# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DHWE_OhOJxd
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72588845-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/11e6700a09.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-03-18T15:01:22.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

Paige Dempsey Rockett always knew wanted to lead a life of helping others since she was 11 years old, but it was during college when she discovered her calling.

Dreams of one day working in Africa as a medical missionary turned into becoming a beacon of hope and healing for U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. Paige learned how she could serve others from a Red Cross recruiter on campus and knew it would be her next adventure.

"I was there to serve our troops," Paige said. “Those young rascals — those lonely GIs, far, far from home — stole my heart and never gave it back."

Paige enrolled in the Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program as what was affectionately known as a Donut Dolly. In that role, she was a listening ear for troops and organized recreational activities for them like trivia and competitions.

But it wasn't just fun and games for the Dollies. Paige learned military protocol, practiced carrying equipment in and out of helicopters, and slept in bunkers during aerial attacks.

"We lived in somewhat primitive quarters, mostly wore uniforms, traveled by jeep and helicopter, and worked six days a week," Paige said.

After serving in Vietnam, Paige carried her experience serving the Red Cross through every step of her career.

Her many accolades included teaching, writing her own newspaper columns with the United Service Organizations in Thailand, and holding various positions with the Department of the Army in Germany and the U.S. Forest Service.

"I have never planned a thing in my life, and here I am," Paige said.

We salute the unwavering commitment of every courageous Donut Dolly like Paige who brought compassion and comfort to the front lines. 

#WomensHistoryMonth #RedCrossHistory #VietnamWar #Archives #DonutDollies

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## Tags

redcrosshistory, donutdollies, archives, womenshistorymonth, vietnamwar

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