Shown here in 1979 is fourteen-year-old Kristi Killi, a volunteer “candystriper” at St. Jospeh Hospital in Denver.
But in addition to providing care and comfort to the hospital patients, she is serving as a goodwill ambassador, since the picture appeared in the March 1979 issue of the Russian-language magazine Америка (America).
The magazine was published by the U.S. State Department from 1944-1952 and from 1956-1994. While the peak circulation was never more than 50,000, it was wildly popular among Soviet readers. Long lines formed as soon as it hit the newsstands, issues were widely shared, and it was often the topic of discussion by Soviet intellectuals. The magazine was described as “polite propaganda,” and featured articles and photos about everyday life in America.
We know that people Google their names, and we’re always happy to hear from people we’ve featured. Feel free to e-mail us or leave a comment below. If you would like, we can post a follow up. This case is more difficult, since the name in the article is in Cyrillic text, Кристи Килли. So perhaps the last name is Killy, Killey, Keely, or even Kelly. And the first name could be Kristy, Christy, or some variation. In any event, our readers would enjoy hearing your reminiscences of being a fighter in the Cold War.
