What John McCain Means to Me

My name is Lee Vogler. I'm 20 years old and a student at Virginia Commonwealth University. I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you what John McCain means to me.

John McCain is someone who has given his entire life to this country. Whether it was serving in the Navy or as a Senator, John McCain has dedicated his life to serving this country. He is a man of honor. A man of integrity. A man of courage.

Many times in his life people have put him down. People have given up on him. But John McCain has NEVER given up on us. He has never given up on America. He has loved and admired this country every day in his life.

There has never been a man so deserving of the position of President than John McCain. But he will never tell you that. Mr. McCain has said many times that America owes him nothing, and he owes her everything. Such a selfless statement from a selfless and genuine man.

Numerous times McCain has put his political career on the line to do what he knows is best for the country. He is not someone who floats with the wind of popularity. He does the right things, not the easy things.

He is a man who has shown the compassion to let bi-gons be bi-gons and work to move foward. He has shown the tenacity to stand in the face of adversity and rise above it. He has worked with Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike. John McCain does not see red or blue: he sees Red, White and Blue.

Even when his back is against the wall and all others have abandoned hope, John McCain marches on. Willing to be the lone ranger for the good of the country. He did not ask for this burden, but he embraces it.

John McCain knows how to strengthen friendships and heal wounds with former enemies. He is a uniter, not a divider.

John McCain gives us Straight Talk, not just all talk.

And finally, John McCain gives ME hope. Hope that this country is not too far gone. Hope that, despite what others say, I can achieve the seemingly impossible. Hope that I can accomplish any task I set my mind to, no matter how big or small. Hope that hard work and determination really does pay off. And last but not least, hope that we all can find good, even in the worst of circumstances.

This is what John McCain means to me. I hope America will let John McCain receive the honor that he so rightfully deserves.

Best Wishes,
Lee Vogler

“Glory is not a conceit. It is not a decoration for valor. Glory belongs to the act of being constant to something greater than yourself, to a cause, to your principles, to the people on whom you rely and who rely on you in return.”

--John McCain