Download
Cathay Post #186 has named U.S. Army veteran and longtime community leader Tuck Eng as its 2026 “Veteran Strengthening America” Award recipient.
Eng, 93, is a third-generation Chinese American, retired Boeing engineer and longtime advocate for Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (CID). He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Lewis and spent 42 years with Boeing before dedicating much of his time to community service.
As president of the Historic Chinatown Gate Foundation, Eng helped lead construction of the Chinatown Gate at 5th Avenue South and South King Street. He also contributed to the Hing Hay Park expansion and has served with several CID organizations, including the Business Improvement Area and Chong Wa Benevolent Association.
In 2023, Eng received the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Seattle Fred Yee Citizens Award for his decades of volunteerism, leadership and advocacy.
Eng has also been a longtime supporter of Cathay Post #186. When the post was forced to relocate because of safety concerns, he helped arrange meeting space at the Chong Wa Benevolent Association at no cost.
Most recently, Eng and his family sold their longtime home and adjoining property to the Wing Luke Museum at a discounted price, helping preserve the history of Seattle’s Chinese American community.
Cathay Post #186 said Eng’s lifetime of military, professional and community service exemplifies the spirit of the “Veteran Strengthening America” award.