“Rookie of the Year” Award

Distinguished Federal Government Service Award recognizes dedicated, honorable service

Albany Stratton VA Medical Center – Sean Tuckey, Marine veteran and Health Science Specialist of the Albany VA Behavioral VA Care (BVAC) Line recently was awarded the distinguished Federal Government Service – “Rookie of the Year” award.

Tuckey began work at the Stratton VA in August, 2010.  Within less than a year, Mr. Tuckey had displayed strong leadership traits in his approach to patient care and community service collaboration.  A provider with excellent multitasking skills, Tuckey works with the OEF/OIF/OND (Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn) program, Chemical Dependence Rehab Program, Outpatient Behavioral Health clinic, and Emergency Room as well as providing coverage for the Veterans Justice Outreach Program.

Mr. Tuckey’s dedication to helping Veterans is commendable.  He helps them understand the services available and goes out of his way to engage veterans, going above and beyond assigned duties to ensure that the Veterans he serves are cared for in the best manner possible.  In addition to his service to Veterans, Tuckey also helps educate the community, passing on his knowledge of available services in addition to educating community providers. Mr. Tuckey also guest lectures on Community Mental Health and Veterans Topics throughout NY.

Tuckey, a veteran himself, was in the Marine Reserves from 2000-2008, serving with Brave Co.-8th Tank Battalion and Echo Co.-4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.  Tuckey deployed in 2003 with Delta Co.-2nd Tank battalion as part of the 5th Marine Regimental Combat team during the initial combat operations of Operation Iraqi Freedom, which participated in the longest mechanized assault in Marine history.  From 2006 to 2008 he functioned as a Platoon Sergeant for 45 Marines.  Tuckey completed the Corporals and Sergeants Leadership Courses and was awarded several awards including the: Navy Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; to name a few.

Prior to working for the VA, Tuckey worked in Community Mental Health coordinating services between the local mental health and legal systems.  In February, 2010, he provided testimony for the NYS Assembly Standing Committees on Mental Health, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and Veterans Affairs.  In November, 2010, at the request of the NYS Office of Mental Health, he provided the annual Alcohol and Substance Abuse Awareness Training to the Marine Air Wing Division in Newburgh, NY.

Sean Tuckey seeks out opportunities which will allow him to provide information to others with hopes of enrolling veterans  into treatment and accessing services, exemplifying the VISN 2 mission “to care for our veterans with compassion and excellence.”