John Sidney McCain was an American politician and military officer who served as a United States Senator from Arizona from 1987 until his death in 2018. Born on August 29, 1936, he was a naval aviator during the Vietnam War and was captured and imprisoned for over five years. His experiences as a prisoner of war shaped his views and political career. McCain was known for his bipartisan approach and commitment to national service. He ran for president in 2008 as the Republican nominee but lost to Barack Obama. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his advocacy on issues such as military reform and veterans' affairs.