In 1964, Everett Alvarez became the first U.S. pilot shot down over North Vietnam and the first resident of the Hanoi Hilton ? the prisoner-of-war camp where he met John McCain.
Alvarez spent 8 1/2 years as a POW.
After retiring from the Navy, he served in the Peace Corps and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
He now heads his own information technology company in Silver Spring and lives in Potomac.
What did you think of John McCain?s speech?
I thought it was wonderful. We don?t hear much in terms of character and integrity anymore. You have to give him tremendous credit. He talks about his demerits and growing up and what you learned. No one?s perfect, of course. I think highlighting what his life is all about ? learning from mistakes and moving on. But service above oneself, that?s the concept that?s always been ingrained in his character.
What do you tell people about McCain?
The John McCain that I know is a man who will always do what he thinks is in the best interest of the country, without regard to party or himself.
You were shot down in 1964?
I was part of the Tonkin Gulf incident. I was flying A-4s ? thesame plane that John McCain was flying. For many years, that was the date from which the Vietnam era of veterans was determined to qualify for benefits.
Were you aware that McCain, son of the naval commander, had been offered the chance to go home early?
I was offered the chance to go home. I know what that?s like, and it?s tough. John has never claimed he was the only one. A lot of us were offered, and it was for propaganda purposes. What prompted me to not even consider it was that I had to live with myself afterward.
