Tammy Duckworth
Tammy Duckworth is an American politician, veteran, and former U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout her career, Duckworth has made a significant impact on American politics, with notable accomplishments, awards, and collaborations with other influential people.
Duckworth’s military service began when she joined the United States Army Reserve in 1992, and she eventually became a U.S. Army helicopter pilot. In 2004, while serving in Iraq, Duckworth lost both of her legs and partial use of one arm due to injuries sustained in combat. Her service and sacrifice have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
Following her military service, Duckworth turned to politics, serving as the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and later as a U.S. Representative for Illinois’s 8th congressional district. In 2016, she was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first Thai-American woman elected to Congress and the first female double amputee to serve in the Senate.
One of the milestones in Duckworth’s career came in 2018 when she became the first U.S. senator to give birth while in office. This achievement marked a significant moment for working mothers in the political sphere and helped to bring attention to issues such as paid parental leave and affordable childcare.
Throughout her career, Duckworth has collaborated with a variety of influential people, including former President Barack Obama, who endorsed her Senate campaign, and singer-songwriter Willie Nelson, who performed at one of her campaign events. Duckworth has also worked closely with fellow politicians, including Senator Elizabeth Warren and Vice President Kamala Harris, on issues such as healthcare and education.
Duckworth is also an advocate for animal welfare and has supported non-profit organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States. She has introduced legislation to protect animals in captivity, including whales and dolphins, and has been a vocal critic of animal cruelty and abuse.