On April 30, 2025 — the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War — a powerful new documentary will premiere on YouTube to honor a group of women whose service and sacrifice have too often been overlooked. “The Donut Dollies: 627 Women Who Also Served in Vietnam,” directed and produced by Libbie Hegvik, tells the extraordinary story of the Red Cross Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) volunteers — affectionately known by the troops simply as the “Donut Dollies.”

The film will be available for free viewing on The Donut Dollies YouTube channel beginning Wednesday, April 30. It promises to shed long-overdue light on the 627 American women who traveled to Vietnam to support morale among U.S. service members, often putting themselves in grave danger to do so.

For Libbie Hegvik, the story of the Donut Dollies is more than a historical project — it is a personal mission. Her parents both served in the Vietnam War. Her mother was a Donut Dolly and her father served in the Army as a warrant officer and helicopter pilot. Their service stories instilled in her a deep respect for the Vietnam generation and a drive to ensure that all who served are properly recognized.

Her work creating the documentary was strengthened through connections with the Veterans Breakfast Club and its network of veterans. Interviews and conversations with Donut Dollies and Vietnam veterans helped round out the documentary with authentic voices and firsthand experiences.

The documentary’s release was originally planned for March 2025 during Women’s History Month and Vietnam Veterans Day. However, when Hegvik, with the help of Joe Griffies, succeeded in getting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to honor the Donut Dollies at the final commemoration ceremony on March 29, she knew she had to include that moment in the film. Capturing that long-overdue recognition made the final version even more powerful.

Choosing April 30 as the release date was deliberate: it marks 50 years to the day since the Fall of Saigon and the official end of the Vietnam War. Hegvik hopes the documentary will finally give these women the national attention they deserve.

Private early screenings of the film for those featured have generated overwhelming praise. The responses from Donut Dollies and Vietnam veterans alike highlight the emotional power and historical importance of Hegvik’s work. Here are some of the full reviews:

“What a wonderful film. You have captured the essence of our role in Vietnam so perfectly and succinctly that all those who watch this film will begin to realize what a difference a smile, a silly game, a welcoming happy hootch, a reminder that someone cared enough to experience the difficulties of war alongside the grunts in the field. Thank you for your efforts and dedication to the Donut Dollies to tell our story.”

Sue Greiling – Donut Dollie

“We strive for perfection, but rarely achieve it. This is a gift of perfection for the 627 Vietnam Vets and for this country! The only one that can do IT…is the one who was born to do IT! Bravo! Thank You. God Bless You.”

Bob Reilly – Vietnam Veteran

“Thank you for the artful care in following the story chronologically; for making connections with and without words; for incorporating words from the men; for revealing our truth. I feel deeply honored; I know my sisters do, too. On behalf of all the Donut Dollies, thank you with all our heart.”

Sue Smith – Donut Dollie

“It’s just amazing. I think you really captured the essence of what we did, and no one else has ever accomplished this. I see why you are getting rave reviews from those who would potentially be your harshest critics.”

Tarry Harmon – Donut Dollie

“WOW, you and your staff did EXCELLENT research capturing the life and the impact of Our Special Ladies. Whom did so much without their TRUE RECOGNITION and GRATITUDE to those hundreds of thousands of Soldiers to whom they gave their Smiles, Hearts, and Souls.”

Rick Weber – Vietnam Veteran

“The Donut Dollies: 627 Women Who Also Served in Vietnam” shines a bright, long-overdue spotlight on the courage, compassion, and service of these remarkable women. As the nation reflects on the legacy of the Vietnam War 50 years later, this documentary reminds us that service comes in many forms — and that every act of kindness on the battlefield matters.