By now, it feels like everything that could possibly be said about a man whose influence spanned the globe has already been said by people far more eloquent and qualified than me.

Since Sen. John McCain’s death last Saturday, a steady stream of tributes from friends, colleagues and acquaintances of the U.S. senator from Arizona have poured in.

The volume of people who attended his memorial service in Phoenix or who stood in line for hours to pay their respects at the Arizona State Capitol are fitting examples of just how many lives he impacted and touched during his time with us.

For three years, I had the honor of working for Sen. John McCain as a legislative correspondent in his office in Washington, D.C. He was a man I long admired for his well-known sacrifices and lifelong dedication to public service.

During my last day in the office, I met with Sen. McCain for a customary going-away picture, and I let him know I was moving to Meridian. The senator informed me of the time he spent as a flight instructor at Naval Air Station Meridian, where the airstrip bears the name McCain Field in honor of his grandfather Admiral John S. McCain Sr.

Four months into my tenure at The Meridian Star, when the base celebrated its 55th anniversary, Sen. McCain didn’t hesitate to accept my request to interview him about his memories of his time in the Queen City.

Public service was of the utmost importance to him. And anyone who spent any amount of time around him knew this to be true.

Neither the time of day or the amount of demands brought about from serving his constituents prevented Sen. McCain from chatting with Capitol visitors or stopping to take a photo with them. He lived to serve the people and took great pride in doing so.

As a sports fan, I long knew about the senator’s love for the Arizona Diamondbacks, boxing and sports. I recall my heart nearly stopping one morning when I walked into our front office and found Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald sitting in a chair, waiting to meet with Sen. McCain.  

When the Diamondbacks visited town for a series with the Washington Nationals, the senator personally took Diamondback players and coaches on a tour of the Capitol. His excitement and sense of pride was tangible as he strolled through the building with them, stopping to point out its landmarks and explain its history.

The senator cared about people, and he made it his life’s mission to accommodate them. If there’s one thing I took away from my time working for Sen McCain, it’s that.

Of course, nothing I’ve shared is new.

Sen. McCain’s commitment to the country has been well documented long before I worked with him, but I hope this sheds a small glimpse into a man who I am honored to have worked for.

On Sunday, Sen. McCain will be laid to rest in Annapolis, Maryland. Although his physical body will no longer be with us, the memories of his dedication, sacrifices and legacy will forever live on.

Elton Hayes is a sports reporter for The Meridian Star. Contact him at ehayes@themeridianstar.com