TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
Retired Navy Capt. John
“Irish” Keilty was honored Aug. 23 with the Tinker and the Primes Patriot Award
in Midwest City.
Captain Keilty served in
the Navy for 30 years, retiring in 2001 as commander of Strategic
Communications Wing ONE at Tinker Air Force Base.
The award honors his
service to the nation and local community with his ongoing contributions as a
high school physics teacher and adjunct physics and math professor at Rose
State College in Midwest City.
“I’ve never seen a more
passionate or motivated individual,” RSC President Jeanie Webb said, “and I’ve
seen firsthand the lives that he has changed. I’ve seen tears. I’ve seen joy,
and here’s what one student said, ‘This is the most extraordinary teacher I’ve
ever had.’
“He truly believes in
making a difference not only for our nation, but for future generations.”
Captain Keilty choked up
briefly after receiving a standing ovation at the symposium aimed at business
opportunities for large prime contractors and small companies.
“I will tell you, ‘fly,
fight and win’ means a lot,” Captain Keilty said. “I live it every day. I love
this country. Thank you.”
Captain Keilty is only
the second recipient of the Patriot Award. The award went last year to retired
Lt. Gen. Bruce Litchfield, former Air Force Sustainment Center commander at
Tinker.