7 minute read
From Donut Dollie to DOCTOR
Dr. Rose Gantner had completed college and settled into a teaching career in her early 20s, when she was presented with an opportunity that would change her life in multiple ways.
Desiring to travel internationally and experience new things, as well as being inspired by her uncle’s military service and that of a childhood friend who was killed in action, Rose volunteered with the American Red Cross in Vietnam at age 22. Of the 627 women who served, she was one of only four to serve two tours, from 1966-1967 and 1969-1970.
“My wonderful and brave maternal uncle, M/Sgt. George Mamula, served in World War II and the Korean War,” Rose said. “He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery and outstanding leadership. I and others in my family express much gratitude to him and others who gave so much to protect our freedom and liberty.”
The volunteers were called Donut Dollies, since during World War II and the Korean War, they served coffee and donuts, although Rose notes they didn’t have donuts in Vietnam. She recalls serving Kool-Aid, which everyone called “bug juice.”
Although no day was ever routine, Rose’s responsibilities included offering a one-hour break and morale builder for troops through recreational games and activities. If something unfortunate happened at the base, such as an attack or loss of life, the volunteers offered comfort, hope and gratitude. They also had an opportunity to visit the Montagnard villages and help residents with hygiene. After being in the field for 10 hours a day, the volunteers would visit wounded troops in the hospital and aid nurses and doctors. Rose made it a point to visit with those experiencing depression or other mental health issues.
One of the fondest memories of her time in Vietnam was a very personal one. Her first cousin, Jules Bobik, was drafted into service and was stationed in Vietnam the same time as she, 400 to 500 miles apart. Rose asked a colonel, who was particularly appreciative of all her efforts, if he could do her a favor. She found Jules’ exact location and went to see him.
He was on a patrol boat in the bowels of a vessel along the Mekong Delta, and as he shared in his version of the story with Rose and her family, he was told to get to the deck.
“He asked, ‘What for? I didn’t volunteer!’” Rose recalls, “And he complained bitterly. They practically had to force him into the waiting chopper, while he was still bemoaning, ‘At least I should be able to make a phone call home!’
“Flying in the chopper, he was nervous and kept wiping sweat from his face with his hanky. The chopper pilot sat down in a clearing in the jungle and told Jules to get out. Again he proclaimed bitterly, ‘I didn’t volunteer!’
“Wondering if he was going to be used as human bait or an exchange prisoner, suddenly I appeared into the clearing and said, ‘Jules! I only wanted to see you!’”
After her first tour, Rose was asked to help recruit volunteers and spent time giving talks around Pittsburgh. During her second tour, she worked with other senior leaders on “big picture” planning, such as deciding which young leaders should be placed in what units and why, who should be promoted and matching their skill sets (writing, history, drama, teaching etc.) with their personalities.
“When you have many young leaders sharing the same mission and passion, but small physical space with some rough conditions, it behooves one to think carefully of the personnel and placement,” Rose said. “It was a joy to have the opportunity to work with high level military personnel as well regarding program selections, logistics and more.”
She admired one of her direct bosses in particular, who had her master’s in business administration.
“She taught me not to be afraid of anything, to take risks and go for it,” Rose said. “She told me to believe in what you believe in, to stick up for your character and others’ and to help people get to higher positions.” she said. “If you really want to do something, do it. Have no regrets. Leave the earth a little better, and try to be a kind and caring person throughout.”
All these experiences led Rose to transition from a teaching career to earning her doctorate in counseling psychology. She served as CEO for two hospitals, and as vice president of a managed care company and directed her own counseling and psychology practice. She also worked as a health management consultant to state government agencies, private organizations and commercial groups. Most important, she personally provided pro bono treatment to soldiers and their families with post-traumatic stress disorder for over 15 years through her Center for Life Coping Skills in Georgia.
In addition to shaping her career, the experience positively impacted Rose’s entire outlook on life.
Rose has shared her experience as a volunteer with residents and will continue to tell the stories of the Donut Dollies and their impact on war efforts, as well as the life lessons the role imparted.
After her retirement, Rose had the chance to take her two sisters, Mim and Alexandra, for a tour of Vietnam, Singapore and Hong Kong to see some of the areas where she served. Their fondest memory was in Da Nang, where a child was selling wooden whistles, and they gave him a dollar. The next thing they knew, 75 more kids and their mothers showed up selling items.
In recent years, the Heinz History Center displayed an exhibit about the Vietnam War, which included highlights of the Donut Dollies. When Rose, her sisters and others visited the exhibit, they were surprised to see several photos of Rose in her uniform shown larger than life. A trunk of hers (shown above), containing military uniforms, boots, combat and training materials and other memorabilia, was also displayed and has since been shared through the Smithsonian Museum across the country. Rose had almost forgotten about the trunk until her sister, Mim Bizic, uncovered it in her garage during a move a few years ago.
Rose also attended presentations and coordinated a reunion of Red Cross volunteers with Todd DePastino, author, history professor and founding director of the Veterans Breakfast Club. She has been welcomed with open arms to all veterans’ gatherings.
Upon the encouragement of her sister, Mim, and being from Pittsburgh originally, Rose moved to the Masonic Village at Sewickley in 2021. It’s a great place for her to keep active physically and mentally, while also maintaining harmony and balance in her life –something traveling to Asia inspired in her. She teaches Mahjong and volunteers on several committees.
Rose has shared her experience as a volunteer with residents and will continue to tell the stories of the Donut Dollies and their impact on war efforts, as well as the life lessons the role imparted.
“The main thing I want to do is to let young people know that life is short,” she said. “If you really want to do something, do it. Have no regrets. Leave the earth a little better, and try to be a kind and caring person throughout.”
