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Interview With Bobbie Keith the Weathergirl

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I don't know how many troops we had lost by then. When I left Vietnam in 1969, we all knew that we were downsizing, that we were pulling the troops out, we were going to be leaving. That was the Vietnamization policy—leave it up to the South Vietnamese, train them and let's get out. When the drug culture hit, a lot of it was because the men felt like they were just fodder for the war. It was very sad. That's when you go, what are you doing here? Why am I here? Where is the rationale for the war—how do you find it?

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I think we had a bad habit of ignoring the repercussions of the war going on all around us—it was like if you don't talk about it, give it any credence then it does not exist or impact upon you.

I can look back now and get a little bit skeptical about what goes on in government. Look at the Gulf of Tonkin incident now that that's been declassified. The Gulf of Tonkin incident never happened, and that was the resolution to justify the Vietnam War so we could go in. So, things like that can make you wonder. You're going to examine everything your government says to you, knowing that the government can lie to you. When you're serving, you put your faith in your government that it's going to tell you the truth.

Did you perceive a change in attitude from time you got there to time you left?

When I was leaving, there was a definite change. I don't understand the news media, and I'm never going to pretend to understand the psychology of how the news media reports things. I mean everyone's there for the right reasons. I don't think that anyone went for wrong reasons. We all believed in the Domino Theory. We all believed that what we were doing was right. You can get pretty well indoctrinated. And then when things start to happen it's like, Tet for example, when the war hits. On TV, when you call it a television war, my mom and dad probably saw more action on TV during that Tet battle than I saw living right in it. With the news coverage, they probably had more fear for me than I had for myself because I couldn't see what was going on. You could hear it but you couldn't see it.

Saigon During Tet

What was it like in the middle of Saigon during Tet?

I was still living in the hotel downtown on Nguyen Hue Street, the famous street of the flowers, right in the center of the city, and I mean this literally: the war came to my doorstep. And that's a total freak out. You're going, what I am doing here. Holy crackers. Cholon got hit bad, and I worked at the AID annex there. We couldn't go to work for weeks, so we girls all got together and  worked in the mess halls, including washing dishes. We made up box lunches to take out to the troops. When my friend Pat Zanella and I went out to the hospital, the Viet Cong started shooting out of a theater across the street and we had to take refuge. Later, when we got in a Jeep and went farther out to take food to an engineer battalion, Viet Cong jumped out of a garbage heap and started shooting the place up. That's when you start going, "Gee mom, I want to go home. I'm not sure I can handle this." I think we went back that night and downed a few gin and tonics. The fear was there. The reality of the war was there.

We all know what happened, but what did Tet look like to you at the time?

People looked at this as a desperate action by the Viet Cong. We won, but the publicity that came out of Tet was misread to the American public. I don't think the American people really understood what was actually going on. We didn't lose Tet. We didn't lose one battle in Vietnam. But the publicity that comes from all of that was never told. The television war lost it in a way. But that's retrospect. When you're in the middle of it, you don't and cannot  think that way—one has to remain an optimist at all times—that's part of being a good U.S. Government employee.

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  1. 28 Comments to “Interview With Bobbie Keith the Weathergirl”

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. 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

  21. 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

  22. 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

  23. 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

  24. 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

  25. 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

  26. 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

  27. Bobbie's morale boosting efforts in Vietnam and her non-stop service to her country, even today, are inspirational. She is well deserving of the Vietnam Veterans of America President’s Award for Excellence in the Art. Way to go Bobbie! Keep up the good work!

    By Lucy McCoy on Dec 6, 2009 at 9:41 pm

  28. Bobbie,

    I was stationed at Long Bhin from '68 to '69. I remember your weather
    reports, and always looked forward to seeing them.

    Among other things I remember listening to Hawaii Calls, and
    The Grand Old Opre on short wave radio.

    Your weather reports and the radio programs made being so far away from home less stressful.
    .
    Thank goodness for the net. To this day I've wondered where Bobbie the weather girl ended up.

    YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

    C. K. Gundersen…120th Assault Helicopter Company, 12th Group, 1st Aviation Brigade

    By Chuck Gundersen on Feb 20, 2010 at 6:18 am

  29. thank you u made our job a little or a lot better. thank you eric hersh

    By eric hersh on Mar 17, 2010 at 6:29 pm

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