Tammy Duckworth, Iraq War Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient

Tammy Duckworth currently serves as the Director of Veterans' Affairs for the State of Illinois. A Major in the Army National Guard, Tammy served in Iraq and flew combat missions as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. During a mission in 2004, a rocket-propelled grenade struck the helicopter she was co-piloting, and as a result of the attack, Tammy lost both of her legs and partial use of one arm. She received many decorations for her service in Iraq, including the Purple Heart and the Air Medal.

Since her recovery at Walter Reed, Tammy has dedicated her life to public service. She serves as an advocate on behalf of other veterans, and has testified before Congress regarding medical care and employment for returning veterans. In 2006, Tammy Duckworth ran for U.S. Congress, losing to her Republican opponent by only 3% of the vote. She has since continued to work on behalf of veterans as the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and continues to serve in the Illinois Army National Guard.

* Tammy Duckworth appears in a personal capacity and not as a representative of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs or the Illinois National Guard.