WWII vet says thanks for the tour

To the editor:

I am writing on behalf on my father, Mike Stafford, a 93-year-old World War II veteran who resides at the Missouri Veterans Home and is blessed to be in wonderful health. My father would like to show appreciation to those who sponsor the World War II Honors Tour.

Rob Callahan of Poplar Bluff, Mo., orchestrates the trips. My father and 29 other veterans went to Washington, D.C., in May and saw the World War II monument. What he saw brought him and many others to tears. Everywhere these veterans went they were treated with honor and respect.

Arrangements had been made for former senator Bob Dole to meet the veterans. He shared stories of the war.

As the veterans were leaving, a group of students from Ashland, Ky., surrounded the bus and sang "God Bless the USA." One of the veterans said, "I thought I was an old forgotten soldier. Now I feel like a hero."

On Nov. 10 and 11, a trip was arranged to take veterans to Branson to have breakfast with Lt. Col. Oliver North. My father now has a picture of himself with Dole and North on his wall.

My father never dreamed at this point in his life he would have opportunities such as these. Callahan, an Air Force veteran, works relentlessly to raise money so he can continue to take veterans to Washington. He said he will continue to honor these veterans until there are no more.

My father says thank you and wants to let others know what the World War II Honors Tour meant to him.

TERESA HAUBOLD, Cape Girardeau