WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the April edition of “Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices,” Senator King’s monthly series in which he shares the stories of the lives, service, and sacrifices of Maine’s veteran community. In the sixth interview of the series, conducted in partnership with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, Senator King spoke with Fairfield resident Cornelius “James” Ware, who spent 23 years in the Navy and retired with the rank of Warrant Officer Two. During the interview, James shared with the Senator his story of being inspired by his family to join the military, his deployments that took him around the world, and his decision to continue serving by supporting his fellow veterans through his work with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

 “It was an honor to speak with James and hear his first-hand insights and memories in this episode of ‘Answering the Call: Maine’s Veteran Voices.’ Over the course of his 23 years of military service, James continuously demonstrated what it means to serve one’s nation and selflessly support his fellow servicemen and women,” said Senator King. “After serving in the Navy, Warrant Officer James has continued his service by working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to help Maine veterans receive the healthcare and benefits they have earned. His lifetime of dedication is a true inspiration, and I am grateful he could join me to share his story.”

Cornelius “James” Ware grew up in a military family, moving around as his father was stationed in various places for the Army. His family has a long tradition of military service starting with both of his grandfathers serving in World War I, his uncle serving in World War II, his father serving in the Vietnam War, and now his daughter. According to Mr. Ware, it was never a question of if he would join the Armed Services, merely which branch. And so, right after graduating from high school, he went to Orlando, FL for basic training.

James served 23 years in the Navy, rising through the ranks from seaman recruit to Warrant Officer. He was stationed around the world, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, the Red Sea, and Persian Gulf. Throughout his career, he performed many jobs, starting as a radar man helping ships to navigate in and out of ports and working his way up to Electronic Warfare Officer, where he was deployed to the Persian Gulf aboard the USS Cole as part of Operation Southern Watch. James also worked as a nucleus team member where he helped to prepare ships for deployment and mentored junior officers at the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, RI.

After leaving the Navy, James moved to Maine to raise his children and worked for a vending supply company. After nine years, he decided to utilize his G.I. Bill and began earning a college degree. At the same time, he started a new career at the Veterans’ Affairs office in Augusta, ME. Today, James is the state veteran service officer for the VFW and lives in Fairfield, ME with his wife. He’s proud to say his daughter is carrying on the family tradition, serving as a Captain in the National Guard.

The Veterans History Project is an effort by the Library of Congress to collect, preserve and distribute the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The interviews and primary documents from the project are then used by researchers, historians, students, and filmmakers across the country. Senator King joins many other Members of Congress who’ve participated in the project.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King has been a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He recently introduced the Save Our Servicemembers (S.O.S.) Act, which would work to improve the Department of Defense’s servicemember suicide prevention efforts. Last year, the Senate unanimously passed legislation cosponsored by Senator King that will designate 9-8-8 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis line. Senator King has also worked to create a first-of-its-kind Senate fellowship program for wounded American veterans, and has worked to improve the services for Maine veterans across the state, including at the Togus campus in Augusta.