Senator Tammy Duckworth is an Iraq War Veteran, Purple Heart recipient and former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who was among the first handful of Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Duckworth served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years before retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2014. She was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016 after representing Illinois’s Eighth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for two terms.
As an Iraq War combat Veteran who went on to serve at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and who still receives her medical care there, Senator Duckworth understands the unique needs our Veterans face. She believes in the VA’s integrated system of care and remains committed to improving it for Veterans in Illinois and across the country. She also knows our country has an obligation to support our Veterans by making sure they have timely access to the health, retirement, disability and educational benefits they earned through their service and sacrifice.
After serving 23 years in the Reserve Forces, Senator Duckworth remains committed to the brave men and women who serve our nation from the moment they put on the uniform to long after they transition into civilian life. As our military and Veteran population grows and changes, she is committed to updating and refining policies to meet the needs of current and future Veterans and their families.