Hello Neighbor,

As we dyed eggs and munched on homemade pizzas this past week, my mom chatted and chatted about the book club that she recently joined.  Each meeting is hosted at one of the book ladies’ homes in my parents’ rather small neighborhood in Chester Springs.  They share treats complete with recipe cards, wine and dialog about the book they’d been tasked to read.  The most recent book they read and discussed is titled Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea, a historical fiction novel that follows the experiences of two female Red Cross volunteers who drive a donut truck on the front lines of World War II to deliver coffee, donuts and companionship to American troops.

While the book is a work of fiction, little did my mom (nor I) know until her book club meeting, that the story is based in truth.  In all the stories that we hear and learn from the wars of our recent past, there is an untold one that is full of selflessness, bravery and kindness.  Neighbors, let me tell you all about “The Donut Dollies.”

During World War II, female Red Cross volunteers worked in teams of three, driving clubmobiles equipped with a kitchen area that included a stove for heating water for coffee and built-in donut machines.  The women would drive to different operating areas to deliver much needed cheer to the soldiers, serving hot coffee, fresh donuts and smiles.

At the start of the Korean War, these women again answered the call of duty, this time earning the nickname “Donut Dollies.”  In the early stages of the war, they served up to 20,000 donuts a day to the American troops as they disembarked ships in Pusan.

During the Vietnam War, over 600 women responded to the Red Cross’ ads seeking “qualified young women who were willing to serve one year overseas.”  They had to be at least 21 years old, have a college education, have a “girl next door” look and an understanding that “the job requires a capacity for hard work under less-than-ideal conditions.”  After just two weeks of training in Washington, D.C., the women left for Vietnam.  This time, however, the Donut Dollies didn’t serve a single donut.  They did, however, log over 2,000,000 miles by jeep and helicopter, to bring smiles, games and a small glimpse of home to the troops with a touch of lipstick, perfume and their signature pale blue uniform.

I am so glad that my mom’s book club read this book, as I might otherwise have never learned about this group of strong, courageous women dedicated to service.  I think their story is awesome, and I never tire of hearing about the helpers out in the world, making it a better place in both big ways and small.  The Donut Dollies were “sheroes” to be remembered, and I’m happy to have found and shared their story. 

Warm regards,

Kim