Published May 6, 2015 by

Donut Dollies visit Tuy Hoa – Bumper Cars, Brownies and Friendship

One evening while in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam, Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary enjoyed some time with the local children at the oceanside bumper car park.  The third photo shows Dorset and Mary, in their vintage Donut Dollies uniforms, at Bob’s Cafe American in Tuy Hoa with a plate of fresh made brownies thanks to the Cafe’s owner and Vietnam Veteran, Bob Johnston.  The last photo captures a moment of a Donut Dollie friendship that has spanned the decades.

Donut Dollie Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson behind the wheel of a bumper car, and being helped by the local children, at the oceanside bumper car park in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam
Donut Dollie Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson behind the wheel of a bumper car, and being helped by the local children, at the oceanside bumper car park in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donut Dollie Mary (Blanchard) Bowe behind the wheel of a bumper car, and being helped by the local children, at the oceanside bumper car park in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam
Donut Dollie Mary (Blanchard) Bowe behind the wheel of a bumper car, and being helped by the local children, at the oceanside bumper car park in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's Dorset and Mary, in their vintage Donut Dollies uniforms, at Bob’s Cafe American in Tuy Hoa with a plate of fresh made brownies thanks to the Cafe’s owner and Vietnam Veteran, Bob Johnston
Here’s Dorset and Mary, in their vintage Donut Dollies uniforms, at Bob’s Cafe American in Tuy Hoa with a plate of fresh made brownies thanks to the Cafe’s owner and Vietnam Veteran, Bob Johnston

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This image captures a moment of a Donut Dollie friendship that has spanned the decades
This image captures a moment of a Donut Dollie friendship that has spanned the decades

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos 1 & 2 credited to Angeline Herron, photos 3 & 4 credited to the Donut Dollies Documentary Team

 

 

 

 

Photos

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY Bob’s Cafe American brownies bumper cars CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY friends friends forever HAMPSHIRE COUNTY MASSACHUSETTS RED CROSS SCHERTZ TX SHERTZ Texas Tuy Hoa veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published May 4, 2015 by

Red Cross Donut Dollie Dorset Anderson explores Tuy Hoa, Vietnam

Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary had a couple days in Tuy Hoa, so they took the opportunity to take in the sights and attempt to locate the places they once knew.  The first photo is of Cham Tower, and the second is a close-up of an abandoned anti-aircraft bunker.  The third photo shows Dorset walking near the perimeter wall and in sight of the Vietnam War era quonset hut aircraft hangars of what was the Tuy Hoa Air Base, which was home of the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing from 1966-70.  In the fourth photo, Dorset is shown on her quest to find some remnants of the Tuy Hoa Air Base, but unfortunately she discovered that nearly everything had been torn down over the last 46 years.

Cham Tower in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam
Cham Tower in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Close-up of anti-aircraft bunker in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam
Close-up of anti-aircraft bunker in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donut Dollie Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson walking near the perimeter wall and in sight of the Vietnam War era quonset hut aircraft hangars of what was the Tuy Hoa Air Base, which was home of the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing from 1966-70
Donut Dollie Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson walking near the perimeter wall and in sight of the Vietnam War era quonset hut aircraft hangars of what was the Tuy Hoa Air Base, which was home of the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing from 1966-70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donut Dollie Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson is shown on her quest to find some remnants of the Tuy Hoa Air Base, but unfortunately she discovered that nearly everything had been torn down over the last 46 years
Donut Dollie Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson is shown on her quest to find some remnants of the Tuy Hoa Air Base, but unfortunately she discovered that nearly everything had been torn down over the last 46 years

Photos

31st Tactical Fighter Wing AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE COUNTY MASSACHUSETTS RED CROSS SCHERTZ TX SHERTZ Texas Tuy Hoa Tuy Hoa Air Base veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published April 25, 2015 by

Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary visit Tuy Hoa and Bob’s Cafe American

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.

Welcome to Tuy Hoa City billboard
Welcome to Tuy Hoa City billboard in Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome Back to Tuy Hoa Donut Dollies sign at Bob's Cafe American in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam
Welcome Back to Tuy Hoa Donut Dollies sign at Bob’s Cafe American in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary with Vietnam Veteran and owner of Bob's Cafe American, Bob Johnston in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam
Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary with Vietnam Veteran and owner of Bob’s Cafe American, Bob Johnston in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam

Photos

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY Bob’s Cafe American CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE COUNTY MASSACHUSETTS RED CROSS SCHERTZ TX SHERTZ Texas Tuy Hoa veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published April 19, 2015 by

Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary visit the Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang

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.

RED CROSS DONUT DOLLIES DORSET AND MARY TAKE A MOMENT AT AN INCENSE URN AT THE LONG SON PAGODA IN NHA TRANG

DRAGON STAIRCASE AT THE LONG SON PAGODA IN NHA TRANG

GOLDEN STATUE AT THE LONG SON PAGODA IN NHA TRANG
Dorset 0304 - Buddah statue - HPIM7023
THE WHITE BUDDHA STATUE AT THE LONG SON PAGODA IN NHA TRANG

 

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AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE COUNTY Long Son Pagoda MASSACHUSETTS Nha Trang RED CROSS SCHERTZ TX SHERTZ Texas veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS White Buddha Statue

Published April 17, 2015 by

Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary visit 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)

Welcome to Nha Trang
Welcome to Nha Trang
The beach at Nha Trang
The beach at Nha Trang
The Tram Huong Tower, who's architecture mimics the lotus flower
The Tram Huong Tower, who’s architecture mimics the lotus flower

 

Photos

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE COUNTY MASSACHUSETTS Nha Trang RED CROSS SCHERTZ TX SHERTZ Texas veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published April 15, 2015 by

Donut Dollies Dorset & Mary visit the Cu Chi Tunnels War Memorial Park

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.

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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

_DD29568_Mary coming out of Cu Chi Tunnels

Red Cross Donut Dollie Mary (Blanchard) Bowe exiting a portion of the Cu Chi Tunnels during a tour of the site

 

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25th Infantry Division AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY Cu Chi Cu Chi Tunnels Cu Chi Tunnels Memorial Park CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HO CHI MIN CITY MASSACHUSETTS RED CROSS SCHERTZ TX SHERTZ Texas Tropic Lightning veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published April 14, 2015 by

Donut Dollies Dorset and Mary take a Pedi-cab ride through Ho Chi Min City

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)

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Photos

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HO CHI MIN CITY MASSACHUSETTS RED CROSS SCHERTZ TX SHERTZ Texas veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published April 13, 2015 by

Donut Dollies Dorset & Mary do their first interview in Vietnam

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)

Donut Dollie Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson being interviewed at the Continental Hotel Saigon - Photo credit - Angeline Herron
Donut Dollie Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson being interviewed at the Continental Hotel Saigon – Photo credit – Angeline Herron
Donut Dollie Mary (Blanchard) Bowe being interviewed at the Continental Hotel Saigon - Photo credit - Angeline Herron
Donut Dollie Mary (Blanchard) Bowe being interviewed at the Continental Hotel Saigon – Photo credit – Angeline Herron
Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe doing a joint interview at the Continental Hotel Saigon - Photo credit - Angeline Herron
Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe doing a joint interview at the Continental Hotel Saigon – Photo credit – Angeline Herron

Photos

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY Continental Hotel Saigon CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HO CHI MIN CITY MASSACHUSETTS RED CROSS SCHERTZ TX SHERTZ Texas veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published April 10, 2015 by

Photos of Donut Dollies Dorset & Mary arriving in Ho Chi Min City

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)

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Photos

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HO CHI MIN CITY MASSACHUSETTS RED CROSS SCHERTZ TX SHERTZ Texas veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published April 5, 2015 by

‘Donut Dollie’ Dorset Anderson returns to Vietnam — this time with filmmaker son

In The News

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY HAMPSHIRE HAMPSHIRE COUNTY LABOR OF LOVE MASSACHUSETTS MASSLIVE RED CROSS SPRINGFIELD REPUBLICAN veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS