No matter what some people say...We lost a hero

Not many times in your life do you really get the opportunity to meet a REAL hero. I was fortunate to do that twice. Both times with the same man, and I had my doubts at the time, until I had the time to talk to him. Senator John McCain was who I was seated next to a two different ceremonial dinners by two different organizations I was involved with. We met and shook hands. I was a little taken that he was fairly tall after all the hell he went through while a POW in Vietnam. And he's grip was pretty strong. he had to raise his shoulder to shake, probably from the injuries he endured during that time. We sat down and he quizzed me about my life, since his was so publicized. I told him about my fire department career and then he asked if I had served my country. I told I had in 1966 through 1972 in the Air Force. I then asked what did I do and when I told the whole story, we REALLY connected. He asked me what he always asked other vets who were in Vietnam, "Why didn't you come rescue me?" I was at a lose of words. Yes I would have if I could, and knew where to come. On our second meeting he remembered me as if we had never left each other. We picked up where we left off. But this is not about our meetings. this about a lose to me, our state, and mostly to our country. John McCain was an American hero, no matter what some stupid President says. John love this country and would DIE to save it and our save our rights as Americans. He almost did. He fought for three decades to do the right things for us. You know, DO THE RIGHT THING? He did. Him and I did not always agree, but in many ways he said what I would have said to the Senate and to that stupid president. Arizona is known for the mavericks and rebels in politics. I don't know if that is a good thing, but it has stuck to us like a cholla cactus. One other one you may remember was the late Senator Barry Goldwater. I never met him, but followed him a lecture rotation. What an honor. I did not really agree with him all the time either. Both ran for president and neither made it. I believe they both did more as a torn in the side than as a president. They both made changes and changed the way people think. John McCain was a very honorable man with high standards that willed the people to be better than what the present government foresaw them to be. He believed if you did not like government the way it was, than you should tell your representatives and take it to the ballot box, not just in anger and along the party lines, but in good common sense. I love this statement by him, “Nothing in life is more liberating than to fight for a cause larger than yourself, something that encompasses you but is not defined by your existence alone.” ... John McCain, I will miss you. My love, prayers and many thoughts are with you and your family during these tough times. I will try to be somewhat like you in your efforts encouraging the ideas of doing the right things for everyone, not matter what your color, religion, sex or party. Hope everyone can do the same.