John McCain (R-AZ) was born into a family of naval officers, his grandfather was Admiral John McCain Sr and his father, Admiral John McCain Jr. McCain graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1958 and received a commission to the United States Navy and became a Naval Aviator.

In October 1967, McCain was shot down, seriously injured, and captured by the North Vietnamese and subsequently held as a prisoner of war until 1973. During the war, he sustained wounds that left him with lifelong physical disabilities. McCain retired from the Navy as a captain in 1981 and moved to Arizona. McCain is a decorated veteran having been awarded the Silver Star, a Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross to name just a few.

In 1982, McCain was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served two terms. Four years later, he was elected to the United States Senate and is currently serving his fifth term in office and is the Armed Services Committee ranking member.

McCain’s Irish heritage comes from his mother’s side. Hugh Young came to the United States from Antrim in Northern Ireland early in the 18th century and settled in Augusta County, Virginia.

McCain married his wife Cindy call Phoenix, AZ home and have seven children.