Bill Overview
Title: Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to members of the Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, also known as the "Donut Dollies," who served honorably during the Vietnam conflict. The bill also authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for presenting the medals.
Sponsors: Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11]
Target Audience
Population: Former members of the Donut Dollies program who served during the Vietnam conflict
Estimated Size: 500
- The 'Donut Dollies' refers to members of the Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, who specifically served during the Vietnam conflict.
- The Vietnam conflict occurred during the 1960s and early 1970s, so the primary individuals impacted would be those who served as Donut Dollies during that time period.
- A significant portion of the Donut Dollies were likely American citizens since they were serving overseas on behalf of American soldiers.
- The total number of Donut Dollies who served in Vietnam is limited to those years, and the cohort is a specific, definable group, largely female volunteers.
- These individuals likely number in the few hundreds as the program, while significant, was not as large as major military operations.
Reasoning
- The policy directly impacts former members of the Donut Dollies program who served during the Vietnam conflict. This group primarily consists of older women, many of whom are now in their seventies or older. Therefore, only a small and specific cohort is affected by the policy.
- Given that the total number of Donut Dollies is estimated to be around 500, the policy's budget is more than enough to provide significant recognition to each member if needed. However, since this is largely an honorary recognition, the material cost may be low, as it mainly involves the creation and ceremonial awards of medals.
- The rest of the population may not be directly impacted materially, but there might be indirect impacts in terms of societal recognition for the contributions made by the Donut Dollies during the Vietnam conflict.
- This policy is not likely to have a broad economic impact due to its symbolic nature and the limited size of the directly affected population. It is more about recognition and honoring service, likely improving wellbeing through recognition rather than material support.
Simulated Interviews
Retired (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 75 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm grateful that our service during Vietnam is being recognized. It's a nice feeling to know people still remember our contributions.
- The medal itself is a token, but it's the acknowledgment that truly matters to me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Nurse (Houston, TX)
Age: 78 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being honored by this medal feels like a respectful nod from history. We were there, we lived it, and this recognition cements it in the books.
- I hope this encourages more acknowledgment of other non-combat roles in wartime efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Historian (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is an excellent move to recognize those who served in civilian capacities. The Donut Dollies played an important role in troop morale.
- It sets a precedent for acknowledging non-military contributions in future conflicts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Orlando, FL)
Age: 82 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I never thought we would get this kind of recognition. It's wonderful, even if it comes after so many decades.
- Most of us have moved on personally, but on a historical level, it's significant.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Social Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My grandmother spoke of her time in Vietnam with pride, and this medal recognition makes the stories feel important to more than just our family.
- It's inspiring to see acknowledgment spread across generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Veteran Affairs Officer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a great morale booster for those who served in these roles. It brings public attention and remembrance to unsung heroes.
- Hopefully, this spurs more detailed documentation and storytelling of their efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired School Teacher (Columbus, OH)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 18.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognition at this level was never expected, but it feels like a completion of sorts for our legacy.
- It brings a sense of pride that our small part during the war is remembered.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Librarian (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial these contributions are formally recognized. It helps capture a fuller picture of history.
- Even if it doesn't affect the day-to-day now, it's meaningful for historical accuracy and acknowledgment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
College Professor (Boston, MA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Acknowledging non-combat peripheral roles like the Donut Dollies enriches the narrative of the Vietnam conflict.
- I hope this acknowledgment leads to increased scholarly interest and exploration into these roles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Artist (Miami, FL)
Age: 80 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our job was tough, but seeing it recognized all these years later is heartwarming. It was our way of serving the country.
- This honor reminds us of the sisterhood we formed during the war.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The main consideration is the historical and symbolic significance of this award, recognizing the contributions of 'Donut Dollies' to the Vietnam conflict.
- Budget allocation for the medals should be justified in terms of symbolic recognition versus monetary expenditure on other priorities.