Remembering the man from Russell, Kansas

When I met Senator Bob Dole at the 1973 Lincoln Day Dinner, I already knew a lot about him. He was the keynote speaker and I had written his bio for the program. Even so, I wasn’t prepared for what he was like in person—warm, charming, and genuine.

I was told by my friend Mary Carol Bird that when Dole read his bio, he looked up and said, “I want to meet the guy who wrote this.” If he was shocked to see that “the guy” was a young woman barely out of her teens doing volunteer work for the Dade County Republican party, he hid it well.

His story can be summed up with only two words: determination and accomplishment. His life is a lesson in courage that all mankind may benefit by learning.

During World War II, when young men went to battle proud to fight for the country and their freedom, young Lt. Dole found himself the recipient of an enemy shell. After a lengthy 39 months in Army hospitals, he was released with his right arm paralyzed and his left hand damaged. Determination? Accomplishment? Formerly right-handed, he learned to write with his left hand, and graduated magna cum laude from the Washington University Law School. And that took courage.

He signed a copy of the program for me, posed for a picture (I wish I could find it), and when he returned to Washington, sent me a thank you note.

I was thoroughly infatuated.

Following the announcement of Bob Dole’s death, people far more notable than I are issuing statements praising him personally and professionally. But none are more heartfelt than what I wrote nearly five decades ago.

When Bob Dole could have retired as a disabled veteran and allowed his government to support him, he chose instead to work and support his government. He has worked hard, shouldered responsibilities too heavy for the average politician, and performed his jobs with outstanding skill. He has kept a smile on his face and spirit in his heart, and is certainly deserving of all the respect and admiration he receives.

Bob Dole was the epitome of servant leadership and our country is a better place because of him. He’ll be missed.

Jacquelyn Lynn
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