COLONEL
"BUD" DAY
Medal of Honor recipient
"In February 1968, John McCain chose death over dishonor in his most defining moment.
He was crippled and wounded in every extremity . He was extremely ill when the North Vietnamese offered him a chance to go home early.
I was in the room when he made that choice. He instantly said he would go home only after those that were sicker than him or captured before him went home.

This is the classical illustration of character -- Doing the right thing when there is every excuse to do the wrong thing. That pattern has continued throughout his life."
CAPTAIN
ROD KNUTSON
"I would like to relate one tiny story about John which meant a lot to me at the time because of the circumstances. The Vietnamese hand picked a group of POWs which they extracted from numerous different cells in the Hanoi Hilton complex and exported them to a different prison. John and I were part of that group of prisoners and we were
loaded into trucks and jeeps while blindfolded
and handcuffed or tied up. The new prison we nick-named Skid Row... it may have other names as well. Initially, we were all moved into solitary cells. The camp was generally considered a punishment camp . . ." < READ MORE >
COMMANDER J.B. SOUDER
"After 335 missions in 1966, 1967, 1971 and 1972, I was one of the very fortunate ones to escape the fabled "golden BB" until very late in the war. I was shot-down on April 27, 1972. After about a month in a solo cell I was integrated into the prison population-at-large and began to get first-person stories from the POWs who had been there a long time . . . One of the stories I most vividly remember was that of Lt.Cdr John Sidney McCain, a navy pilot who'd been shot down on October 26, 1967 . . ."
< READ MORE >
CAPTAIN
JOE CRECCA
"On August 22, 1968 I was sharing a cell #3 in the long building we called "The Warehouse" in the camp we called "The Plantation" with Loren Torkelson, Jim Shively and Bob Abbott. It was early in the morning and it was my turn to empty our honey bucket. It was in this common area that we passed notes. I saw one atop the wall, reached up and grabbed it. Immediately I realized the turnkey had caught me. I dropped the note down the hole and flushed it with five gallons of water. I was immediately whisked off to solitary confinement . . ."
< READ MORE >
COMMANDER
DAVID WHEAT
"I served with John McCain in the US Navy and I was with him as a POW in North Vietnam. While having been a POW does not qualify him to be President of the United States, it does demonstrate and test his strength of character under extreme mental and physical duress. He knows what it is like to lose his freedom at the hands of an enemy, and while held prisoner for 5 ½ years he showed courage and integrity in the face of fear . . ." < READ MORE >
COMMANDER
JAMES BEDINGER
I was so new that I had seen Neal Armstrong land on the moon and take that one small step by man and one giant leap for mankind. So fellow P.O.W. Ernie Brace and I composed some notes that were newsy and called it the Vegas Rambler. We went out in the March/April timeframe to wash and when done had the notes hidden in the waistbands. John McCain was living at the very last cell in Gun Shed and could look out all the way to the Desert Inn. He saw the group of guards with gloves and face masks and knew right away that they were coming to inspect. He also knew we were delivering more notes that morning as we usually tapped to him on the wall that was between our cells.

He did more than create a racket. He shouted in loud clear ENGLISH – "COMM PURGE. Here come the Gooks" and other appropriate warnings that VC English speakers might not understand but Ernie, the cagy veteran and also on the look-out, picked up immediately. As I recall, Ernie swallowed at least three notes to my lousy one. I almost puked anyway. What the hell!! I was young and still was adapting with Asian Belly. The key point is the guards came straight for Ernie and me while the office started chewing out John McCain.

The outcome was as follows: They found no notes due to Ernie’s voracious appetite for the news. We were rudely put back in our rooms and chewed out for having been too slow. Then they opened John’s door and took him away for about two weeks. When he returned, we learned he was solo in Old Calcutta with no wash no shave and with the added discomfort of living day and night with leg irons. For 1970, that was not a good sign for as you know things were starting to improve some from the darker times of 1967 and 1968.

I’ve actually used this experience in a few of my speeches as an example of loyalty to the team and service to something higher than yourself.

Jim Bedinger
Commander, USN (Ret.)
POW 1969-1973

CAPTAIN
ERNIE BRACE

"Under the glaring lights of a circus tent set up on the south lawn of the White House I met John Sidney McCain III face to face for the first time. President Richard Nixon had invited the Prisoners of the Vietnam War to dinner.

