Any American stationed in Vietnam in 1967-1969 will recall Bobbie the Weather Girl, going away the most popular feature of American Forces Vietnam Network broadcasts. Bobbie Keith was an army brat, the daughter of an Army intelligence officer in Vietnam. Twenty years old in 67 she was a clerk for the Agency for International Development in Vietnam. Chosen almost at random to be the Weathergirl, her good looks and a flare for comedy made her an instant hit. A patriot, in her spare time on weekends she would visit combat units her fans invited her to, often coming under enemy fire. To homesick grunts she was the epitome of the girl next door and was cheered wherever she went. From an interview in 2009:
Clearly you were you a sex symbol, right?
Did you ever feel exploited or used?
Were you ever criticized for doing the show?
Bobbie was and is a volunteer. She never received a cent for her time as the Weather Girl or her hundreds of trips to the field. She volunteers today with Vietnam vet groups and speaks to school classes containing the grandkids of the men she served with. The vets she entertained will never forget her.
The interview excerpts you published are from Vietnam magazine, August 2009. The full interview can be read online at HistoryNet, <a href="http://www.historynet.com/interview-with-bobbie-keith-the-weathergirl.htm"
WoW: That woman has gorgeous legs. I’d be jealous but I have accepted that fact that I am bowlegged. This woman’s gorgeous legs carry a great person and a truly wonderful mind.
Sorry; the link didn’t appear properly. See http://www.historynet.com/interview-with-bobbie-keith-the-weathergirl.htm
Ms. De Voe writes: “WoW: That woman has gorgeous legs. I’d be jealous but I have accepted that fact that I am bowlegged….”
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Ms. De Voe, you are a hysterical. I am still laughing. Thanks for the humor.
That girl does have sexy legs, though my fiancee’s are superior. One can be sexy without being trampy or whorish.
By the way, it is perfectly acceptable to admire God’s handiwork in the design of the female body without salivating and dwelling on lust. I therefore like this girl.
slainte: I am admiring your name.
Paul: credit where credit is due.
Ms. De Voe…
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I love your unexpected and funny comment about yourself as a bowlegged lady.
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The word “Slainte” is pronounced (Slantcha); it is a Gaelic Irish term which means “Cheers” or “Health”. If one were to toast another, one might use this while clicking wine filled glasses. I believe it is also used in Scotland and other parts of the British Isles where the various Gaelic languages are spoken. It just makes me smile when I use it because it reminds me of happiness and parties and family gatherings and friendship and great times; its fun. Thank you for the compliment.
slainte: It is a beautiful word and I will be using it and your explanation.
“I love your unexpected and funny comment about yourself as a bowlegged lady.” I married a man with beautiful legs and my five children have beautiful legs. The children said I ought to have my head examined, but it did not help.
May God bless you.
Another lady fondly remembered by Vietnam veterans is actress Ann-Margaret, who calls them “my gentlemen” to this day:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/margret.asp
“Another lady fondly remembered by Vietnam veterans is actress Ann-Margaret, who calls them “my gentlemen” to this day:”
This is nice to know about Ann-Margaret.
Thanks for this post. It is nice to be reminded of a time which, for all the turmoil and change, still was innocent and sweet in many ways. The media presentations about the young adults of those days is often an unbalanced caricature- focusing on the the Bobby Seales of the world, instead of the Bobbie Keiths. I wonder how much of what has happened in this world was a response to script handed us by the various media… telling us what to believe about ourselves.