Durbin: Senate Confirms Duckworth for VA Position
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced the Senate approval of Tammy Duckworth to be Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“President Obama and America’s veterans now have Tammy Duckworth as their advocate and champion,” said Durbin. “I know Tammy will bring the same level of commitment to the VA that she has shown in fighting for her country and representing Illinois veterans.”
Duckworth was injured when the Blackhawk helicopter she was piloting over Iraq was hit with a rocket-propelled grenade. In the attack, she lost her left leg and her right leg has since been amputated. She spent months recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, facing multiple surgeries, extensive rehab and continuous upgrades of her prostheses. Duckworth was presented with a Purple Heart and awarded an Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal.
Durbin invited Duckworth as his guest to the State of the Union in 2005. In 2006, she was appointed the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. As assistant secretary, Duckworth will direct VA’s public affairs, internal communications and intergovernmental relations. She also will oversee programs for homeless Veterans, consumer affairs and special rehabilitative events.