President Bob Bell and First Lady Gloria Bell played host to former U.S. Senator and 1996 Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole last week.

President and First Lady Bell with guest Bob Dole at Walton House

Dole, in town to speak to the Cookeville Area-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, signed copies of his most recent book and visited with invited guests at the Walton House reception. He later spoke to a capacity crowd at the Leslie Towne Center.

Dole's book, One Soldier's Story, is a chronicle of his harrowing experience on and off the battlefield and the lessons learned through his struggle to survive. Since he left the Senate in 1996, Dole has written one other book and appeared on several late night talk shows and two Super Bowl commercials. He also serves as a political commentator.

Dole is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom as a tribute to his character and contributions to the U.S., two Purple Hearts, and a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster. He served the country in World War II and was wounded in 1945.