It was May 24, 1973. Almost five years previously I had met John under harsher circumstances. We had been confined as POWs in solitary confinement in adjacent cells

at a camp the prisoners of war had named “The Plantation” in Hanoi, North Vietnam. We talked to each other through a wall for over a year, of family, our capture, girlfriends, troubles we’d been through, and on Sunday we told each other a movie . . ."
< READ MORE >

CAPTAIN
RICHARD STRATTON

"It was a new ball game sitting in solitary confinement in a Hoa Lo [“Hanoi Hilton”] isolation cell. It was far different than a week previous on the USS Ticonderoga goofing off in the Ready Room as a newly assigned Lieutenant Commander . . . I was now a tortured, beaten, starving hulk designated as the “Blackest of Criminals” . . ." < READ MORE >
CAPTAIN
ROBERT DOREMUS
I first met John McCain some months after I was transferred, December 11, 1969, from Son Tay camp, back to the Little Vegas section of The Hanoi Hilton. Both of us were in solitary confinement and both eager for communication with other POWs. John was in a newly constructed set of small cells out across from the shower stalls. He had a restricted view of the comings and goings of some of us as we went to get cleaned up in the cold water baths. As the guard left me locked in the stall John and Ernie Brace (in the next cell over) would try to arouse our attention to get word of what was

going on (i.e. what's the news)? These were very short interactions by virtue of the minimal time allowance for our personal hygiene. But John was very energetic and clearly would press the case each and every time to get an exchange of information. My cell was next to Bill Lawrence, who was senior ranking officer at the time. So there was need to communicate with each and every one of our prison mates. When I later moved in with John and 47 others on Christmas night of 1970, I began to realize even more of the energy, leadership qualities and tenacity of John McCain. He was ever the 'go to' man for inspiration and was rock-solid in his convictions that we would 'go home with honor', as was our motto. Since repatriation some 35 years ago I have never lowered my opinion of John. He is head and shoulders above either of the two at the top of the other ticket.

ROBERT DOREMUS
CAPT. USN (ret.)
POW 1965-1973
CAPTAIN
RENDER CRAYTON
I was John McCain's flight instructor while he went through advanced flight training in the A-1 aircraft in Corpus Christi, TX. I knew that he deployed to the Mediterranean but lost track of him until someone tapped to me on the wall in the Hanoi Hilton that there had been a new shoot down, John McCain. I thought at the time he was really going to be in for it with the Vietnamese because of his father who was CincPac. I heard that he was pretty beat up and was taking a lot of punishment because he refused to cooperate with his captors. I was not surprised because I had remembered him as a feisty, tough guy when he was a flight student.

I did not see John until we were put in a large cell block with some 40 prisoners. We shared old stories from his flight training days and I could tell that,

despite the treatment he had received, he was still the same feisty, tough guy I had remembered. John resisted his captors in every way possible. He was considered to be one of the most fervent resistors in that large room, never giving his captors an inch. He also maintained a great sense of humor which I also remembered from his flight training. He was a great story teller and kept us amused by the hour.

While being a POW certainly does not qualify anyone to be the President of the US, it did give John the inner strength that he exhibits today and is required for that office. His service to his country in the House and the Senate provides him with more than enough qualifications to be President and I am backing him all the way.

Render Crayton
Capt. USN (ret.)
POW 1966-1973
CAPTAIN
MICHAEL CRONIN
John McCain graduated from the Naval Academy in 1958 and has served this nation in uniform and in Congress for fifty years without a break. I have known him and worked with him in war and peace for many years. He has placed country over self at every turn. We desperately need pragmatic bipartisan leadership from a man who is utterly patriotic and pragmatic and cares far more about his country than his party or himself. John McCain is that man.

The ultimate test of a man's character is the opinion of those who have been with him in tough times. John McCain is both liked and respected by all who have served closely with him.

The choice is clear: A true patriot with an incredible and long record of service and a few rough edges or a an inexperienced, but charismatic politician from the far left of the Chicago Democratic political machine. I urge you to choose the proven patriot.

Michael Cronin
Capt. USN (ret.)
POW 1967-1973
MAJOR
WES SCHIERMAN
As a former prisoner of war in N. Vietnam for over 7 years, I know that John McCain is a man of character & integrity, who has proven his dedication through many years of service to our country, often risking his career & life to do so! President McCain will without "smoke &
mirrors", cut fraud & waste, get our economy back on solid ground, & defend our country against terrorism!

Senator Obama's Socialistic "redistribution of

wealth", & "tax & spend", philosophy, will only create more debt, decrease productivity, & limit freedoms for our grandchildren! His evasiveness concerning his background activities, would likely result in him failing a normal security background check.

