ARCOA News

Last Living Red Cross Donut Dollie in Utah Honored

Dorris Heaston — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 01:13:08 GMT

Donut Dollie | Press Release | American Red Cross

SALT LAKE CITY (March 15, 2024) – The American Red Cross of Utah is honored to support Diane Thornal, a retired Red Cross ‘Donut Dollie’ who deployed to Vietnam in 1969. She will be honored tonight at an event hosted by the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs at the Utah State Capitol. Media are welcome to attend.

Tonight’s event is entitled “Sisters in Service,” in celebration of Women's History Month. The evening will be dedicated to honoring the bravery, achievements, and examples of Utah’s women veterans.

Kate Forbes (ARCOA Member) elected President IFRC

Dorris Heaston — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 23:30:52 GMT

Geneva, 11 December 2023: American humanitarian and businesswoman, Kate Forbes, was elected the new President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today.

Kate Forbes's election as President of the IFRC is a historic moment, marking her as only the second woman to hold this position. This milestone underscores the IFRC's continued commitment to diversity and gender equality in its leadership.

Upon her election, Forbes said, “Communities around the world are witnessing the impacts of climate change, geopolitical tensions and health emergencies. We know the challenges of our

modern world demand addressing multiple issues at once. Now is the time to lean into our fundamental principles to deliver on our mission and make communities stronger.”

Forbes's presidency marks a pivotal shift towards addressing the complexities of the modern world. A key area of focus under her leadership will be tackling the urgent issues of climate change and migration. Local solutions and community empowerment are at the forefront of her agenda. She understands the critical role local actors play in humanitarian aid and is dedicated to working closely with local leaders to address their most pressing needs.

Additional priorities include youth engagement and financial sustainability. She aims to leverage the potential of young volunteers, acknowledging their crucial role in the organization. Strengthening relationships with governments and donors is a cornerstone of her vision for the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

The role of IFRC President is a volunteer position, one that Forbes is well-prepared for, given

her extensive background. She comes with over four decades of experience with the IFRC network, beginning her journey as a local volunteer at the Phoenix chapter of the American Red Cross. These roles include Vice-Chairman of the American Red Cross Board of Directors and National Chairperson of Volunteers, where she managed over one million volunteers.

An auditor by training, Forbes has been a member of the IFRC Board for the past 17 years. She most recently served as Chairperson of the IFRC Audit and Risk Commission. In this role, she increased transparency, implemented stronger financial controls and established safeguarding policies across the organization. Kate Forbes's election as President is a significant step forward for the IFRC, signaling a new leadership ready to focus on integrity and accountability.

Angels of Mercy musical video

Dorris Heaston — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 04:55:18 GMT

NC Women's Voices Choir - listen to this beautiful tribute to the Red Cross celebrating 140 years of service. Music by Irving Berlin and photo tribute prepared by ARCOA's own Jackie Walters who is also a choir member. Thank You, Jackie, Choir members and Irving Berlin!

Some Books About Red Cross Overseas Service

Dorris Heaston — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 15:58:10 GMT

The SRAO Story by Sue Behrens; a history of the SRAO (Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas) Program 1953-1973 The SRAO Story.pdf

Pearls before Poppies: The Story of the Red Cross Pearls by Rachel Trethewey

In the Service of the Red Cross: Walt Disney's Early Adventures: 1918-1919 Paperback – June 24, 2015 by David Lesjak (Author), Bob McLain (Editor), Paula Sigman Lowery (Foreword)

Two Colored Women in World War I France (New Intro, Annotated) Paperback – November 22, 2016 by Addie W. Hunton (Author), Kathryn M. Johnson (Author)

Edith's War: Writings of a Red Cross Worker and Lifelong Champion of Social Justice (Williams-Ford Texas A&M University Military History Series) 1st Edition

by Peter A. Witt (Author), Kara Dixon Vuic (Foreword)

One Woman's World War II Hardcover – April 21, 1994

by Violet A. Kochendoerfer (Author)

A Nurse's Story: Medical Missionary in Korea and Siberia, 1915-1920 Paperback – March 30, 2018 by Delia Battles Lewis (Author), Alison M. Lewis (Editor), John C. Parrish (Editor)

Memoirs of a Red Cross Doctor: Better to Light a Candle Kindle Edition

by Frank Ryding (Author)

Our War: Bruce & Glenna Terrell in Vietnam Hardcover – 2018

by Glenna Terrell (Author)

Members who served with SRAO Publish Books

Dorris Heaston — Sat, 26 May 2018 22:21:01 GMT

ARCOA members Nancy Smoyer and Rosemary Thunder Schwoebel have published books about their Vietnam SRAO experience. Writing and publishing the books enabled the women, who served at different times, to become acquainted and share their stories with each other. Books are available at:

Rosemary's Book - https://www.amazon.com/Vietnam-Memoir-Adventures-American-1968-69/dp/1548802522

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Nancy's Book with proceeds to the Semper Fi Fund https://www.createspace.com/7079785 also available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Donut-Dollies-Vietnam-Baby-Blue-Dresses/dp/0692878009

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ARCOA member Marie "Lucie" Davidson, SRAO Korea, France, Turkey collaborated with other ARCOA members Cindy Meadows and Joan Loveridge-Sanbonmatsu to share their experiences:

/www.amazon.com/Life-Fish-Bowl-Call-Serve/dp/1563118688

by Lucie Davidson (Author)