Hudson County Community College to Honor Veterans with Discussion Led by Retired Navy Veteran on November 15

November 7, 2019

HCCC alumnus Leon Tucker, Jr. spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy before establishing a career in local law enforcement.

 

November 14, 2019, Jersey City, NJ – To pay tribute to area veterans, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Department of Cultural Affairs will host a special session of the College’s Art Café series. The November 15, 2019 event will feature a discussion on the life and legacy of an American veteran led by U.S. Navy veteran, retired Jersey City Police Officer, and Hudson County Community College alumnus Leon Tucker, Jr.

The Art Café will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Atrium of the College’s Gabert Library, located at 71 Sip Avenue in Jersey City. Light refreshments will be served, and attendees will be able to meet local veterans, enjoy stunning New York City views, and tour the current exhibition in the HCCC Dineen Hull Gallery. The event is open to the entire community; there is no charge for admission.

 

Honor Veterans

 

A veteran of the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, Mr. Tucker spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy, stationed in the Philippines, California, and Hawaii. Mr. Tucker’s valor and commendation awards include the Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Expert Rifleman Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Andrew Young Black Male Achievement Award, and more.

After retiring from the Navy, Mr. Tucker continued pursuing a career in public service, joining the Jersey City Police Department (JCPD) where he was assigned to the West District, and served in the Anti-Gang Task Force. Mr. Tucker spent a year with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Municipal Task Force in 2005, actively involved in arresting high-profile drug dealers and breaking up gang activity. He became a conflict resolution team member at Lincoln High School, the institution he once attended. He assisted during the cleanup at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, and helped in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Mr. Tucker graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice from Hudson County Community College in 1997. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice at New Jersey City University, and a Master of Public Administration degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He retired from the JCPD in 2017.

The Hudson County Department of Cultural Affairs welcomes Hudson County community groups, organizations, businesses and school groups to enjoy cultural programs at the College. Groups of 6 to 30 visitors are invited to a FREE 45-minute tour of the current fall exhibition in the Dineen Hull Gallery. Tours may be scheduled by contacting Director Michelle Vitale at mvitale@hccc.com or 201-360-4182. Photo ID must be shown when entering the HCCC Gabert Library.

The HCCC Dineen Hull Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional information on offerings is available at https://www.hccc.edu/community/arts/index.html.