Fund Raising for Tammy Duckworth

Tammy Duckworth is running for congress Why I'm running

Many candidates and office holders say the right things on the issues, but too many fail to be champions when they are needed most. When I hear from people who are struggling to put food on the table, I understand because I’ve been there.

My father was a Veteran who put himself through college on the GI Bill and he had a good job. But then the bottom fell out and at 55 my dad was unemployed. My entire family pitched in - my mom took in sewing and I got a minimum wage job after school. Hard work, food stamps, and charity is how we paid the bills and rebuilt our lives. These experiences have taught me that I will work to find practical solutions.

One of the first things I did in this race was release a jobs plan that outlines priorities for investment in infrastructure, education, and job training. I believe that we need to repeal the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 2%, crack down on big corporations who avoid paying taxes, and speak out against those who would go to war for the wrong reasons. We need to create jobs, reform our tax code, and make sure that everyone plays by the same set of rules.

I could have died when my helicopter was shot down in Iraq. Now, I believe that this time in my life is a second chance for me, a “bonus time”. This means that I am free to stand up for what I believe in and speak out for what I think is right. I can speak with a unique voice on issues such as cutting defense spending and fighting waste and inefficiency at the Department of Defense.

Tammy Duckworth

About Tammy In 2003, Tammy Duckworth was working on a project for Rotary International to provide wheelchairs for the disabled in developing countries including Iraq. As a Captain in the National Guard, she was mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed in 2004.

As a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, she was one of the first women to fly combat missions in Iraq until November 12th, 2004 when her helicopter was hit by an RPG. Tammy lost both legs and part of the use of her right arm in the explosion, and was awarded the Purple Heart for her combat injuries.

During her recovery at Walter Reed, Tammy was one of the highest-ranking amputees and became an advocate for her fellow soldiers. Her leadership was recognized when she was asked to testify before Congress and recruited to run for the House of Representatives. After losing a close race, Tammy continued to serve as a Major in the National Guard and became Director of Illinois' Department of Veterans' Affairs. There, she implemented many first in the nation programs to address Post Traumatic Stress, improve traumatic brain injury screening and reduce homelessness among Vets.

In 2009, Tammy was tapped by President Obama to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs where she sought to improve the standard of care for Vets. She oversaw VA's effort to end Veteran homelessness and lead initiatives for female Vets and increased accessibility and accountability with the new Office of Online Communications.

Military service is a Duckworth tradition - a family member has served during every period of conflict since the Revolution. Tammy followed suit by joining the Reserves in graduate school and chose to fly helicopters because it was one of the few combat jobs open to women.

Tammy is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and received a Masters of Arts in International Affairs from the George Washington University. She and her husband Bryan, an Army Major, live in Hoffman Estates where their home was rebuilt for wheelchair access in 2005 by her fellow Soldiers and friends. Despite her injuries, she declined a military medical retirement and continues to drill as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Illinois Army National Guard.

At Thai Little Home Restaurant