John McCain

John S. McCain III: 1936 – 2018

John Sidney McCain III was born on Aug. 29, 1936, at Coco Solo Naval Air Station in the Panama Canal Zone, the son and grandson of four-star admirals. McCain was raised in the Navy and in a tradition of military service that began before the American Revolution. As a child, he moved from school to school as his father’s career relocated the family frequently. Upon graduating from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia in 1957, McCain did what was, for him, the inevitable: he enrolled at the United States Naval Academy.

Vintage image of John McCain and others in front of Navy aircraft

It was as a midshipman that McCain first earned his lifelong “maverick” reputation, standing up against bullies, and often, against authorities. He continued to charge his own path through graduation and well beyond, serving as a naval aviator for several years. His early career in the Navy was eventful. He married his first wife, became a father, and survived some close calls along the way—including the tragic USS Forrestal fire—before requesting a combat assignment in Vietnam. It was there that McCain would experience a horrific and life-altering chain of events.

On October 26, 1967, the North Vietnamese shot down his plane and took John McCain as a prisoner of war. Seriously wounded and very near death, McCain’s captors subjected him to additional torture and refused to treat him. But thanks to the care of his fellow prisoners, McCain survived. He was held as a prisoner of war for five years, refusing repatriation until every prisoner taken before him was released. He finally came home on March 14, 1973, left with enduring scars but also a fierce devotion to freedom and American ideals.

Vintage image of Navy aircraft launching from aircraft carrier

Beginning in 1977, McCain served as the Navy’s liaison to the United States Senate. It was in this role that he found his path in politics, later describing the role as “the beginning of my second career as a public servant.” McCain retired from the Navy in 1981 and moved to Phoenix, Arizona with his second wife, Cindy. It was there that McCain ran as a Republican for an open seat in Arizona’s 1st congressional district.

After two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, McCain was elected to represent Arizona in the United States Senate. McCain served in the Senate from 1987 until his death in 2018—pausing briefly for presidential runs in 2000 and in 2008, when he earned the nomination of his party.

John McCain and Ronald Reagan shaking hands

Throughout his political career, McCain stayed true to his values and to the people he served. Time and time again, he demonstrated a willingness and uncanny ability to reach across the aisle, finding bipartisan solutions to advance the causes he believed in. He stood up for the armed services and for Native American tribes; he rallied against corrupt money in American politics and against torture of detainees. He raised his voice in support of the people of Ukraine and spoke out against any issue when he felt it necessary—even if it meant occasionally contradicting his party.

It was country over party;
principles above all.

John McCain at podium with Country First slogan

In his final public statement, his love and gratitude for life were apparent. McCain’s heart for public service endured to very end:

“My fellow Americans, whom I have gratefully served for 60 years, and especially my fellow Arizonians, thank you for the privilege of serving you and for the rewarding life that service in uniform and in public office has allowed me to lead. I’ve tried to serve our country honorably. I’ve made mistakes, but I hope my love for America will be weighed favorably against them. I’ve often observed that I am the luckiest person on Earth. I feel that way even now as I prepare for the end of my life. I’ve loved my life, all of it.

I’ve had experiences, adventures, friendships enough for ten satisfying lives and I am so thankful. Like most people, I have regrets but I would not trade a day of my life in good or bad times for the best day of anybody else’s. I owe the satisfaction to the love of my family. One man has never had a more loving wife or children he was prouder of than I am of mine. And I owe it to America to be connected with America’s causes, liberty, equal justice, respect for the dignity of all people brings happiness more sublime that life’s fleeting pleasures. Our identities and sense of worth are not circumscribed but are enlarged by serving good causes bigger than ourselves.”

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John McCain

John S. McCain III: 1936 – 2018

It was country over party; principles above all.

In his final public statement, his love and gratitude for life were apparent. McCain’s heart for public service endured to very end:

Support the vision

It was country over party;
principles above all.