Senator John McCain
Senator John McCain was the Senator for our region when I lived in Scottsdale, Az. We're Canadian but dearly wanted to get a green card and stay in Scottsdale instead of snowbirding to and fro Vancouver.
He had a book signing in Phoenix which I attended and bought his book "Worth the fighting for".
Before he started his speech, about why he wrote the book, I sat next to a young lady who would get up and whisper stuff to the Senator...I said "Do you know the Senator?" and she advised she was his Arizona secretary. I then chatted to her about my desire to get PR in the States as we owned a home in Scottsdale and wanted to permanently reside. I also added that the Senator and I were the same age, I was born in Scotland, and both had similar military aviation careers. His in the US Navy and mine in the RAF.
She whispered to him and he asked me to stay until after the book ceremony was complete.
I had a very enjoyable short conversation as he indicated to his secretary to take notes. He took an interest in my politics as I had spent many years in so many different countries prior to retirement....I more or less agreed that the government he envisaged was in tandem to my own ideals.
I still have his book signed ...to David....John McCain.
We exchanged cards and I thought no more of the event...it was just a lucky happenstance that I got to talk with him anyway.
But no...a few days later I got a call to bring all my relevant documents to his office. They were copied and the nice secretary said they will look at all the laws to see if we could become PR.
A month later another call from the secretary herself apologizing that they could not find a way to get a PR more than I already had applied for...she wished me luck and asked if there was anything else she could do for me. I said "Yes...where can I get a refund on this book?" She laughed and said she was going to tell John McCain what I said.
The Senator has just rejected all remedy for his cancer and co-incidentally so did I for the Colon Metastasis that has attached to my liver. Both our prognosis are unclear but, like John, I've had a full life and enjoyed every minute.
John McCain personifies what the American way of life was intended...he came from a long line of military, loyal to defend America, dutiful in all endeavors and sympathetic to those in need.
Edit: Sad to report that Senator John McCain has just died...RIP John.....You were an American hero.
He had a book signing in Phoenix which I attended and bought his book "Worth the fighting for".
Before he started his speech, about why he wrote the book, I sat next to a young lady who would get up and whisper stuff to the Senator...I said "Do you know the Senator?" and she advised she was his Arizona secretary. I then chatted to her about my desire to get PR in the States as we owned a home in Scottsdale and wanted to permanently reside. I also added that the Senator and I were the same age, I was born in Scotland, and both had similar military aviation careers. His in the US Navy and mine in the RAF.
She whispered to him and he asked me to stay until after the book ceremony was complete.
I had a very enjoyable short conversation as he indicated to his secretary to take notes. He took an interest in my politics as I had spent many years in so many different countries prior to retirement....I more or less agreed that the government he envisaged was in tandem to my own ideals.
I still have his book signed ...to David....John McCain.
We exchanged cards and I thought no more of the event...it was just a lucky happenstance that I got to talk with him anyway.
But no...a few days later I got a call to bring all my relevant documents to his office. They were copied and the nice secretary said they will look at all the laws to see if we could become PR.
A month later another call from the secretary herself apologizing that they could not find a way to get a PR more than I already had applied for...she wished me luck and asked if there was anything else she could do for me. I said "Yes...where can I get a refund on this book?" She laughed and said she was going to tell John McCain what I said.
The Senator has just rejected all remedy for his cancer and co-incidentally so did I for the Colon Metastasis that has attached to my liver. Both our prognosis are unclear but, like John, I've had a full life and enjoyed every minute.
John McCain personifies what the American way of life was intended...he came from a long line of military, loyal to defend America, dutiful in all endeavors and sympathetic to those in need.
Edit: Sad to report that Senator John McCain has just died...RIP John.....You were an American hero.
Last edited by Davita; 26th Aug 2018 at 00:31. Reason: update
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One of Senator McCain's visitors while he was in prison in Hanoi:
I was job hunting many years ago and dropped of a resume to Colonel Joe Kittinger who was chief pilot of a corporate flight department. Like John McCain, Joe made O-6 the hard way - while in the Hanoi Hilton.
Fair winds and following seas John McCain!
I was job hunting many years ago and dropped of a resume to Colonel Joe Kittinger who was chief pilot of a corporate flight department. Like John McCain, Joe made O-6 the hard way - while in the Hanoi Hilton.
Fair winds and following seas John McCain!
