The Gentleman from Virginia

As the truly honorable John Warner packs up a fascinating lifetime of mementos, photographs, and furniture in his U.S. Senate office, there will be many stories and accolades published for my colleague's legislative accomplishments and lifetime of service to our country. However, having worked with my friend John for over three decades, I feel he is more like an uncle to me. He's one of those favorite relatives you make memories with as you share experiences -- one of those relatives who always teaches fables based on his own experiences. He has spent a lifetime thinking of others and finding a genuine interest in your ideas, perspectives, and the well-being of your family.

John and his wife, Jeanne, are so much like family that we annually share dinners at Christmas time or near March birthdays, along with many mutual friends who have lived on the campaign trail with both of us. Our children have listened to John tell stories at these occasions and they have also often received his orders. Our older daughter, Tyler, was once asked to give a presentation to us all. After three sentences, however, Uncle John stopped her with serious instruction on cadence, pausing, and enunciation.

No matter one's age, it is always a good learning experience being with John Warner, whether campaigning, discussing legislation, interviewing judicial, U.S. marshal, or U.S. attorney candidates, or preparing for a news conference. At campaign events, he is always advising on logistics and reminding people that he started as "an advance man" on the Nixon campaign. He will always have ideas on how to improve the staging of an event, and then do something completely off script.

Even if he was a bit late due to spending too much time at an antique store, many have heard John Warner start his speeches by intoning the advice: "Be brief; and ye shall be re-invited." And then, ignoring his written remarks, he would regale the audience with a repertoire of good stories.

Some of his ways would jolt people. For example, I recall flying with Sen. Warner in a small plane from a short runway in Front Royal in 1991. He told our driver, Henry Doggett, to wait to see if we took off successfully. Because "if we crash, then you have to hold the press conference." I always got a kick out of that line at departures throughout Virginia, whether it was to Bill Bayliss in Winchester or Marty Hall in Abingdon or to Bizzy Level at the Suffolk airport. It would invariably add some suddenly worried looks and seriousness to the adventure of takeoff.

John Warner prefers flying to driving. When traveling by automobile, you can be certain that John will want the driver to slow down to drive more "safely." Speed limits, mandatory seatbelt laws, and -- especially -- gasoline prices are about the only areas of personal disagreement between John and me.

One time, when I was driving John "too fast" in Prince William County, I stopped for gas at several places to find a lower price than in Fairfax County. At the second station, Sen. Warner pulled dollar bills out of his pocket to pay for the more expensive, mid-grade gasoline rather than continue searching for cheaper, regular gas.

He does not travel light. His briefcase itself is usually packed full of papers, books, and sandwiches that he makes himself and, thoughtfully, for his traveling companions. I always remember his kindness of having made a sandwich for me on a day of travel. John is always thinking ahead and has ways of simple kindness that endear him to his many friends.

As do many others, our family considers ourselves blessed to have John Warner as a friend. We all know that Jeannie and John will continue to devote their lives to causes that benefit our commonwealth and country. No one will be late -- nor brief -- in thanking John Warner for his outstanding, exemplary service to all. He will be re-invited to keep directing and instructing us in the way to live a kind and generous life for the betterment of others.

And in many respects John Warner was born to be a senator: his knowledge imparted in his unique style; his sense of people is remarkable; he's polite and patient; his sense of timing, of dignity and decorum, is unmatched; he "calls it as he sees it," even to his own political peril; and, no matter how hectic it is around him, he strides at his own pace.

If frustration of inaction or tension of a heated argument between colleagues arose, the "Squire" was always singularly capable of bringing calm and reason to any heated dispute with his Warner way of humorous and selfless instruction and assistance.

What I admire most in my friend and colleague is that through the years, John Warner has been a leader for fair treatment, consideration of all viewpoints, and ultimately making sure that America is truly a land of opportunity for all. That is the Warner Way we should always remember and apply.
George Allen, a Republican, was governor of Virginia from 1994-1998 and represented the commonwealth in the United States Senate from 2001-2007.