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Sept. 8, 1969

RICHARD ROBBINS
423 North Main St.
AC 316 Ph. 672-3215
PRATT, KANSAS 67124

Dear Bob:

Nice going!

Yours,
(handwritten signature) Dick

Senator Bob Dole







Sunday, September 7, 1969

EAGLE AND BEACON

Community Reviews Life

'Bob Dole Day' Stirs Senator

By LYNNE HOLT
Eagle Political Writer

LURAY, Kan.--It was a story of success. The advent of a normal, often mischievous lad from the "other side of the tracks" to the U.S. Senate.

It was the tale of an American soldier from Russell, Kan., left for dead on the mountain battlefields of Italy who through the efforts of many is now maintaining an on-the-go schedule "trying to repay the world" for its graciousness to him.

This was the story unfolded as this town of 465 residents in a project initiated by Luray United Methodist Church held Dole, native of nearby Russell. Day, dedicated to U.S. Sen. Bob Dole, native of nearvy Russell.

It was an impressive production as 40 individuals who have played major roles in Dole's life came on stage to share in "This Is Your Day Senator Bob Dole."

THE 46-YEAR-OLD senator, known for a jovial and relaxed approach, was seen in contrasting moods as incidents in his life were recalled Saturday.

On several instances, tears trickled down his cheeks, his speech was broken and the senator was visibly shaken.

This was especially true when Dr. H. Kelikian, orthopedic surgeon from Chicago, came on stage.

Dr. Kelikian is considered the human miracle man who came into Dole's life as he sought out someone who might restore his war-maimed body to a usable state.

Dole repeatedly expressed thanks for those specialized refused compensation. It was on services for which Dr. Kilikian this same individual too, that Dole heaped praise "for having the courage to tell me to grow up. Telling me that I would not, could not be a whole man.

"He told me I had to do something with my life. That was the turning point," recalled Dole, who was wounded in Italy April 14, 1945.

THIS LED TO 39 months of hospitalization, surgery and therapy.

While it was Sen. Bob Dole Day, a day to honor this native son, it also became a time for him to express thanks.

Thanks for spiritual and moral help was expressed as was his gratitude for the more than $1,700 contributed by Russell County friends to help defray his hospital expenses.

Turning to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Dole, Russell, the senator acknowledged that at times he had been troublesome and was typical in that he was one of those young people who at an early age did not appreciate the many sacrifices of his parents.

A staunch Republican, Dole exchanged warm greetings with Democrats and told the audience, "Sometimes people get so carried away with politics, they forget who their friends are."

Sen. Dole told the crowd assembled at the Luray school auditorium he believes, "What we are as individuals primarily depends on where and how we are raised, where we attend schools and the personal associations we make."

"OPPORTUNITIES are just as great today as they ever were if one is willing to put forth some effort," said this individual who switched from a planned medical career to the legal profession because of his handicaps.

Turning to his war experiences and injury, Dole claims, "They helped me measure myself.

"They proved to me and to others," he said with special reference to Rep. Bill Fribley, R-Crestline, his former seatmate in the state Legislature who also is disabled, "that you can make progress even if you are physically handicapped. Most important is to have people who show confidence in you.

"I've been on the receiving end long enough," he declared in reviewing his "debts to my fellow man. I'm trying to repay it by serving the best I know how."

Backed by his wife Phyllis and daughter Robin, whose trip here from Washington, D.C., was also a complete surprise to him, Dole termed the event "the highlight in my life."








September 12, 1969

Mr. Richard Robbins
423 North Main Street
Pratt, Kansas 67124

Dear Dick:
Just a note to say thanks for sending me a copy of the article from the WICHITA EAGLE-BEACON. Needless to say, this was one of the most moving experiences of my life, and one which I will remember for a long time to come. Thanks again, and if I may be of assistance in any way, just say the word.

Sincerely yours,
BOB DOLE
U.S. Senate

BD:jc