Pasadena Senior Center Honors 'Donut Dollies' of Vietnam War

Sandi Rhoten to share firsthand account of American Red Cross volunteers who boosted morale in combat zones

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:37am

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The Pasadena Senior Center will host a presentation on Tuesday, March 17 that shines a light on the stories of the 'Donut Dollies' - the 657 American women who volunteered with the American Red Cross Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) in Vietnam between 1965 and 1972. Sandi Rhoten, who served as a Donut Dolly in 1969, will share her personal experiences and the vital role these women played in providing comfort and boosting morale for combat troops in the war zone.

Why it matters

The stories of the women who served in Vietnam often remain overlooked, despite their crucial contributions. This event offers a rare opportunity to hear a firsthand account and understand the human element of the war from a perspective that is both intimate and historically significant.

The details

As Donut Dollies, these women were tasked with bringing a sense of home and normalcy to combat and combat support enlisted men in the 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.

  • Sandi Rhoten served with the American Red Cross SRAO in Vietnam in November 1969.
  • The presentation will take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The players

Sandi Rhoten

A former Donut Dolly who served with the American Red Cross Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) in Vietnam in November 1969.

Pasadena Senior Center

An organization dedicated to improving the lives of older adults through social interaction, recreation, and support services since 1960.

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What’s next

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.

The takeaway

This presentation at the Pasadena Senior Center sheds light on the vital, yet often overlooked, role the 'Donut Dollies' played in boosting morale and providing comfort to combat troops during the Vietnam War, underscoring the enduring spirit of service and resilience of these unsung heroines.