We need more people like Bob Dole

Most young people have never heard of Robert J. Dole who died last year at the age of 98.

Bob Dole was an American patriot. In 1942, during World War II, he was a student at University of Kansas. He had enlisted in the reserve corps as a 2nd lieutenant. Called to active duty, he served with the 10th Mountain Division.

While fighting in northern Italy, he was shot up by a German machine gun and was grievously wounded. Dole's wounds nearly killed him and left him with almost no use of his right arm and hand. During the war, he was wounded twice, received 2 Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf cluster, which mean he received a second Bronze Star. After the war, he help found VFW Post No. 6240 in Russell, Kansas, and was a lifetime member there.

He went into politics and was elected to 4 terms in the United States House of representatives before being elected to five terms in the U.S. Senate. He even ran for president as a Republican, but was not elected. He was a quiet, reserved man, not the typical loud mouth politician. And he practiced "common sense.” Otherwise, he was a step above.

We need more people like Bob Dole.

Roger Gregory was a captain in the 1st Infantry Division during Vietnam. He is now a businessman in Priest River.