2nd QTR Trailing Wire Magazine

TACAMO Community
Jul 7
2 min read

Together, We Keep the TACAMO Legacy Alive — Thanks to You

Aloha TACAMO ‘Ohana,

As a valued member of the TACAMO Community Veterans Association (TCVA), you help sustain our mission, preserve our heritage, and support the people who make up this incredible community. Here’s what your membership and support have made possible—and a look ahead at what’s to come.

The TACAMO Community Veterans Association (TCVA) is proud to announce our Hall of Fame Class of 2025: Dan Seesholtz, Janeen Igou, Bob Wicker, and Tom Maser. Congratulations to these outstanding individuals, and thank you for your exemplary service to TACAMO and the U.S. Navy.

We are equally proud to share the news of our 2025 Scholarship Recipients. Six deserving students were selected this year as we lay the groundwork for a new scholarship launching in 2026. Supporting our members and their families has always been a TCVA aspiration, and through our partnership with The TACAMO Foundation, we’re helping shape brighter futures.

To learn more or contribute, please visit: https://www.tacamofoundation.org

Here, you can support one of the many “named” scholarships or TCVA’s historical preservation efforts.

One of our key historical initiatives is the renovation of Herc Park at NAS Tinker. This cherished site has hosted countless ceremonies and community gatherings. Plans are underway to refresh the concrete walkway around aircraft 156348 and create a “Walk of Fame”, honoring influential TACAMO community members.

We also recognize the retirement of two TACAMO legends: John “Irish” Keilty and Jim “Mepp” Meppelink. Both have served with distinction in uniform and beyond—as mentors, educators, and community leaders. Mepp continues his commitment as a member of our TCVA Board, while Irish is leading the formation of a new OKC Chapter, alongside our new Active Duty Representative, AWCS(V) Kier Christiensen. Together, they are championing local initiatives to honor TACAMO’s legacy and shape its future.

TCVA is actively seeking volunteers to assist with our website, newsletter, and Facebook presence. If you’d like to help, please reach out to Cheryl at: tacamocommunity@gmail.com

Lastly, mark your calendars for the 2025 TCVA Reunion in Marietta, Georgia. Thanks to Lockheed Martin, we’ll tour the production line of the new E-130J TACAMO platform, with the possibility of seeing a prototype firsthand. The reunion will take place over Veterans Day weekend, set against the exciting backdrop of The Battery and Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves and their Hall of Fame.

As always, TCVA is built on the strength and spirit of our members. Together, we preserve our history and continue our mission in service to strategic communication and global peace.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

Stay safe and strong, Shipmates —

Mike Vos, Executive Director

TACAMO Community Veterans Association