Captain John “Irish” Keilty, U.S. Navy, Induction into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame CLASS OF 2025

TACAMO Community
4 days ago
2 min read

TCVA is proud to congratulate Captain John “Irish” Keilty, U.S. Navy, who has been inducted into the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation’s Military Hall of Fame, Class of 2025.

The Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation recognizes individuals whose military service, leadership, and post-service contributions reflect the highest values of duty, honor, and community impact. By inducting Captain Keilty, the Foundation acknowledges both his exemplary naval career and his dedication to shaping future generations through mentorship and service.

The Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame organization is the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation (OKMHF), a non-profit organization that honors Oklahomans with extraordinary military and patriotic service. The OKMHF was founded in 1999 and holds an annual induction ceremony around Veterans Day. Its mission is to appreciate Oklahoma's military history, honor its service members, and educate youth about national service

MAJOR GENERAL DOUGLAS O. DOLLAR

DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

CAPT John P. Keilty, U.S. Navy (Oklahoma City)Captain John “Irish” Keilty, U.S. Navy, born in 1953 in Fort Worth, Texas, graduated from the University of Utah’s NROTC program and served as a Naval Aviator, squadron commander, Test Pilot, and Commodore of Strategic Communications Wing One at Tinker AFB. After retiring in2001, he became a devoted educator and mentor at Mount St. Mary High School, Rose State College, and Del City High School’s Junior NROTC. Keilty has supported emergency responders, led community projects such as the Robert Kalsu statue dedication, and inspired youth and veterans alike through leadership, public service, and motivational speeches honoring local military heroes.

Please join TCVA in congratulating Irish for this well-earned recognition and for his lifelong dedication to service—both in uniform and as a mentor and leader in our community.

Enjoy the videos of his son’s (Jack Keilty) message of congratulations to all inductees and to his

father, along with Irish's speech.