I am very pleased to provide you this update on HR 3592 The Vietnam Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act. On March 13, 202, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) President, Jack McManus, testified before the Joint House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee as to his organization's legislative priorities for the 118th Congress for this coming year. He included HR 3592 as one of their top legislative priorities. In their press release VVA stated:

•Pass the Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R. 3592) to recognize the service of the 627 DonutDollies who volunteered with the Red Cross during the Vietnam War to serve in perilous, frontline positions. The full press release can be viewed at:
https://vva.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PressReleaseNo24-1pdf.pdf

If your U.S. Congressional Representative has not yet signed on to CO-SPONSOR HR 3592 please contact them again with this new information (copy the VVA advocacy flyer below), and let them know you are disappointed not to see them listed as a CO-SPONSOR. The following is the list of CO-SPONSORS to date:

Rep. Mikie Sherrill [D-NJ-11] – introduced bill
Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]
Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4]
Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]
Rep. Phillips, Dean [D-MN-3]
Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]
Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]
Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1]
Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]
Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
Rep. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE-At Large]
Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23]
Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15]
Rep. Allred, Colin Z. [D-TX-32]
Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25]
Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [R-WA-5]
Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2]
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Rep. Chavez-DeRemer, Lori [R-OR-5]

   Honor the Donut Dollies by Passing H.R. 3592, the Donut Dollies

The brave women known as the Donut Dollies served a vital role during the Vietnam War. These Red Cross volunteers, officially part of the Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, brought a touch of home and a much-needed boost to morale for thousands of American troops stationed in a dangerous war zone.

                                        Why They Deserve Recognition

Selfless Service. These women volunteered for a year, putting themselves at risk alongside soldiers. They traveled over 2 million miles by jeep, truck, and helicopter, often in active combat zones.
Essential Morale Boost. The Donut Dollies provided critical recreational activities and a connection to home for soldiers facing immense hardship.
Shared the Danger. They endured the harsh realities of war – several were injured and tragically, three died in service.
Long Overdue Recognition. The Donut Dollies' contributions haven't received the recognition they deserve.

                                                A Medal for Their Service

The Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act proposes awarding these exceptional women the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress.
This gold medal would:

Commemorate their service. It would be a lasting symbol of national gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice.
Inspire future generations. Their story would serve as an example of courage and compassion during wartime.
Bring closure to surviving Dollies. This recognition would finally honor their service and sacrifices.

Passing this Act is the right thing to do. Let's honor the Donut Dollies for their unwavering support of our troops during a difficult time in American history.

Your taking time to contact your United States Congressional Representative and requesting that they CO-SPONSOR HR 3592 is very much appreciated.

Terry Harmon
Vietnam Donut Dollie 1970-1971