USO-Styled Show Planned At Veterans Museum

By PAT KINNEY, pat.kinney@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO, Iowa --- Attention, Vietnam veterans: it's "Follies in Saigon" at the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Officials at the Sullivan museum in the Grout Museum District are celebrating the museum's third anniversary. They hope to re-create the atmosphere of a 1960s-oriented USO-style show similar to the ones put on by legendary entertainer Bob Hope during the Vietnam War years.

"For the first anniversary, we celebrated World War II veterans. Last year was Korea. Now it's time to do something for our Vietnam veterans," Grout district development and marketing director Cyd McHone said.

Various familiar elements of the Hope-inspired 'Nam-era USO acts will be featured including local entertainers portraying comedienne Phyllis Diller; singer and television comedy star Jim Nabors; singer Nancy Sinatra with her '60s smash hit "These Boots are Made for Walkin'" and the chairman of the board himself, Frank Sinatra, portrayed by former Waterloo Mayor John Rooff, a Vietnam-era veteran. Rooff, a contractor, businessman and home builder, was active in the Waterloo Community Playhouse prior to entering political life.

A silent auction also will be conducted to raise funds for the district, including a handmade quilt and a trip to Jacksonville, Fla., to tour the Navy destroyer USS The Sullivans.

The winner of the Sullivan Brothers Outstanding Military Family Award also will be announced.

Admission is $35, including dinner with dessert table and entertainment. Registration should be made by Wednesday.


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