We surely don't want to hand him the keys to our future! Vote for someone we can trust to work for prosperity & safety for all; John McCain!

Wes Schierman
Major, USAF(Ret.)
POW 1965-1973
MAJOR GENERAL
ED MECHENBIER
Having shared a common experience with the Senator in North Vietnam, I can attest he has been tried, tested and proven to be a man of great character. The Air Force has what we call Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do. Those are defining statements for John Sidney McCain. People often refer to former POWs as heroes, but John is among the first to deflect that personal characterization. No, we are not heroes, but merely reflections of all the great men and women of have served and today serve in our military services. We are proud to have served with Senator McCain under “difficult

circumstances” and can attest to his moral and personal strength.

We need and deserve a President who has a history of service in the military and Washington experience to respectfully and competently lead and represent America at home and to the world. We need a President to whom we proudly raise our hands in salute as our Commander in Chief.

Ed Mechenbier
Major General, USAF (Ret.)
POW 1967-1973
COLONEL
ROBERT CERTAIN
As a late arrival at the Hanoi Hilton I didn't meet John McCain until we were repatriated ... but had heard of him long before I was shot down. I
knew then he was a leader of and inspiration to the men in prison, refusing early release in spite of his injuries and defying our captors at every turn. Since then I have known him as my Senator in Arizona and as my friend in the POW community.

He is our nation's best hope for leadership and inspiration in the difficult times in which we now live. He speaks the truth, brings out the best in
others, and always places country first.

The Rev. Dr. Robert G. Certain
Chaplain, Col, USAFR (Ret)
POW 1972-1973
COLONEL
JACK VAN LOAN
John McCain has real honest to goodness Courage which the legendary Leader George Marshall said was the most necessary ingredient of Leadership.
COLONEL J. QUINCY COLLINS, JR.
During his time in a prison cell in Hanoi, John McCain came to realize, first hand, that freedom has a price. He also came to the realization that a human being can only go so far in surviving the obstacles and pitfalls of life….that one’s belief system must be active to provide the ultimate support required to overcome adversity and that one’s lifeline to God is the key to success in this life. John McCain learned how to exercise this lifeline.
So we only have 2 choices because one of these men is going to be President of the United States and the leader of the free world. Do we want a novice who has only been on the job 143 days and has never even written a piece of legislation or do we need a man with 25 years experience who knows the “players” in Washington and the leaders of the nations of the world? Do we want to elect a man who definitely will bring “change” from the free enterprise concept that has made this nation the most successful in history to a socialistic redistribution of wealth which has NEVER produced anything but dependency on government and destruction of individual creative spirit?

John McCain wants to provide opportunity for each of us to excel and fulfill the reason for our existence. We need a man who knows how to exercise that “Lifeline” and who will lead us out of the present economic jungle into a brighter future. John McCain is the only logical and reasonable choice.
COLONEL
HAL KUSHNER
At this very critical juncture in American history, we are in dire need of firm and steady leadership. Only one of the candidates has been tested by a lifetime of experience in the service of his country. Much of that lifetime was spent as a serving officer in the military, and an unspeakable portion suffering as a POW. I can speak to this, because I had a similar POW experience.

Senator McCain returned bruised but unbowed. He put his life together and continued his service in the
Navy, in the House and the Senate. He has done good work. He represents wisdom and judgment tempered in the crucible of adversity and tough decisions and leadership.

His opponent has been in the US Senate for three years, two of which he has been actively running for president. During his tenure there, he has been judged the most liberal Senator of that body.
We are a Centrist country facing a multitude of threats from within and without. We need a person with a centrist philosophy, with the experience and toughness necessary to face them. Hillary Clinton was right....when that phone rings at 3 AM, who do you want to answer it?


Hal Kushner, MD FACS
COL(ret) US Army
POW, 1967-1973
Lt. COLONEL
HARLAN CHAPMAN

The Vietnamese knew John McCain's father was an Admiral and they wanted John to provide them with anti-war propaganda. They put pressure on him including propaganda sessions and torture during the years he was a POW. John did not give in and has the respect of his fellow POW's. The respect of your peers is an honor. John earned that honor.

Harlan Chapman
POW, 1965-1973
COL. ROBERT WAGGONER

I was privileged to know John McCain for the better part of two years while I was incarcerated in Hanoi. I lived with or near him ( in a solitary cell) in a camp we called Skid Row, then later with John and another great American George "Bud" Day.

