This book is a tribute to the legacy of John and Cindy McCain. It is my story based on my personal experiences, memories, and thoughts. I consider myself fortunate to have been close to John and Cindy McCain as they launched in 1982 what would become iconic, dual careers in public service through the next four decades.
Cindy’s continued leadership inspires. As the current executive director of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning World Food Programme, she is a driving force in its efforts to combat hunger, its contribution to creating peace in conflict-affected areas, and in preventing the use of food as a weapon of war.
I hope you will enjoy and reflect on my personal stories from the first campaign. With my unique perspective as John’s first press secretary, they represent a personification of democratic values based on the Navy’s eleven leadership principles. My hope is that this offering can serve as a figurative field guide to those who believe in the promise of our country as we collectively contemplate what today’s leadership now requires.
What They’re Saying About McCain’s Navy Class of ’82
“Preserving the legacy of Arizona’s John McCain as one of the country’s most iconic statesmen is important work for the public trust and annals of history. As McCain’s first press secretary, Marla Sheiner, brings to historians and chroniclers a collection of rare documents from his first Congressional campaign and testaments to his leadership. A memoir and tribute to McCain making us feel closer to his flame as an ardent protector and defender of democracies throughout the world.”
—Greg Barr, Editor In Chief, Phoenix Business Journal
“Where would we be without our mentors who show us the way? In Marla Sheiner’s memoir, McCain’s Navy* Class of ‘82, we time travel back to McCain’s first campaign when a fiery start-up staff helped him put down the shoe leather to become elected to Congress representing Arizona’s CD#1. We see in vivid detail the leadership principles that propelled them to victory. This is testament that McCain, who would later be known as The Maverick in his storied US Senate career, accepted the role as mentor to many of us–a role he accepted with duty, honor and love of country. A book for all seasons, all start-ups, candidates, and staff contemplating a run for a cause greater than themselves.”
—Dr. Bill Pepicello, Former President, University of Phoenix
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