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The Foundation’s History and Development
The TACAMO Foundation formation is the culmination of years of work, beginning in 2011, with conversations between Mike and Cheryl Vos and Bill Coyne, a retired Captain and 2015 TACAMO Hall of Fame Inductee. His accomplishments: VQ-4 MO, XO, and CO during work up to and restart of 100% airborne coverage, AIRLANT Comptroller during full-blown TACAMO IV 100% airborne period, CINCLANT staff supporting TACAMO ops and improving support for the mission, Warfare Specialty genesis and support for TACAMO community in larger Navy, and pro bono legal advice during Hall of Fame and Foundation standup.
He shared his insights and vision for a foundation with Mike and Cheryl, leading to ongoing discussions and revisions of the foundation’s framework over the years. In 2022, Vern Lochausen presented the Foundation's framework to the TCVA Board of Directors, solidifying the foundation's future direction.
Foundation Leadership and Key Contributions
The TACAMO Foundation is led by a distinguished Board of Directors, which includes Tony Barnes, President: Dr. Randy Mahoney, Vice President: John Alger, Secretary; George Davis, Treasurer, and Vern Lochausen, Historian. Their combined efforts have quickly established the foundation, ensuring its smooth launch and mission to honor the TACAMO community.
L to R: George Davis, Vern Lochausen, Dr. Randy Mahoney, Tony Barnes, and John Alger
Launch of The TACAMO Foundation
On December 6, 2024, during the Lifetime Achievement Ceremony, the creation of The TACAMO Foundation was officially announced. This new non-profit organization, launched in November 2024, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the U.S. Navy's TACAMO (Take Charge and Move Out) mission, a critical part of the nation's strategic deterrence capabilities. The Foundation aims to educate the public about the essential role TACAMO plays in national security while offering support through various educational programs, public outreach initiatives, and scholarships for students from the TACAMO community.
Foundation's Goals and Early Support
The TACAMO Foundation will focus on raising awareness of the mission's history and contributions, fostering educational opportunities, and ensuring future generations can access resources to support their academic pursuits. One of the highlights of the Foundation’s early efforts is the VADM Nora W. Tyson Scholarship, created with an initial generous donation of $200,000 from the Hall-Halliburton Foundation, thanks to the philanthropy of Dr. Randy Mahoney. This scholarship aims to support students and honor Vice Admiral Tyson's enduring legacy in the Navy.
A Bright Future for the TACAMO Community
The TACAMO Foundation’s launch marks a new chapter in honoring and preserving the history of this critical mission. With a clear focus on education, outreach, and scholarships, the Foundation is poised to have a lasting impact on the TACAMO community and beyond. As Tony Barnes emphasized, the collective efforts will ensure that the legacy of TACAMO continues to be recognized and appreciated by future generations.
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