On September 11, 2017, Vet to Vet Tennessee (VTVT) approved its first recognition award in honor of JL Tucker, the former VP of VTVT. The award recognizes individuals and/or organizations who demonstrate the ethos, love, and service of JL Tucker. The award is known as the JL Tucker Memorial Award.
Joseph “JL” Tucker was a Vietnam Army Veteran who served during the Ia Drang battle. JL was not in the battle, but volunteered to help the wounded and dead soldiers off the helicopters that had been involved in the battle. This event forever changed JL’s life, including that of his family. After 50 years, JL found God and Vet to Vet TN, which changed his life, including that of his wife and two daughters, forever. JL was elected Vice President of VTVT and served for two years before his death from Agent Orange-related conditions. JL’s remaining years were dedicated to God, Country, his family, and the American veterans. JL connected with veterans in need up to a few hours before his unconsciousness. JL never complained and continued to give.
Click here to view some of the JL Tucker Award recipients and click here to view all of the recipients.
“O God of mercy, peace, and love, we remember before You in this moment our brother, friend, and hero JL. We recall with gratitude and respect all that JL stood for in this life.”
“Help us to live in the companionship of his spirit. May we be kind to the family, friends, and LPG members he loved; devoted to the community in which he lived; and loyal to the causes which he served. Thus, in our life, may he live on, to our great comfort, to the betterment of Your creation, and the furthering of Your most Holy Will. Amen.” The Tucker Family November 24, 2014.
Joseph Lee Tucker, age 69, a resident of Clinton, went home to his Heavenly Father on Saturday, November 22, 2014, surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.
Before his retirement, he worked as a coal miner for twenty-five years, primarily at Devonia Coal on the New River.
According to JL, his most significant work on earth was serving as Vice President of VTVT and a peer facilitator for the Legacy Peer Support Group.
Most of all, he loved his family, and he always worked, sacrificing himself to give to them and others. He got great joy from his precious grandchildren. He will truly be missed by all who loved him.
In October 2017, VTVT received an email from Cliff Vicars, Chief of Chaplain Service at Mountain Home VAMC. In his closing statement, he wrote, “Pray and work…for God and Country. That closing statement sums up JL Tucker’s life.
You can listen to JL’s testimony, which he recorded in March 2014, or listen to his family’s testimony, which they recorded in January 2015.
The 2024 recipient is Monroe County Veteran Service Officer Andy Boyd. Andy works directly with Vet to Vet TN helping veterans through numerous programs for years. Andy’s office is in the Robert “Bob” Hatley Monroe County Justice Center along with VTVT. Works with County Mayor Mitch Ingram as our liason and specifically helps us with our Veterans Court, Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal, and Repairs for Heroes.
The 2023 recipient was Tennessee Supreme Justice Honorable Sharon G. Lee. Justice Lee has been a supporter and of Monroe County Veterans Court Judge and Vet to Vet TN for almost a decade. She has supported the Monroe County Veterans Court and VTVT/UT College of Law Expungement Clinic. Our Judicial system is outstanding because of her love of military service members.
Click here to download all of the JL Tucker recipients. JL, a man of faith, love, compassion, and forgiveness. God Bless America.