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Senator John McCain was the Senator for our region when I lived in Scottsdale, Az. We're Canadian but dearly wanted to get a green card and stay in Scottsdale instead of snowbirding to and fro Vancouver.
He had a book signing in Phoenix which I attended and bought his book "Worth the fighting for".
Before he started his speech, about why he wrote the book, I sat next to a young lady who would get up and whisper stuff to the Senator...I said "Do you know the Senator?" and she advised she was his Arizona secretary. I then chatted to her about my desire to get PR in the States as we owned a home in Scottsdale and wanted to permanently reside. I also added that the Senator and I were the same age, I was born in Scotland, and both had similar military aviation careers. His in the US Navy and mine in the RAF.
She whispered to him and he asked me to stay until after the book ceremony was complete.
I had a very enjoyable short conversation as he indicated to his secretary to take notes. He took an interest in my politics as I had spent many years in so many different countries prior to retirement....I more or less agreed that the government he envisaged was in tandem to my own ideals.
I still have his book signed ...to David....John McCain.
We exchanged cards and I thought no more of the event...it was just a lucky happenstance that I got to talk with him anyway.
But no...a few days later I got a call to bring all my relevant documents to his office. They were copied and the nice secretary said they will look at all the laws to see if we could become PR.
A month later another call from the secretary herself apologizing that they could not find a way to get a PR more than I already had applied for...she wished me luck and asked if there was anything else she could do for me. I said "Yes...where can I get a refund on this book?" She laughed and said she was going to tell John McCain what I said.
The Senator has just rejected all remedy for his cancer and co-incidentally so did I for the Colon Metastasis that has attached to my liver. Both our prognosis are unclear but, like John, I've had a full life and enjoyed every minute.
John McCain personifies what the American way of life was intended...he came from a long line of military, loyal to defend America, dutiful in all endeavors and sympathetic to those in need.
Edit: Sad to report that Senator John McCain has just died...RIP John.....You were an American hero.
He had a book signing in Phoenix which I attended and bought his book "Worth the fighting for".
Before he started his speech, about why he wrote the book, I sat next to a young lady who would get up and whisper stuff to the Senator...I said "Do you know the Senator?" and she advised she was his Arizona secretary. I then chatted to her about my desire to get PR in the States as we owned a home in Scottsdale and wanted to permanently reside. I also added that the Senator and I were the same age, I was born in Scotland, and both had similar military aviation careers. His in the US Navy and mine in the RAF.
She whispered to him and he asked me to stay until after the book ceremony was complete.
I had a very enjoyable short conversation as he indicated to his secretary to take notes. He took an interest in my politics as I had spent many years in so many different countries prior to retirement....I more or less agreed that the government he envisaged was in tandem to my own ideals.
I still have his book signed ...to David....John McCain.
We exchanged cards and I thought no more of the event...it was just a lucky happenstance that I got to talk with him anyway.
But no...a few days later I got a call to bring all my relevant documents to his office. They were copied and the nice secretary said they will look at all the laws to see if we could become PR.
A month later another call from the secretary herself apologizing that they could not find a way to get a PR more than I already had applied for...she wished me luck and asked if there was anything else she could do for me. I said "Yes...where can I get a refund on this book?" She laughed and said she was going to tell John McCain what I said.
The Senator has just rejected all remedy for his cancer and co-incidentally so did I for the Colon Metastasis that has attached to my liver. Both our prognosis are unclear but, like John, I've had a full life and enjoyed every minute.
John McCain personifies what the American way of life was intended...he came from a long line of military, loyal to defend America, dutiful in all endeavors and sympathetic to those in need.
Edit: Sad to report that Senator John McCain has just died...RIP John.....You were an American hero.
A fitting eulogy.
Airbubba,
While echoing GladRag's point, I would add that McCain himself was someone who forgave his enemies, and who worked hard for reconciliation. He was an unusual politician, who usually managed to treat his opponents with respect and even friendliness, however much he had 'fundamental disagreements' with their politics. I suspect that he would find your contribution a bit silly, and might wonder why you hadn't got over what Hanoi Jane did or didn't do 50 years ago.An unusually decent man for a politician, with a real sense of humour, a true patriot, and a really useful Republican counterweight to Trump, McCain will be sorely missed on so many levels. RIP
For a terse, eye opening account of what Sen. McCain faced in prison, I can recommend:
Ernie came to work at Sikorsky eventually and all I can say is that Ernie did not have an embellishing personality or habit. Although short, I wasn’t able to digest it except in sessions. Has recommendations on the cover by Adm Stockdale and Alexander Haig.
