Sen. Gipson Announces Jacquemae Perrotta as the ​2013 Veterans’ Hall of Fame Honoree for the 41st District

For Immediate Release: May 21, 2013
Media Contact: Jonathan Heppner | 845.463.0840 | heppner@nysenate.gov     

SEN. GIPSON ANNOUNCES JACQUEMAE PERROTTA AS THE
​2013 VETERANS’ HALL OF FAME HONOREE FOR THE 41ST DISTRICT

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Hudson Valley Senator Terry Gipson is pleased to announce that the New York State Senate recognized Jacquemae Perrotta as the 2013 Veterans’ Hall of Fame honoree representing the 41st Senate District.  Ms. Perrotta was recognized during a ceremony this afternoon, May 21, 2013, in Albany.  

“Jacquemae Perrotta is the definition of service to both our country and community,” said Senator Gipson. “From enlisting in the Air Force during the Korean War, to becoming the first woman Commander of Dutchess County, her love for her country and fellow veterans has remained unyielding to this day.”

The New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves in military and civilian life. Their meritorious service to our nation deserves the special recognition that only a Hall of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of our gratitude and admiration.

In October 1951, 16 months after the start of the Korean War, Jacquemae (Tucker) Perrotta enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After Basic Training, Airman Tucker was transferred to Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming for training as a Communications Center Specialist. Upon completion of her training, Jacquemae was assigned to Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio and in November of 1953, she was assigned to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii as a Senior Communications Specialist.

In April of 1954 Airman First Class Tucker married Sergeant Anthony Perrotta of Poughkeespie, NY.  Jacquemae was discharged in September of 1954 and in November she and Tony returned to Poughkeepsie, NY.

When Jacquemae returned to civilian life, she worked for Western Union Telegraph and raised three children. Jacquemae decided to serve Veterans by being a member of Lafayette Post #37 of the American Legion. She has been a prominent member of this post for the past 54 years.

In the 1980s, she was elected the first woman Commander of Post #37, the first woman Commander of Dutchess County, and the second woman commander of the 9th District American Legion.  She headed committees in the Department of New York American Legion network (Membership, Boys State, and WINAL) and is still active in these committees. She also served as National Director 20/4 Honorary Society Women Legion.

Jacquemae currently serves on the Director’s Advisory Committee at Castle Point Veterans Hospital and also works as a VAVS Representative and 20/4. She frequently visits the hospital and has become a regular face. She heads the Pernell Christmas Party and on Valentine’s Day she distributes American flags to each veteran’s bedside.

On Veterans Day, each year Jacquemae helps others obtain flags for the local VFW and Jewish War Veterans to place at their cemeteries.

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