Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 627 brave civilian women who served as Donut Dollies for the Red Cross' Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas Program during the Vietnam conflict between 1965 and 1972. The name Donut Dollies was coined during World War II to describe the Red Cross volunteers who passed out hot coffee and donuts from the backs of military vehicles. While the women who volunteered in Vietnam did so much more than hand out donuts and coffee, the name Donuts Dollies was applied to them. The young women of the Donut Dollies were stationed throughout Vietnam, from Saigon up to Quang Tri. They lived in tents and abandoned villas. They endured incoming fire, and they flew over enemy territory just like our military personnel. These brave women quickly became to be known as angels in a combat zone for their bright smiles and powder blue uniforms that lifted the spirits at every base they toured. The Donut Dollies hosted daily recreational events at large bases, such as pool tournaments, fashion shows, and various contests to provide fun and relaxation for off-duty military personnel. They helped serve food in chow lines, and they brought Kool-Aid to the night sentries working in perimeter towers. Others were assigned to the Clubmobile program, which toured more remote bases, often requiring helicopter transport to reach them. They would gather the troops, usually beside a bunker or tank, to play competitive audience participation games.…”