Donut Dolly, An American Red Cross Girl’s War in Vietnam

Vietnam “Donut Dolly” Talks About Her Experience at Rochester Hills Public Library

The Rochester Hills Public Library is proud to present “Donut Dolly: An American Red Cross Girl’s War in Vietnam,” May 31 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Author, Joann Puffer Kotcher, was one of the first women allowed in a combat zone. She will discuss the her time on the Vietnam battle front as an American Red Cross Donut Dolly. Upon her return from war, she was awarded the Civilian Service Citation for merit and bravery.

Donut Dolly: An American Red Cross Girl’s War in Vietnam

“Apart from the work we did setting up recreation center and supplying books to soldiers, we also served as a reminder of home to the soldiers on the field,” said Kotcher. “It was a highly dangerous mission, and the other Donut Dollies assigned to combat and combat support duty would often find themselves in fox holes nose to nose with the enemy.”

The audience will hear first-hand stories from the year that Kotcher spent in Vietnam during the height of the war. Kotcher will discuss the realities of being a woman in a combat zone and her experiences with the soldiers and other Donut Dollies.

“The library is thrilled to offer unique and educational experiences like “Donut Dolly” to our patrons. It’s important to us to provide interesting learning opportunities to the community,” says Rochester Hills Public Library Director Christine Lind Hage.

“Joann’s stories are amazing,” says Michael Dwyer, Managing Editor for the Community Edge, “I’ve had the pleasure to hear Joann talk about her experiences, while working on her book over the past few years … people need to hear about these young women and their service for our troops.”

The program is May 31 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room and is open to everyone with an RHPL library card. Please register in advance at rhpl.org.