Along with the rest of the county we mourn the passing of a true hero who survived five + years in confinement as a prisoner of war in Viet Nam after his plane crashed flying over the war zone. He was released March 4 in 1973.
I arrived there in Phu Bai 40 miles from the DMZ in April 1970 and came home March 15, 1971.
January 30, 2007, I covered him here in San Antonio when he spoke at the opening of the Center for the Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center for wounded warriors and again at Mi Tierra Restaurant March 24 in 2008 when he was officially running for President.
I shook his hand at both events and I talked with him the second time, wishing him well in his Presidential race. I found him to be honest and forthcoming on issues and a man with a good sense of humor. I thanked him for his service and he responded in kind by thanking me for my service.
President Barack Obama issued a statement saying that “despite their differences, we shared, for all our differences, a fidelity to something higher.” Both former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush each gave an inspiring eulogy at the National Cathedral, while former Vice President Joe Biden spoke at a separate service honoring the senator in Arizona. It should be noted the former Vice President and Senator McCain were close friends over the years.
Locally, a number of Bexar County residents posted their thoughts on facebook after hearing of his death.
Dora Gonzales says Senator McCain was the keynote speaker at the 2008 American GI Forum National Conference held in Denver, CO. It was truly an honor to meet him. We have lost a true hero. May he Rest in Peace!!
Queta Rodriguez (Retired Marine) A true American hero has left this world. Sen McCain was a man of honor and integrity who dedicated his life to serving others, who put others, his family and Country before self… His loss is a great one for our nation. My deepest condolences to the McCain family. Rest In Peace, Sir.
Peter Vallecillo wrote: John McCain. A perfect example of decency and humanitarian. We honor his service to country both as soldier and representative. Whether Republican or Democrat, John McCain was always on the right side of being tolerant with all.
The disparaging comments by the President, “I like heroes that weren’t captured” doesn’t know about serving his country. McCain will truly be missed. We pray for Hero John McCain and his family. We ask God to comfort his family in this time of reflection. Blessings.
Deb Escamilla Munoz wrote: R.I.P. sir. You are a true American Hero. You bled Red, White & Blue. Thank you for all your sacrifices. Much respect to you and your family. God be with them.
Elda Tovar penned: You are in a better world where you belong. Your struggle is over, thank you for your service and caring for the American people.
Maria Perez added: John “Maverick” McCain dies, a legend, a leader and a warrior.
Larry Romo (former Director of Selective Service in Obama Administration) shared “Friends, I want to share part of an American GI Forum (AGIF) Resolution passed at the National Conference in late July. Resolution # 2018-10. It was recently forwarded to Senator McCain’s and Senator Cornyn’s offices. We honored Senator McCain with this passed resolution as he is a true American Patriot and Hero representing what is best of our great Country! May He rest in Peace.” (note: there were nine more WHEREAS)
WHEREAS, In July 2017, he was diagnosed with brain cancer; since the diagnosis he has taken a reduced role in the Senate, and
WHEREAS, John McCain is a Veteran American Hero who has dedicated his life to promoting partisan issues to put country before party, and
RESOLVED; The American GI Forum meeting held on July 27, 2018 passed this resolution to acknowledge its appreciation for his contributions and long dedication to public service, for veterans and for the United States of America. Thank you for your service and may the Almighty keep you always in his Good Graces.
RESOLVED; This resolution be forwarded to Senator John McCain’s office and any other interested parties.
The last thing I wish to say is, to me Senator John McCain is the best example of integrity, honesty, and a true patriot in every sense of the word. Politically and personally he is an icon that set high standards for the American people”