TCVA’s Heritage Cookbook
In 2009, Steven “BUG” Malavolti proposed putting together a Reel Op’s Recipe cookbook. In 2017, John “Mom” Burgoon and TCVAtook on the challenge of putting together that cookbook. Generous benefactors donated VQ-3 and VQ-4 Officer’s Wives Club cookbooks and a VQ-4 All Wives Teas cookbook. After receiving the cookbooks and submissions from former Reel Ops, TCVA began putting together the cookbook. As it stands, the cookbook is filled with recipes shared among TACAMO Family on the road, in our homes, and at TACAMO gatherings, but it is not complete. TCVA wants to honor the TACAMO Community Guamanian, Hawaiian, Patuxent River, and Oklahoma heritages.
TCVA is looking for more recipes from the TACAMO Community. “Mom” would like to obtain more Recipes:
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Active Duty Reel Ops – On-the-Road and Alert Recipes
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Guam and Hawaii Recipes
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Maryland Seafood Recipes (Crab, Oysters, Blue fish, Flounder)
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Active Duty Oklahoma Recipe
EMAIL your Recipes to: tacamocommunity@gmail.com
WHY include Reel Operators in the Squadrons Wives Cookbook?
A Reel Operator’s primary job was and is operating the reel. Contrary to popular belief, shopping, cooking, and travel claims were not and are not the Reel Operator’s primary job. Reel Op’s are also known as the Crew Chef who prepares meals for 12 to 20 crew members in the airplane galley’s one and only convection oven. The galley with convection oven was first introduced in 1968. It was and still is just large enough to cram in three 9”x13” aluminum pans. As reel operators and guest cooks became more sophisticated, so did the resulting meals. These crews started carrying electric frying pans, roasters, crock pots, and other cooking paraphernalia.
This cookbook is dedicated to the memory of TACAMOPAC VQ-3 Crew 4.
Proceeds will support the TCVA Heritage Center Fund.