John was not only courageous, but a leader in every way. I know of no man whom I have ever met with a higher standard of honesty, integrity, love of our nation and its ideals.

The number of years that we spent incarcerated in North Vietnam changed us all to some degree, but the one common denominator was our love of country and no one has shown that more than John McCain.

He is the only one in this race who is ready to lead on day one, and has the record to prove it.
God Bless John McCain and our great country.

Robert F. Waggoner
USAF, Col. (Ret.)
POW 1966-1973
Lt. COLONEL THOMAS HANTON
The primary reason to vote for John McCain is his CHARACTER. John has faced adversity as a POW, which did not develop his character but it revealed his character. He is consistent in his beliefs and positions.

While all politicians change their positions, Sen. McCain bases his changes on additional facts or changed conditions; not politics. Another reason I support John McCain is his political philosophy.

McCain believes in limited government, the free-market system, and that individuals are better suited than the government to make choices and decisions. He believes in a strong defense, low taxes for everyone - including corporations so they can keep their operating costs lower - which is one reason jobs go overseas, he was the first to voice a need for more domestic oil and energy production, and is strongly against ear-marks (which tend to be pork-barrel projects that are a waste of taxpayer dollars).

McCain has led, accomplished many things in the Senate that most importantly included Democrats. The most broken and dysfunctional part of our government is Congress. The Democrats promised all sorts of "things," just like Obama is doing; but when they gained control of Congress two years ago....we've seen nothing – in fact the economy has worsened. The recent decision to take recess and not allow a vote on allowing domestic oil drilling is a good example. I firmly believe that based on McCain's clear record of working with Democrats ("reaching across the aisle") he can help fix that broken process.

Thomas J. Hanton
Lt Col USAF (Ret)
POW 1972-1973
COMMANDER
PAUL GALANTI
There's a world of difference between my former Vietnam POW, John McCain, and Barack Obama. McCain's word is his bond. Obama has
flip-flopped on so many issues he could received the Crappie Award this year. When John McCain says something, you can take it to the bank.
The prospect of Obama's becoming C-in-C has caused many to remember the lead up to Nazi Germany. John McCain must prevail in this
election. The alternative is unthinkable.

Paul Galanti
Commander, USN (Ret.)
POW 1966-1973
COLONEL
JAMES KASLER
As a friend of John McCain, I know without a doubt that he is the one with the experience and honesty to lead our country our of this crisis. He has proven to have the courage of his convictions. I am proud to support him.

James H. Kasler
Col USAF (ret)
POW 1966 -1973
Click here to read the incredible story of James Kasler's P.O.W.
experience during the Vietnam War
COLONEL
JOHN FER
We have 8 days left before America makes either a wise decision by electing John McCain or a tragic decision by electing Barack Obama. McCain gives us experienced and tested leadership. Obama is without experience and has never been tested nor has he done a thing of substance in his entire life. He is clearly not ready to lead. His election will be a dramatic move toward extremely liberal policies, a liberal Supreme Court and Federal judges, a defeatist mentality for our national security and military and it will set us back a generation. In fact,
some of his spoken and written words are clearly socialist in substance.

At its founding our nation was established with safeguards we call “checks and balances” so that no single body or special interest group could capture single minded control for itself to the detriment of the people.


We have 8 days to contact every friend and family member you have; those on your Christmas card list; every business associate, co-worker, classmate and associations from your various professional and social lives; 8 days of effort, phone calls, emails, and any other means by which you communicate; 8 days -- not that long, not that hard to do your part.

When I was a POW, the North Vietnamese used any number of abusive ways to force me to “damn America” and forsake my loyalty to the nation I love. I fought them all the way. John McCain, nearly dead after being captured, refused early release and the life-giving medical treatment he would receive, because he chose honor and commitment to his country over his own personal welfare. He would then spend 5 1/2 years in extremely harsh conditions. I shared a good part of those 5 ½ years with John—in the same cell and in the same room. I know the measure of John’s character—honorable, experienced, and steeped in virtue; a leader for our future! These coming 8 days of effort by you will make a difference.

Please communicate with all whom you know wherever they may be. We must wake America up! We must choose wisely or pay a terrible price for poor judgment. Think. Act wisely. Do that for John. Most importantly, do that for your country, your children and grandchildren.

God Speed, work hard for America for 8 days, and GBU (the letters we tapped on the wall to other POWs at the end of each night’s communication, meaning "God bless you").

John Fer
USAF, Colonel (Ret.)
POW 1967-1973
REAR ADMIRAL
BOB SHUMAKER

You get to know a guy pretty well when you live with him 24/7 for a couple of years. John McCain and I were cellmates as POW's and he was patriotic, courageous and resilient there. We must elect our next President with the knowledge that he will lead our country down the middle, that he will react to evolving situations without hesitancy and with firmness, and that he will bring to the office the maturity, experience and record of accomplishment that is required to lead us into the future. John McCain is indeed that man.

Bob Shumaker
Rear Admiral, USN, (Ret.)
POW 1965-1973
VICE ADMIRAL
JOE MOBLEY
I spent POW time with John McCain, and watched him under the most severe and stressful conditions you can imagine. He always does what he believes is right, regardless of the consequences to himself. While I do not agree with every single position, I know that John McCain will do what he believes is best for America, regardless of whether it is politically expedient or not. He has proven moral character, strength, judgment and decisiveness. He has been tested, and passed with flying colors. John McCain has earned my vote and my trust.

Joe Mobley
Vice Admiral, USN (Ret.)
POW 1968-1973
CAPTAIN
DAVE CAREY
"I know John McCain personally. We spent 5 years in the same prisons in Hanoi. I lived in the same cell with him one time for six weeks. He was also one of my instructors in flight training. I can speak from personal knowledge.

The POW experience and his life since then have molded John into a man of character and integrity worthy of our trust and confidence. That experience also solidified his commitment to serving the greatest nation that has ever existed on the face of the earth. John McCain has been in harm's way. He knows what it means to "fight" for, and at the bidding of, his country.

What unequivocally qualifies John to be President of the United States is the sum total of his life experiences.

There is a world of difference between electioneering / campaigning and working over time to actually accomplish things. I am very concerned that this election will be determined by great oratory, presence, smoke and mirrors. In my mind celebrity status, and great speaking skills absolutely do not equate to being ready or able to be the President of the United States

John has a lengthy and proven record of thinking for himself and trying to do what he thinks is the right thing for our country. (I don't always agree with him, but I know that is his motivation.) He has repeatedly worked across the aisle, opposing not only the other party, but often his own party; and he has often opposed presidents of both parties. AND BELIEVE ME, John is no George Bush!

The record is loaded with examples of John's ability to work with others toward common objectives and moving issues forward. One example is particularly illustrative right now. In '05 John co-sponsored a bill, the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act, to impose tighter oversight and regulation on Fannie May and Freddie Mac. Sadly the Democrats who controlled Congress never let that bill out of committee... and here we are today. Go to youtube and search "democrats and fannie mae."

"Affordable housing" is the politically correct mantra that is at the heart of our current financial mess. "Affordable housing" was the darling of community organizers - picture a younger Senator Obama. Google "Obama and Acorn."

Senator Obama has no record to speak of, and absolutely no record of opposing his own party - on anything. What Senator Obama does have is the most liberal record in the US Senate. His running mate has the 3rd most liberal record. It is inconceivable that they would be elected to lead this country. I believe they WILL work to "redistribute the wealth" i.e. our money.

This presidential election is going to be absolutely critical for the future of our country. John possesses an incredible amount of wisdom, maturity and experience. Without any reservation I urge you to vote for John McCain. His qualifications to lead our country and his qualifications to be our Commander in Chief are without equal. We are at war and there is an idealogy in the world directly opposed to the freedoms we enjoy.

Sandy joins me in urging you to vote for John.

God bless you and our country,

Dave Carey
Captain, USN (retired)
POW 1967-1973
COLONEL
LEE ELLIS

I was captured 11 days after John McCain and lived in two camps with him. He is the real deal -- a patriot and a tough leader who has demonstrated he can make tough decisions in difficult circumstances. He chose to honor his commitments to our country and his teammates even when it meant suffering and isolation. We came home on the same aircraft and have remained friends over the years. He is the type of leader we need in our country during these challenging times.

Lee Ellis
USAF, Colonel (Ret.)
POW 1967-1973
COMMANDER
LARRY FRIESE
I served with John McCain (JSM) in Hanoi and was in the same camp as he was at the very end of our captivity. What I like about JSM is that he wants a stronger country, not a bigger Government. He will revitalize our nuclear power industry and get us not only energy independent but even in position to export energy for profit. My personal observation of JSM is that he loves his country profoundly and understands the challenges we face, both at home and abroad.

Larry Friese
Commander, USN (Ret.)
POW 1968-1973