Oliver North to speak at Stars and Stripes Museum fundraiser

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Oliver North, author and host of "War Stories" on the Fox News Channel, will speak May 1 at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau to benefit the Stars and Stripes Museum/Library.

Over the last year, the museum has announced its increased need for funds to cover operation costs, and the May event is one of several efforts to bring out area support.

Not all of the details have been confirmed, and a further announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

Museum director Deloris May said there will be adult, student and VIP tickets available, but prices have not yet been determined.

North is a decorated Marine, author, small-business founder, inventor and columnist.

North was born in San Antonio, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and served 22 years as a U.S. Marine. His awards for service in combat include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

Since 2001, North has been the host of "War Stories," the award-winning military documentary series on Fox News Channel. He has also written 12 books, all of them New York Times bestsellers. His latest book, "American Heroes," is based on his coverage of U.S. military units in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Philippines and was released in May 2008.

North serves on the National Rifle Association board of directors. He is also the founder of Freedom Alliance, a foundation that provides college scholarships for the sons and daughters of service members killed in action.

North came to public prominence in the 1980s when he testified during congressional hearings on the Iran-Contra Affair, in which the United States sold weapons to Iran to fund the Contra guerrillas in Nicaragua.