[photo credit: Pasadena Senior Center]
Rhoten, who served with the American Red Cross Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) in November 1969, will share her unique perspective. These courageous women, affectionately known as “Donut Dollies,” were tasked by the military with the seemingly impossible: to bring a semblance of home and normalcy to combat and combat support enlisted men in a war zone. They operated recreation centers and traveled to basecamps and firebases, often in the thick of the conflict, forging bonds and witnessing the harsh realities of war alongside the GIs they served.
The program delves into the vital, yet often overlooked, role these women played in boosting morale and providing comfort during a tumultuous period. Rhoten’s firsthand testimony will underscore the profound impact of their presence, highlighting the friendships formed and the sacrifices made. The event offers a rare opportunity to understand the human element of the Vietnam War from a perspective that is both intimate and historically crucial, revealing how these volunteers navigated a guerilla war, bringing a touch of the familiar to an unfamiliar and dangerous landscape.
The Pasadena Senior Center, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of older adults through social interaction, recreation, and support services since 1960, continues its tradition of enriching the community with this insightful presentation. The Masters Series consistently brings diverse and engaging topics to Pasadena, and Rhoten’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of service and resilience.
American Women in the Vietnam War: One Story will run on Tuesday, March 17 at 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pasadena Senior Center, 85 East Holly Street, Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 685-6702 or visit https://www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org/activities-events/special-events/2280-masters-series-lifelong-learning-american-women-in-the-vietnam-war-one-story?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email. Tickets: $15.00/Members, $18.00/Nonmembers, Complimentary for all veterans. Registration suggested, tickets will be available at the door.
