Ken Fisher's message on the passing of Senator Bob Dole

Senator Robert Dole passed away Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021. As part of the greatest generation, he served in World War II and continued to live a life of service. To Ken Fisher, he was so much more.

Senator Robert Dole was my friend. He was a leader, a loyal servant of the United States for 80 years. He was a veteran - one of what has been called the greatest generation. He was a statesman - the last true statesman in a world where statesmanship has been lost to partisan politics. Having the privilege to work with him and Donna Shalala on the President's Commission back in 2007 not only afforded me the chance to really get to know him, and he became a mentor. He taught me so many things.

He spoke at the dedication of the Washington DC VA Fisher House where a cornerstone was laid in his honor. And he spoke for 10 minutes, even though he had just been released from the hospital, taped cotton covering the IV scar that had just been removed.

I loved Bob Dole. My heartfelt condolences go out to Elizabeth and his entire family. May he rest in peace, and may the legacy he leaves help launch a new generation of leaders - where statesmanship once again has meaning. He was a true American hero.