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Interview With Bobbie Keith the WeathergirlVietnam | 25 comments | Print This Post | Email This Post Of course, we were thoroughly indoctrinated into the Domino Theory. And we all believed in the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. I think everyone believed what we were doing was right. The foreign aid program was something I sincerely believed in because we sent our people out to work in the rural hamlets. A lot of people don’t know this, but we had 180 nurses in the country who worked with the AID program, many of whom went through extensive language training in Hawaii for a year before serving. Subscribe Today
Any surprises or second thoughts after you got there in April 1967? It was a lot more modern than I had anticipated. Saigon had beauty parlors, French restaurants, nightclubs, dressmaking shops. There was the culture shock and then dysentery—“Ho Chi Minh’s Revenge.” The third week I was there I was out on the balcony when a rocket came in and hit the street. That’s when I’m thinking “Holy crackers, this is reality.” Even though you’re living comfortably in a modern city, you’re still very vulnerable. When the rocket hit, I watched a lady pick up the body of a child and run off. I have always wondered whether that child survived. It’s a really weird scene when you can be on a rooftop, having a steak dinner, sipping a gin and tonic and watching tracers go up and hear helicopters whooshing around. There’s a war going on! How do you make sense of the surreal? What was your job with AID and did you enjoy it? It was a clerical job, keeping track of secret documents. I enjoyed the job but I enjoyed the people more. I worked in the Commodity Import Program (CIP) at an AID Annex in Cholon, which was next door to PSYOPS (Psychological Operations) Headquarters. And next door to a great BEQ (Bachelor Enlisted Quarters) where we could go for breakfast and lunch breaks. Many Public Health workers also had their offices in our building. Everyone was so dedicated and worked long hard hours. No one complained. It wasn’t unusual to work through the weekend with no time off. After Hours What did you do for entertainment? They showed movies at the BEQs and BOQs (Bachelor Officer Quarters). They’d have movie and popcorn night, which was popular. And then there was the Pineapple Palace, where all the reporters would come in and you could get the scoop on what was going on in Vietnam. That was one of my favorite places to go because it was a safe environment. It was actually combat photographer Al Chang’s place. He was Hawaiian and would play the ukulele, and some of the girls from the embassy would do the hula. We’d have a little Hawaiian party. It was great because you’d sit in there and hear all the newspaper reporters tell their stories. I’ve got photographs of people sitting around the Pineapple Palace talking to each other. Was the conversation at the clubs ever about the controversial nature of the war? Among the soldiers, no. Never. I think I was there in a very fortunate time frame because I missed the drug culture that hit in the latter part of the 60s and the early 70s. At one time, we had a troop level of about a half a million. I was invited to go out—and I’m going to use the word ludicrous—but I was invited out to Tan Son Nhut air base where the troops were arriving—to meet the “one-millionth man” who came to Vietnam to serve! And I’m standing there at the bottom of the ramp where they got off the plane thinking to myself, “I should be greeting the one-millionth man to leave in one piece, not to arrive.” That was my thought process. This is really absurd. This hit national news, too, that they wanted to “welcome” the one-millionth soldier. Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11Help HistoryNet by bookmarking to
            Tags: People, Social History, Vietnam War
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25 Comments to “Interview With Bobbie Keith the Weathergirl”
Thanks, Bobbi, for doing that extra bit for the guys in uniform. Frank Rogers SFC US Army Saigon News Nov 70 – Jun 71 DaNang Jun 71 – Nov 71 Retired 1978
By Frank Rogers on May 29, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Thank you for publishing this wonderful article! Bobbie Keith was a marvelous break in the seriousness of war. I’m sure today some of these shots would be banned, but back then they were good, clean fun.
Thanks Bobbie for a pleasant legacy from a tough time.
By Pat Jay on May 30, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Bobbie, thanks for sharing a bit of you life that most of your friends in Florida do not know.
You gave a very interesting interview and I am sure reading it will bring back fond memories of a time when you meant so much to the men in service.
By Robert Schmidt on May 31, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I want to thank you for publishing this interview. This lady is being a little modest. You may not know that this lady BOBBIE KEITH the WEATHER-GIRL is an absolute living legend. The impact she had upon the troops by her weather broadcasts and most important is the dangerous places she traveled in country to bring a little comfort and boost the morale to a group of downtrodden troops. You should feel priviledged to be alive to even be able to interview this brave and compassionate woman of the highest valor. If it were up to me i would give her the same medal that our government gave to BOB HOPE. As a matter of fact she faced more danger and went to more dangerous places and put herself in more peril than MR. HOPE ever dreamed of, (no disrespect to BOB HOPE intended).I’m a 3 tour veteran & friend of this wonderful lady. GOD bless you BOBBIE KEITH
By J.R. HANEY on Jun 1, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Outstanding! Bobbie Keith brought as much to the War effort as anyone could. As young soldiers, support was extreamly important. We recieved some from families,but little from our Country.
