A member of the Friendship Force since 1987, Wolford, a Randolph Township resident, has enjoyed his involvement with the group since he attended the first meeting.

Actually, I saw an ad in the newspaper about a public meeting and thought to myself that it was something that might be worthwhile, so my wife and I went and we were thrilled with what we saw," Wolford said.

He and first wife, Barbara, who died in 1990, hosted several couples from foreign countries as part of Friendship Force. He has made three trips to foreign countries over the years, one to India by himself and trips to the Netherlands in 1994 and Hungary last summer.

Remarried to Charlene since 1992, Wolford has enjoyed hosting couples in their home on Old Salem Road. Couples from Japan, Korea and Germany as well as other smaller countries have visited their home for a one-week visit.

Wolford, who will depart with 34 other people Dec. 5th for Sarajevo, characterizes the Friendship Force as a friendship ambassadors that are "peace-oriented that work to make friends and establish lasting peace."

Wolford will be joined on the 10-day trip to Sarajevo bv over area residents, namely Ralph and Chris Dull, Rod Klein, and Ed Klaben. WHIO-TV is sending several reporters and Max Jennings, editor of the Dayton Daily News, will be traveling to Sarajevo with his wife, Carol.

Each ambassador on the trip will take a suitcase of supplies to be distributed to the residents of Sarajevo. Medical supplies, clothes, toys, school supplies and hygiene items will be packed for the trip.

Wolford, whose hometown is Mansfield, moved to Dayton in 1964. The last church he ministered was a small church on the Preble Montgamery county line.

Life now has the special meaning of ambassadorship for Tom and Charlene Wolford, who enjoy their work for the goodwill of international peace efforts.

The Friendship Force will return to Dayton sometime around Dec. 15.