The Vietnam War Red Cross "Donut Dollies" were young, college-degreed women who spent a one-year tour in country as morale boosters for American troops. They ran recreation centers, visited hospitals, and, because of the mobility of the UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, traveled to front-line landing zones and base camps to bring games and smiles to soldiers. Many chose to join the program because of President John F. Kennedy, who encouraged young people to serve the country.
     During the Vietnam War, Red Cross workers provide services to U.S. military personnel and assist Vietnamese refugees (1962-1974) In 1962, the American Red Cross sent its first paid field staff to Vietnam to assist the growing number of servicemen at various bases and hospitals. At the height of its involvement in 1968, 480 field directors, hospital personnel, and recreation assistants served throughout Southeast Asia. Red Cross workers, who provided 1.9 million services to U.S. military personnel, shared the hardships and privations of war with the soldiers. Five Red Cross staff members gave their lives, and many others were injured as they helped servicemen resolve personal problems or get home when emergency leave was granted due to death or serious illness in their immediate family.

Via the Los Angeles Times - Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak dies at 95.

"Retired Marine Lt. Gen. Victor H. "Brute" Krulak, celebrated for his leadership in World War II, Korea and Vietnam and for his authoritative book on the Marines, "First To Fight," died Monday at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. He was 95 and had been in declining health for several years."

"In a career that spanned three decades Krulak displayed bravery during combat and brilliance as a tactician and organizer of troops..."

A parting glass will be raise tonight to a great officer and outstanding leader. A man to be remembered.

I was sitting on a fallen log in a miserable, cold rainy night when trio of older Marines visited our little high spot in a very wet North Carolina. The oldest saw that I had a canteen cup boiling water for coffee. He came over and asked if I could spare a little coffee for him. I replied, "50/50 right down the middle, Gunny!" He smiled and said thanks Marine and sat down on the log and we passed the cup back and forth til it was done. He thanked me again and wished me luck and he and the other two Marines he arrived with got in the jeep and moved on.

My company commander came over an asked what the General and I had been talking about. I said, "General?, Hell I thought he was a Gunnery Sargent!"

The Skipper said, "Nope, that was General "Brute" Krulak the Assistant 2nd Marine Div. Commander.

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the man who didn't need to impress a wet and tired Marine Corporal with the power rank or reputation.

A good man gone!