Honor Tour founder wins Spirit of America award

It is an emotional three days, but the tears start well in advance with the notification process.

"From the time we're calling them, I'll have paper towels on the table," said Rob Callahan, founder of the Honor Tour.

Since 2007, the Poplar Bluff, Mo., man has been organizing all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., for World War II veterans. They are escorted to sites around the capital, including the World War II Memorial, which opened in 2004. The group has been surprised with guests like former secretary of state Colin Powell, former U.S. senator Bob Dole, Rep. Ike Skelton, former U.S. senator Elizabeth Dole and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson.

For his efforts to honor war veterans, Callahan, 55, won this year's Southeast Missourian Spirit of America award. He will receive the award and $1,000 to support his cause during Fourth of July Festivities today at Arena Park.

The Honor Tour has a waiting list with enough people for five trips. Callahan chips away at the list, taking 30 at a time.

He starts at the top of the list. Some cry at the offer. He finds others have passed away before receiving the phone call. For some, the call stirs up memories immediately. Callahan said he once called a veteran more than 60 years from the day he was storming the beaches of Iwo Jima and was shot twice.

The Honor Tour has included a group of three brothers, a brother-and-sister pair, and, during the recent tour, husband-and-wife veterans. The honor tour has drawn veterans from Missouri and the surrounding states, Callahan said.

The tour is funded by donations. Each trip costs around $25,000, he said.

Sometimes the tour receives a boost from civic organizations like the Cape West Rotary Club, which helped fund the trip in April. Other businesses constantly donate their services, like Huskey Trailways, which donates motor coaches to transport the veterans to and from the St. Louis airport.

"We go on these trips as fast as donations allow," he said. The honor tour has traveled seven times, but Callahan said he hopes to increase the frequency. He plans the trips in conjunction with his "two right arms," his wife Donna and Tucker Davis, a vice president at the bank where he works. The next trip is slated for October.

Dwight Barker was among the first veterans Callahan called for the April trip.

Everything about the trip was perfect. The plane even left on schedule, he said.

"This guy knows how to put on a trip," said Barker, who served in the Navy. Barker, 93, said the trip was an honor and one of the biggest highlights of his life.

Callahan's respect for war veterans stems from a strong lineage of military service. His father retired from the Army and served in Vietnam. His son is an aviation mechanic for the Marines. Callahan himself served 20 years in the Air Force.

"I could go on and on, back to the Civil War," he said. Some veterans are reluctant to go on the tour out of fear of stirring up too many memories. Many, he said, returned from the war to little fanfare and went straight to work. Some have waited more than 60 years to be thanked.

The group has received police escorts, impromptu choral performances from school groups, hugs and applause.

"For three days they are profusely thanked by people," he said.

Dave Hitt of Jackson has traveled with two tours to help. He recalled helping escort the group to the end of a long airport terminal. Led by a drummer and a bagpiper, the group received applause from travelers along the way. Similar scenes, he said, are repeated several times throughout the trip.

"It's a tug on your heart, it's so emotional," he said.

Callahan works for First Midwest Bank as a travel coordinator for Gold Club members. Through his profession he is well-equipped for the project, Hitt said. His commitment to raising funds is also strong.

"Rob is the shaker and baker," Hitt said. "He's out there shaking the tree to get funds wherever he can, and I don't mean that in a negative sense."

While emotional, the experience can be therapeutic for the veterans, Callahan said.

"We've seen demeanor and personalities change," he said.

Karen Hann of Cape Girardeau, who nominated Callahan for the award, saw a similar experience in her father, who served in the South Pacific in the Navy.

"Before he never really talked about the war," she said. "I think that's that generation."

She said she surprised her father, a "homebody," with an Honor Tour trip more than a year ago. He now attends Honor Tour reunions and travels more.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

ABOUT THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA AWARD:

The award, established in 2003, goes to the person who exemplifies the character and community service that helps shape America. Last year's winner was Harry Rediger, who was elected mayor in April.

PAST WINNERS:

2003 John "Doc" Yallaly

2004 Dr. Dan Cotner

2005 Melvin Gateley

2006 Neal Edwards

2007 James Harnes Sr.

2008 Jane Randol Jackson

2009 Harry Rediger

Pertinent address:

Arena Park