John McCain - Republican

Background

Born:  August 29, 1936 in Coco Solo Naval Air Station, Panama Canal Zone

Children: Doug, Andy, Sidney, Meghan, Jack, Jimmy, Bridget

Married Carol Shepp in 1965

On July 29, 1967, John survived a missile that was accidentally fired into his fuel tanks while aboard the USS Forrestal.

On October 26, 1967, John was shot down over Vietnam and taken as a prisoner of war (POW) for 5 ½ years.

After his release as a POW, he regained his naval flight status in 1973.

Married Cindy Hensley in 1980

Accomplishments and Awards

Graduated U.S. Naval Academy in 1958

Graduated National War College in 1974

Served a 22-year career as a naval aviator and retired in 1981.

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Arizona in 1982.

Elected to the U.S Senate in 1986.

Naval honors included the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguishing Flying Cross.

Presented the “1996 Taxpayer Hero Award” by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste.