Tammy Duckworth: Obama's Assistant Veterans Affairs Secretary

WASHINGTON — Tammy Duckworth, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs director, was nominated by President Barack Obama on Tuesday to serve as an assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Duckworth was a helicopter pilot in Iraq who lost both her legs and partial use of one arm in a rocket-propelled grenade attack in 2004. She ran for Congress in 2006, but lost.

As assistant secretary of public and intergovernmental affairs, her duties would include directing VA's public affairs operations, as well as programs for homeless veterans.

In a statement released by the White House, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said communicating with veterans was a key part of improving services at the VA.

"Tammy Duckworth brings significant talent, leadership and personal experience to this important work," Shinseki said.

Duckworth was a major in the Illinois National Guard. She was appointed director of the Illinois veterans' agency in 2006.

Comments

[Takae]

Shinseki and now Duckworth! Ace!

[naschkatze]

Amen!

[lrfranceschi]

These are the kind of people we need in office. Yay Tammy!

[stevi]

Tammy is a hero, she personifies the heart and soul of America. I hope she runs for President in 8 years. Seriously!!

[ndbshannon]

I campaigned for Tammy in 2006. She is a humble honest outstanding Vet. She works tirelessly. Her challenges to have a normal life would overwhelm most people. She had to learn to walk on two artificial legs. She had to have her SUV outfitted with handicap assisted devices. I am so very pleased she is able to continue in her public service to United States.

[shedances]

I, too, am happy about this nomination!

[Cyke101]

Make that three. I'm still fuming over Roskam's claim that she was unamerican and wouldn't support veterans. HAH.

[AlexNYC]

Bravo on Tammy Duckworth's appointment! She will do a great job because she cares.

[BEHM777]

Truthfully, I am surprised it took this long to announce her appointment. From all I have heard, she is a committed, diligent, and excellent public servant. As a disabled veteran, I am glad to know this woman will be serving all of us.

[mikesw]

Tammy Duckworth strikes me as an excellent choice. The GOP should be ashamed of the dishonest campaign that Peter Roskam ran against her.

[RAFord24]

As a disable VET, outstanding choice. Who's better to fight for us, but one of us. Under the Bush era, Vet's have lost over 30% of funding maybe now we can get that back. Under President Bush 43 we receive very good pay while we were fighting for our country and trying to survive another day, but once our enlistment was over our country has not done right by us who defended our liberty, our freedom, and our safety. Maybe now it will change in the years to come. Congrats Major Duckworth!

[wolf58]

outstanding pick. As a disabled veteran I think we might just see the light of that long dark VA tunnel.

[sollosi]

Great choice. Nice looking chick too, I might add.

[Sneaky]

Oh no, don't say that. You'll be labeled SEXIST.

(Though I do agree.)

[tryharder2think]

It's not bad to complement some one for their looks, but to say chick is just pretty tasteless.

She's a woman.

[MissT]

Excellent!

[VermontGirl]

Woo Hoo Major Duckworth. This is absolutely one of our great new Presidents' best appointments.
Talk about integrity and intellect. She's the whole package and will represent our veterans in the
fashion they so deserve.

[Sneaky]

Slow down there. Let's see her tax returns first.

[Hopalongpoppyseed]

Gee, with a name like Sneaky, you should talk.

[joceeco]

Thank God, I am a disabled Veteran and I need someone to stand up for me in Washington.

[NoblesseOblige]

This is great news. Bravo!

[MajorKong]

Outstanding.