Published January 24, 2017 by

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

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 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 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 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 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 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
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

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

Memorial Day 2016

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

!Dorset in the rain at wall profile crop

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 May 18, 2015 by

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

Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe standing in front of a Bell UH-1 Huey Helicopter at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe standing in front of a Bell UH-1 Huey Helicopter at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe standing next to a Northrop F-5 Fighter Jet at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
Red Cross Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe standing next to a Northrop F-5 Fighter Jet at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Cross Donut Dollies Mary (Blanchard) Bowe standing in front of a Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
Red Cross Donut Dollies Mary (Blanchard) Bowe standing in front of a Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
A Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
A Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
A Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
A Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A tank on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
A tank on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A tank on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
A tank on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A tank on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
A tank on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A D.7E Bulldozer on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
A D.7E Bulldozer on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA Bell UH-1 Huey Helicopter BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter Chinook CUMMINGTON D.7E Bulldozer Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY F-5 HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER HO CHI MIN CITY Huey jet MASSACHUSETTS military equipment Northrop F-5 Fighter Jet RED CROSS Saigon SCHERTZ TX SHERTZ tank tanks Texas veterans vietnam Vietnam War War Remnants Museum WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published March 8, 2015 by

The Donut Dollies receive a warm welcome in Tuy Hòa, Vietnam

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.

Tuy Hoa welcome at Bob's

Photos

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY Dorset Hoogland Anderson HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey Mary Blanchard Bowe MASSACHUSETTS memories RED CROSS Schertz Texas Tuy Hoa veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published March 7, 2015 by

The Donut Dollies visit Nha Trang

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…

Mary & Dorset in Nha Trang with a friendly local lady

Photos

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY Dorset Hoogland Anderson HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey Mary Blanchard Bowe MASSACHUSETTS memories Nha Trang RED CROSS Schertz Texas veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published March 4, 2015 by

The Donut Dollies journey to Vietnam has begun

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.

Mary & Dorset in Nha Trang - P1010621 - edited version

Mary meets the local wildlife in Dong Ba Thin - P1010559 - edited version

Norm & Dorset with birthday cake in Vietnam - edited version

Photos

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Dong Ba Thin Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY Dorset Hoogland Anderson HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey Mary Blanchard Bowe MASSACHUSETTS memories Nha Trang RED CROSS Schertz Texas veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published February 26, 2015 by

Can you help us identify the soldier in this picture?

We’re sharing this photo, because it clearly captures a special moment for everyone in the photo. It was taken somewhere in or around Cu Chi in 1968 – 1969, with Donut Dollies Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Julie (Pence) Van Matre, and the soldier appears to have the name patch of “Cole”. What’s interesting about this photo, is that on the left side of the background appears to be a damaged bridge with a group of soldiers looking on from the other side at this Donut Dollie photo-op.

Donut Dollies Doc photo #3 - Dorset Anderson & Judy Pence with unknown soldier

Photos

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY Cu Chi CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY Dorset Hoogland Anderson HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey Julie Pence Van Matre MASSACHUSETTS memories RED CROSS Texas veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Published February 26, 2015 by

The Donut Dollies Documentary begins filming in Vietnam

Later today, Norm Anderson, the director of the Donut Dollies Documentary will arrive in Saigon/Ho Chi Min City with two Red Cross Donut Dollies, Dorset (Hoogland) Anderson and Mary (Blanchard) Bowe to begin filming their return to Vietnam for the first time in over 46 years. Along with a film crew including Jess Hill (Producer), Joe Cicio (Cameraman) and Angeline Herron (Camerawoman), they will be filming in Cam Ranh, Cu Chi, Nha Trang, Pleiku, Qui Nhon and Tuy Hoa. The mission of this trip is to document the memories of two of the 627 college graduates who volunteered through the American Red Cross to serve our brave soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Videos

AMERICAN RED CROSS OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION ARCOA BERKSHIRE BERKSHIRE COUNTY CUMMINGTON Documentary Donut Dollies DONUT DOLLY Dorset Hoogland Anderson HAMPSHIRE COUNTY HELICOPTER Huey Mary Blanchard Bowe MASSACHUSETTS memories RED CROSS Schertz Texas veterans vietnam Vietnam War WESTERN MA WESTERN MASS WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS