The Rev. John J. Cavanaugh, C.S.C., Award - 2014: Major General (Ret.) Chuck Tucker ’79

For his distinguished career of service to his country, United States Air Force Major General (Ret.) Chuck Tucker ’79 is honored with the Rev. John J. Cavanaugh, C.S.C., Award. 

After majoring in government at Notre Dame, Tucker earned a law degree from DePaul University and entered the Air Force as a JAG officer. During his 27-year career in the military, Tucker was routinely seconded to the State Department and International Organizations. His service included: Economic and Legal Advisor for the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina; International Law Advisor for the US Secretary of Defense and US Ambassador in Iraq; and in various governmental capacities throughout Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Latin America.

During the final six years of his Air Force tenure, Tucker held a variety of leadership positions, including serving on the joint staff of the National Guard Bureau. Tucker retired from the Air Force in 2009. He has spent the last five years leading various human rights and global affairs organizations. In 2011, he co-founded the World Engagement Institute, which is dedicated to supporting the fundamental rights of people throughout the world through training, education, research, and advocacy. Tucker currently serves as the institute’s executive director.