Nurses helped save our bodies. BOBBIE helped save our souls and humanity.
Where did girls like her get their courage?
It’s hard to believe our government doesn’t even present their family with a “Flag” when they leave us.
To the women like Bobbie Keith, the DJ’s, Donut Dollies, and all the other civilian women who served (us) in Vietnam, Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
Welcome Home! We love you!
3rd Plt, Alpha Co, 2nd BN/60th IN, 9th Infantry Div
By Ed Whitmarsh on Jun 3, 2009 at 6:51 am
Every war in every time was a reflection of the time period in History. When I watch movies about World War II or the Civil War many times there is a sub-plot which is scenic, romantic or perhaps cultural. We learn alot about the places and people at war from the articles and movies that give us an historical time-line. However, with Vietnam , we didn’t get as much information about the non-war related activities and people with a few exceptions. An article like this gives me a sense of a time and a culture that I wouldn’t know about since I wasn’t there. And… it comes directly from someone who was. Thanks for sharing this information and humanizing events that sometimes appeared un-real.
By Lee Rosenkranz on Jun 3, 2009 at 9:28 am
Excellent article about a unique individual who continues to be a major part of the “Vietnam Experience.” For those of us who’ve been around this phenomenon for a while and have been watching from the sidelines, Bobbie remains at the center as one of the more unusual characters to emerge as part of the ‘Vietnam Story.’ But that comment doesn’t do her full justice. Anyone who knows her, knows that she is also a very giving and caring person – rarely found in today’s selfish and indulgent world. Good On Ya, Bobbie!
By Ed Henry on Jun 4, 2009 at 10:38 am
As a crew member on a “huey” helicopter in 1969, I had the honor to escort this SPECIAL LADY out to the field to visist the troops!
(see “red dress” photo w/ interview)
INDEED, THE PRETTY GIRL NEXT DOOR AND WHAT A SWEETHEART!!
This was the best mission, and the best day of my tour of duty in Vietnam! THANKS BOBBIE, THE AFVN WEATHER GIRL!
For the crew of “Goonie Bird 446″, E/82nd Aviation of the FIRST CAV. DIV. Tony Romero
By Tony Romero on Jun 5, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I never had the pleasure of meeting Bobbie while in Viet Nam, but
I do recall her weather reports. It goes without saying that she
was the highlight for many GI’s each day. Since then I have had the pleasure of knowing you personally and you still has the same bubbling personality, and your love for the men and women in Uniform has not dimmed. Bobbie, I don’t think you will ever truly know how much joy you brought to so many. I am thankful to now have you as a friend.
By Paul Whitmore on Jun 6, 2009 at 7:32 pm
However attractive the life of the private self, there is period of time that is suspended, that intermission is and always will be a period of reflective memory! Thank you Bobbie
By John Peterson on Jun 8, 2009 at 10:21 am
Hey, Bobbie!! I well remember those Vietnam reunions in Washington, D. C. when you and I and Dennis Haines and the other remnants of Dennis’ squad would get together. I’ll always treasure the memory of the two of us having lunch together one Saturday, then going out to successfully locate your parents’ grave in Arlington National Cemetery. Hope that you got Dennis’ correct e-mail addreess per the last time that I heard from you. Hope to see you again!!–Tom Reilly
By Tom Reilly on Jun 12, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Great Article! I have known this distinctive lady for 8 years now, and am proud to call her my friend. She is a free spirited individual, intelligent, generous and so much fun to be around. I admire Bobbie for her accomplishments, and for boosting the morale of so many during her time as the weather girl in Vietnam. Thank you!
By Pia Bows on Jun 12, 2009 at 5:47 pm
A woman of many intriguing dimensions and extraordinary
memories in an historical epoch. The article explored and personalized a War from a viewpoint not ordinarily pondered.
Bravo.
By june jordan on Jun 13, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Bobbie…your still a Trooper and it’s good to be able to spend time with you here in ole Florida. We’re almost neighbors!
Hotwire 3/6 3rd Plt.Ldr. Co C 1/7th LZ Xray 1965
By Bill Franklin on Jun 15, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Bobbie…I thought I knew you but I learned much more from the article. Great job and “Thank you for your Service to our Country”
Wild Bill Franklin
By Bill Franklin on Jun 15, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Bobbie,
As one of the teachers privileged to have you speak to my classes, I must say that this article opened my eyes even wider! I thought I had heard most of your stories about your service in Vietnam, but I seem to have missed the true pasion and emotion with which you gave so much to the troops.
