Tangeman Introduction

August 3rd, 2014
at Kennedy for School Board Fundraiser

Ethan Kennedy

“In life, it is important to have heroes. Heroes inspire us to be more than we are and to go further than we think we can. In my family we are blessed to have such a hero in our lives: Captain Richard Tangmen, retired US Navy.

Captain Tangeman, who is better known to many of us as “Coach T”, graduated from New York University in February 1964. While there he represented NYU in many sports including swimming and baseball where he went on to compete in several national championships.

Captain Tangeman then joined the United States Navy in 1964. His initial active duty assignment was as a Naval Aviation Officer Candidate stationed at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. After receiving his aviation wings, he trained and deployed on several cruises aboard the USS Independence and the USS Enterprise. While on combat deployment to Vietnam, his RA5C Vigilante was shot down and he was captured on May 5th, 1968. As a Prisoner of War at Hoa Lo Prison (also known as the “Hanoi Hilton”) for five years, he had the honor of serving with several great Americans including then lieutenant Commander John S. McCain.

During his imprisonment Captain Tangeman’s faith in God, country and man was confirmed and strengthened by the wonderful way in which he and his fellow prisoners conducted themselves in the face of extreme physical and mental deprivation.

After repatriation, he was sent by the Navy to obtain an advanced degree in Mathematics at Florida Tech (now known as the University of Central Florida). After earning his degree, he transitioned to fly the A6 Intruder. After tours in Washington and Orlando he attended the Naval War College where he simultaneously received Master’s Degrees in Strategic Planning and Foreign Relations. He subsequently served two tours of duty in the Pentagon within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. His last tour of duty was in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

His military awards include, but are not limited to, the Defense Superior Service Medal, three Legion of Merit Medals with Combat V, two Bronze Stars with Combat V, two Purple Hearts, a Meritorious Service Medal and numerous Air Medals.

After 31 years of service Captain Tangeman retired and moved to Crystal River, Florida. You would think after everything he had endured and accomplished that Captain Tangeman would have sat back and enjoyed his well-deserved retirement. However, after visiting his childhood friend Joe Buccheri, who was a guidance counselor at Crystal River High School, Captain Tangeman applied and was hired to teach at Crystal River High School. He taught high school Calculus and College Algebra and Trigonometry and also coached four different sports to District and Regional Championships. He was also named Crystal River High School Teacher of the Year in 1998. In 2002 he retired but has continued on as a volunteer coach and tutor.

On most days you will find Coach T on the pool deck at the Bicentennial Pool in Crystal River, Florida working with the young people of our community, including myself and my sister. It doesn’t stop at the pool’s edge either. If a student needs help studying for math, Coach T is there. If a student is looking to plan for their college future, he is there. Athletes having trouble finding the money for special equipment or students needing books for a challenging academic course have received anonymous help but I’m sure you can guess by now who was behind that. And adults new to the area have been directed to the pool to ask Coach T for advice on to best prepare for athletic competitions they were participating in.

Coach T has dedicated his life to helping young people be the very best they can be in all areas of their life.

He has shown by example the importance of honesty, integrity, hard work,and sportsmanship. His sacrifices for his family, community and country and have benefited and continue to benefit us all.

It is my great pleasure to introduce Retired Navy Captain, teacher, American hero and my Coach, Richard Tangeman!”