There is a fascinating new book called "Bobbie the Weathergirl" about Barbara Keith who volunteered to do the weather for the American Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN) in Saigon during the war. She became in a year the TV girl friend for thousands of American troops. She was blonde and beautiful and a reminder of home to countless GIs. The book features the myriad number of letters penned to her requesting a photo.
Paul Baldridge, AFVN Saigon weather show director, gives Bobbie an unforgettable rain forecast by dousing her with a bucket of water. Photo courtesy of Bobbie Keith
Author Pia Bows has written a meticulously researched book capturing the essence of Bobbie's vibrant personality. "Bobbie the Weathergirl" is an easy read and is perfectly organized with a fine flow.
AFVN was just one stop in her life. Post Vietnam she worked for the State Department in overseas deployments for decades in many dangerous assignments. Most people in the world lead staid lives...not Bobbie. She has led an adventurous life...with more experiences than a dozen humans. In South Vietnam she would go to remote fire bases to meet American forces...she did this a good deal.
When she retired she became active in veteran affairs helping many former service members in adjusting to civilian life.
Barbara Keith (Bobbie The Weathergirl)....what a life....what a woman!
AFVN was just one stop in her life. Post Vietnam she worked for the State Department in overseas deployments for decades in many dangerous assignments. Most people in the world lead staid lives...not Bobbie. She has led an adventurous life...with more experiences than a dozen humans. In South Vietnam she would go to remote fire bases to meet American forces...she did this a good deal.
When she retired she became active in veteran affairs helping many former service members in adjusting to civilian life.
Barbara Keith (Bobbie The Weathergirl)....what a life....what a woman!
Paul Baldridge
AFVN Saigon
Retired ABC NewsOne Manager Western Region
Los Angeles
AFVN Saigon
Retired ABC NewsOne Manager Western Region
Los Angeles
 Bobbie prepares to board helicopter "Woodpecker 446" after visiting troops at Landing Zone Dolly in Binh Duong Province. Photo by Tony Romero, Echo Battery, 82d Artillery (Aviation) (1969) |  "Bobbie the Weathergirl," 200-pages, available in the STORE on this website ww.bowsmilitarybooks.com, includes many black and white prints, and color photos taken by First Cavalry Division photographer Terry Moon and Echo Battery, 82d Artillery (Aviation) Door Gunner Tony Romero. Our sincere thanks to Paul Baldridge and Tony Romero |
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