By Faye VanRavenswaay
The Schoolcraft Community Library is welcoming author Joann Puffer Kotcher to talk about her book “Donut Dolly: an American Red Cross girl’s war in Vietnam,” on Thursday, October 4 at 2 p.m.
During WWII, female Red Cross volunteers were sent out to serve soldiers coffee, donuts and play Victrola records; they were called Donut Dollies. In Korea and Vietnam, this role morphed into providing songs, games and conversation as well as spending time with the wounded in hospitals. Kotcher recounts the dangers of serving soldiers as a Red Cross Donut Dolly in the jungles of Vietnam. This includes multiple brushes with death as she found herself within foxholes and combat zones.
Kotcher was later awarded the Civilian Service Citation for merit and bravery for her service. Kotcher will join the Prairie Page turners for their book club meeting at the library to share her extraordinary experience at the library. This special author talk is open to the public.