I know my past students enjoyed meeting and talking with you. I know you will bring that joyful experience to my future students a well.
I knew you were a special perosn, I just didn’t realize how special. It is a privilege and an honor to now call you “friend”.
God bless you!
Paul DeLorey
By Paul DeLorey on Jun 23, 2009 at 8:44 am
Bobbie, Thanks for the view into your experinces during your service in vietnam. It shows us all we all can help our troops in some way and bring some humanity to our men in unform.
By w. steve roberson on Jun 24, 2009 at 9:51 am
It is so refreshing to see stories on WOMEN who contributed during the war years. I was thrilled to see the story on Bobbie Keith, the Vietnam Weather Girl. What a great tribute to an obviously dedicated American patriot who more than did her part during this war without ever lifting a rifle. Please do more stories just like this one.
By Mary Brett on Jul 16, 2009 at 9:32 am
Bobbie,
It has been a privilege and an honor over the past three years that I have known you as a fellow veteran, library patron, and just a wonderful person.
I am always impressed at how generously you give of your time and talent to help others, and continue to foster veterans causes.
Keep up the good work and keep in touch!!
Fran
Francis M. Reid, MSgt, USAF (Ret.)
By Fran Reid on Jul 28, 2009 at 3:35 pm
bobbie and chris noel! i never got to meet either of them, but just knowing they were there made it a little easier to endure the place.God bless BOTH you ladies!! c.m.anthony,1/26, 1st.Inf.Div.,68-69
By chris anthony on Jul 31, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Excellent article on Bobbie Keith.
I remember seeing her on TV in Vietnam, when 5 minutes before her show everything at the Le Lai Hotel would stop!
Met her years later at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1989, just before she became a volunteer, again donating her time to us guys from Vietnam, as she did back then, simply because she believed in us. She was a babe then, and a great lady still.
With deep respect for all she has done.
Ray Bows, M/Sgt US Army (ret.)
By Ray Bows on Jul 31, 2009 at 8:33 pm
I did not know Bobbie when i was in the Navy in Vietnam and was unaware of the weather reports but i’m sure they brought much comfort to our men and women serving there.Bobbie and others like her are to be commended for their unselfish service to our troups,Ron Melbourne ,Fl
By Ron Hull on Aug 19, 2009 at 10:24 pm
I have not know Bobbie that long ….I met her about four years ago. But I can tell all of you that she is still just as beautiful in her “later” years as she was in the photos and service to her country in Vietnam. We should all be so thankful that we have such people who reporesent our country so well.
By Aloethia Walker on Sep 11, 2009 at 8:32 pm
This is a great interview. I enjoyed reading about Bobbie’s experience as the AFVN Weathergirl. I recall watching her do the weather while on firebase LZ Dolly. At the time I thought it odd that we were watching “American” TV even though we were way out in the jungle. I guess being on a hill in the otherwise flat III Corps made it possible to receive the signal.
Recently while sorting through some pictures I came across one of Bobbie when she visited my unit, but I had to do a search on the internet to remember her name as well as take me to this web site interview to learn more. What a surprise when I stepped through the pictures to the one titled “At LZ Dolly with the 1st Cav, 1968″ (Picture 13 of 19). That is me, then 1LT Allan P Benglen, pulling the lanyard to fire the 105mm howitzer M102. I am sure of this because it is the exact same picture I recently found in my file, an official 1st Air Cavalry Division US Army Photo (No. 071024). I also have a US Army photo of just Bobbie covering her ears (No. 071010). I was the XO of Battery B, 1st Bn, 77th FA, 1st Cav Div on LZ Dolly during the Spring and early Summer 1969 which means her visit to the firebase was in 1969 not 1968. All I can remember of the visit was being nervous. At that point of my tour I hadn’t seen many, if any, American women. When it came time to fire the howitzer, either Bobbie didn’t want to pull the lanyard or I pulled it quicker than she expected because it startled her.
Her visit is one of the good memories I retain of my experience in Vietnam. Thank you Bobbie!
By Al Benglen on Sep 12, 2009 at 10:05 am
I saw this gal while recovering from wounds in the hospital at Cam Ranh Bay.
I did 2 tours as an advisor at a Special Forces camp in 3 corps.
We had no TV or radio facilities and I was unaware of such things.
While entertaining and a good thing for those exposed to this stuff, it was like something from another planet to me.
It was funny to see her hit with a bucket of water.
By Mike Parks on Sep 19, 2009 at 3:39 pm