollies lived. As this trip is about locating history, they found that sometimes what you’re searching for isn’t on a map, but locked deep within memories. Our journey of discovery continues…
With the first couple days of filming completed, here’s a first look at Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe on their first trip to Vietnam in 46 years. The first photo shows these longtime friends in Nha Trang and the second shows Mary meeting the local wildlife in Dong Ba Thin. The last photo shows Norm on his birthday as he receives his birthday cake from his mother (these mother and son smiles are priceless). In case you were wondering, happy birthday translates to chúc mừng sinh nhật in Vietnamese. Please check back to see more photos as this once-on-a-lifetime trip continues through Cam Ranh, Cu Chi, Nha Trang, Pleiku, Qui Nhon and Tuy Hoa.
