OKC Chapter Meeting & Meeting Chat with a TACAMO Warfighter

Connecting and Supporting: Old Timers Meet TACAMO Warfighters

At the February OKC Chapter Meeting, Veterans had the privilege of spending time with one of today’s outstanding TACAMO Sailors—an experience that perfectly reflects what our mission of connecting and supporting is all about.

Chief Camron Pearson from VQ-3 brought over young Sailor, Airman Thai Sachs who was recently featured as a Hometown Hero in the Severna Park Voice for his journey from Severna Park, Maryland, to supporting the U.S. Navy’s TACAMO mission in the Heartland. (Article: https://shorturl.at/EIp3G) During lunch, this impressive young Warfighter shared his story with our Old Timers, offering a firsthand look at the dedication, professionalism, and pride that continue to define today’s Navy.

Listening to Airman Thai Sachs speak, it was clear this Sailor represents the very best of our service—motivated, humble, and fully committed to the mission. He spoke confidently and thoughtfully about his experiences, and it was a reminder of how important it is for generations of Sailors to connect, share stories, and support one another.

As a small token of appreciation, he was presented with a personal challenge coin from Irish, received as a retirement gift from a high school many years ago. It was his first coin, and the moment was meaningful for everyone present. The pride reflected by both this young Sailor and Chief Hutch spoke volumes about the professionalism within our ranks.

Moments like these reinforce why TCVA exists. Seeing today’s TACAMO Warfighters firsthand reminds us that our Navy—and our country—are in very good hands. With Sailors like this serving today, the future remains strong.

Well done, Shipmate. We’re proud of you.

Keep your knots up. GTBH. John "Irish" Keilty