During the Vietnam conflict, 627 women served as part of the Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, also known as the “Donut Dollies”. The Donut Dollies volunteered to be sent to the frontlines to support service members directly engaged with the enemy during the Vietnam conflict.   In a letter from the American Legion to all Donut Dollies following the war, it was said “it is impossible for you to understand the impact of your presence on the men who had to face the enemy, not knowing whether their last moment on earth was at hand…you made us feel less lonely, less abandoned, less cut off from all we hold dear. You are part, not simply of a platoon, a company, a battalion, a regiment but of an Army who came to our relief when the going was tough. You made life easier for us, took us back home while you were with us and earned our undying gratitude.”

The Donut Dollies shared with military personnel the hardship and privation of life in a war zone and were subject to the dangers of war.  Three of these women, Hanna E. Crews, Virginia E. Kirsch, and Lucinda J. Richter, died in country while serving.

Armed only with smiles and hand-made games, the Donut Dollies risked their lives every day to achieve their mission of cheering up and bringing a sense of home to the U.S. troops. Based on Red Cross estimates, around 280,500 servicemen took part in recreational programs brought to the frontlines by the Donut Dollies.  They traveled 27,000 miles by jeep, truck, airplane, and helicopter every month. Red Cross officials estimate that, during the seven years the program was in operation, the women logged over 2,125,000 miles.  They operated 28 SRAO unit locations throughout the country including Bien Hoa, Danang, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh Air Force and Army bases, Dian, Quang Tri, Phu Bai, Pleiku, Lai Khe, Dong Tam, Qui Nhon, and Xuan Loc.

General William Westmoreland, then commander of the U.S. forces in Southeast Asia expressed high praise for the Red Cross volunteers, calling the services of the organization “indispensable” and “prime factors” in their efforts to maintain the high morale of their men and to look after their welfare. 

On March 19, 2025, U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill of NJ re-introduced this legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 627 Donut Dollies who served honorably during the Vietnam conflict. 

https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/sherrill-reintroduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-honor-the-donut-dollies-service-in-vietnam

The extraordinary efforts of these volunteers throughout the extent of America’s involvement in the Vietnam conflict is deserving of official recognition.

Please sign this petition to show your support.

Additionally, we would like to ask you to contact your local Representative using the phone or written message guides provided below.

FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE’S CONTACT INFO: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative (You’ll have to click through a few pages to get to the phone/email contact pages of your Representative. Thanks in advance for your efforts!)

VIA PHONE: Hello, I am a constituent from [NAME OF YOUR TOWN] and I would like Representative [REPRESENTATIVE’S LAST NAME] to co-sponsor HR 2081-the Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act. The Donut Dollies supported our troops and served our country bravely during the Vietnam Conflict and deserve the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of their service to our nation. Thank you!

VIA EMAIL:

Dear Representative [REPRESENTATIVE’S LAST NAME];

I am a constituent from [NAME OF YOUR TOWN] and I would like you to co-sponsor HR 2081-the Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act.

During the Vietnam conflict, 627 women served as part of the Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, also known as the “Donut Dollies”. The Donut Dollies volunteered to be sent to the frontlines to support service members directly engaged with the enemy during the Vietnam conflict.   These volunteers were imperative to maintaining positive morale among the troops. The Donut Dollies volunteered in advanced areas and altogether traveled millions of miles across Vietnam in order to fulfill their duties. During the program in Vietnam, three Donut Dollies lost their lives while serving.

The Donut Dollies supported our troops and served our country bravely during the Vietnam Conflict and deserve the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of their service to our nation.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[YOUR FULL NAME]