Ernie came to work at Sikorsky eventually and all I can say is that Ernie did not have an embellishing personality or habit. Although short, I wasn’t able to digest it except in sessions. Has recommendations on the cover by Adm Stockdale and Alexander Haig.
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Senator McCain's passing is a sad day for us all...he cut across party lines, stood on principles whether they were popular or not, and showed courage in all he had to face. His approach to consensus politics showed a maturity and dignity that politics across the western world would do well to emulate today. Surely a fitting tribute would be for CVN-81 to carry his name.
NWSRG - that would be a most elegant and permanent memorial, but the Arleigh Burke named for his father/grandfather was, IIRC, rededicated to include him earlier this year. Perhaps a posthumous promotion to Flag Rank would be apropos?
Salute!
RIP, John McCain.
Heard the news, walked out on the deck and threw a nickel on the grass .. Gazing west, maybe I would catch a glimpse as he headed to that venue we fighter and attack pilots end up at.
His politics were one thing, but his attitude and spirit in prison cannot be equaled and are the standards expected of warriors in such circumstances. Being of his generation, I have many classmates, fellow pilots, students and bosses that spent time in those places like Heartbreak, Hilton, Plantation, The Zoo, Briarpatch, Hope. They agree that his position of refusing special treatment was an accurate depiction.
So I leave you with a great explanation of the bond that we share, regardless of the cause we fought for:
++++++++
I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite. Not to tell stories
or look at old pictures. Not to laugh or weep. Comrades gather because they long to be
with the men who once acted at their best, men who suffered and sacrificed, who were
stripped of their humanity. I did not pick these men. They were delivered by fate and the
military. But I know them in a way I know no other men. I have never given anyone
such trust. They were willing to guard something more precious than my life. They
would have carried my reputation, the memory of me. It was part of the bargain we all
made, the reason we were so willing to die for one another. As long as I have memory, I
will think of them all, every day. I am sure that when I leave this world, my last thoughts
will be of my family and my comrades…such good men.......
Gums sends...
RIP, John McCain.
Heard the news, walked out on the deck and threw a nickel on the grass .. Gazing west, maybe I would catch a glimpse as he headed to that venue we fighter and attack pilots end up at.
His politics were one thing, but his attitude and spirit in prison cannot be equaled and are the standards expected of warriors in such circumstances. Being of his generation, I have many classmates, fellow pilots, students and bosses that spent time in those places like Heartbreak, Hilton, Plantation, The Zoo, Briarpatch, Hope. They agree that his position of refusing special treatment was an accurate depiction.
So I leave you with a great explanation of the bond that we share, regardless of the cause we fought for:
++++++++
I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite. Not to tell stories
or look at old pictures. Not to laugh or weep. Comrades gather because they long to be
with the men who once acted at their best, men who suffered and sacrificed, who were
stripped of their humanity. I did not pick these men. They were delivered by fate and the
military. But I know them in a way I know no other men. I have never given anyone
such trust. They were willing to guard something more precious than my life. They
would have carried my reputation, the memory of me. It was part of the bargain we all
made, the reason we were so willing to die for one another. As long as I have memory, I
will think of them all, every day. I am sure that when I leave this world, my last thoughts
will be of my family and my comrades…such good men.......
Gums sends...
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Pure coincidence had it that I yesterday picked up Trygve Bratteli autobiography on his years in Nazi concentration- camps. He got arrested in july 1942 and barely survived to come home to Oslo in May of 1945. A riveting read!
He was a changed man , with a mission, and became our Prime Minister. Served the country well.
As did John McCain. A pitty he was not to run the US for a while!
I think we can all use McCain as a source of inspiration in the future.
He shall be greatly missed..
Sincerely
Cpt B
RNo Navy
He was a changed man , with a mission, and became our Prime Minister. Served the country well.
As did John McCain. A pitty he was not to run the US for a while!
I think we can all use McCain as a source of inspiration in the future.
He shall be greatly missed..
Sincerely
Cpt B
RNo Navy
I know little of the minutiae of US politics and I understand from posts on another forum that his record as a senator is not without its critics. I am certainly not qualified to comment on that, all I can say is that even though he failed to achieve the highest office in the land, as a man he stood head and shoulders above the present incumbent.
RIP
RIP
