CHARLOTTE, N.C. – William A. Luke, author of “DEAR BOB,” will be making a special homecoming to Iron Mountain on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

He will be featured as a guest during the Dickinson Area Partnership’s “Business After Hours” event.

“I started teaching people how to ski at the lodge (Pine Mountain) when I was in high school,” Luke said. “Some of my fondest memories were made at the lodge. I haven’t been back home in about 30 years, so this is going to be a real treat,” Luke said.

He was born in Iron Mountain Dec. 20, 1924, and graduated from Iron Mountain High School. Immediately after graduation, he was shipped off the serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

“DEAR BOB” is the story of Luke’s life, from his birth and early childhood in Iron Mountain, serving his country on the island of Samar during World War II, returning home after the war and marrying a local Iron Mountain girl, raising five children, and eventually retiring in Florida.

“It’s the story of my life, but so many Americans have similar stories. That’s why I wanted to share my history, since it really is U.S. history,” Luke said.

Copies of “DEAR BOB” will be available for purchase during the Aug. 12 event, and Luke will be speaking to the attendees about his experiences in Iron Mountain. Luke plans to also donate his skis, poles, and several framed pictures of himself on the Pine Mountain slopes.