By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
For the first time since 1939, the name on Russell’s post office is changing.
The Russell Post Office has officially been renamed the Bob Dole Post Office, honoring one of Russell’s most recognizable sons and a man whose career took him from a small Kansas community to the highest levels of American politics.
Dole was born and raised in Russell, a place he never stopped considering home. Throughout his life, one of his defining ideals was to never forget where you came from.
That legacy was on display during the renaming ceremony, where local and state leaders, members of Congress and representatives of the United States Postal Service gathered to remember Dole and what he meant to Russell.
Before Dole became a national political figure, he was a Kansas native who served his country.
During World War II, Dole served as an Army platoon leader with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy. In April 1945, he was severely wounded by enemy machine-gun fire while attempting to help a downed radioman.
His injuries left him with permanent disabilities. Dole received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
After returning home and recovering, Dole entered public service, eventually serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1961 to 1969 and the U.S. Senate from 1969 to 1996.
He rose to become one of the most powerful leaders in the Senate, serving as both Majority and Minority Leader. His career included bipartisan work, advocacy for Americans with disabilities and two national campaigns as the Republican nominee for vice president and president.
In 1997, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
But despite the national recognition, those who spoke at the ceremony emphasized that Dole never lost sight of Russell.
Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kansas, said the post office's new name serves as a reminder for generations to come.
“What we’re doing here in a small way, is so the community never forgets Bob Dole,” Mann said.
Jeremie Six, district manager for the United States Postal Service, said he first became familiar with Dole as a student.
“I first became aware of him when I was in school and I saw him on TV,” Six said. “He was a very humble leader, and I think that is a testament to the folks who live here in Russell.”
Mandy William, postmaster of the newly named Bob Dole Post Office, also spoke about Dole’s connection to Russell.
“We take great pride in knowing we are the hometown of Bob Dole,” William said.
Troy Waymaster, Kansas state representative and a Russell High School graduate spoke, about Russell as a whole.
“Russell is known for producing many interesting individuals, though there was only one that aspired to the utmost power in DC,” Waymaster said. “The man who never forgot where he came from, Bob Dole.”
Waymaster said his connection with Dole extended beyond simply sharing a hometown.
On July 22, Dole’s birthday, Waymaster said he would call him annually.
“On July 22, I would always call him on his birthday,” Waymaster said. “We would talk about Russell.”
For Waymaster, those conversations illustrated something central to Dole’s character: No matter how far his career took him, Russell remained part of his identity.
Elaine Bowers, Kansas state senator, echoed that sentiment.
“With everything Dole has accomplished, he never forgot where he came from,” Bowers said.
Bowers said the pride Dole had in Russell reflected something larger about the community itself.
“We know the people who live here and the pride they have in their communities, the way neighbors take care of neighbors,” Bowers said. “That is a huge part of the Bob Dole story and that public service is not about the title you hold but who you represent and where you come from.”
Dole’s influence also continues to be felt in Washington.
Reed Petty attended the ceremony on behalf of U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, who was unable to attend but sent his regards.
Petty pointed to one example of the lasting respect for Dole.
“We have a conference room in Senator Moran’s office in DC,” Petty said. “It’s called the Dole room.”
Russell Mayor Jim Cross said the significance of the renaming is particularly meaningful.
“It means a whole lot to me, myself and the community to have the senator's name placed on the building,” Cross said. “It’s only fitting. He did so many things, and he’s been instrumental in a lot of things in Washington. But now back home, we have his name on a building here.”
Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, Dole’s legacy is personal.
“Bob Dole was the very first person to endorse me in a heated primary, and we became friends,” Marshall said.
“I hope generations from now that as kids come through here, they'll say, ‘Mom or Dad, who was Senator Bob Dole? Why is this post office named after him?’” Marshall said. “I was just blessed to get to know him, blessed by his friendship and being a great mentor, and my gosh, we sure do miss him already. This will be a great namesake for Russell, Kansas, for centuries.”