Donut Dollies

A really great mission for the slicks was flying Donut Dollies to various fire support bases for them to entertain troops. These women were special. They worked through the Red Cross. They were in the war zone and at risk of their lives. They were amazing. This was the highlight of life on an FSB. They would perform hilarious skits, talk individually to the kids, (average age in Vietnam was 19), pass out treats, and provide a sense of being back home for these kids. These ladies loved to fly. They loved it when the pilot would do some wild maneuvers; climb fast, dive toward the ground, or lay the helicopter on its side when making a very sharp turn. They would always scream with delight and ask for more.

They thought the pilots were great as someone told them that flying was dangerous. That pumped up the old ego.