Background following this article from WGN, Chicago.
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Senate confirms Duckworth for V.A. position
Former Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth was confirmed unanimously by the Senate this evening for a post in the Obama Administration as an assistant secretary in the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department.
Duckworth, a veteran of the Iraq War who was injured when the Blackhawk helicopter she was piloting was hit with a rocket-propelled grenade, will be Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Duckworth lost her left leg and her right leg has since been amputated due to injuries she sustained in the attack.
After treatment for her injuries, she unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the U.S. House and was later appointed director of the state veterans affairs department.
Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) lauded her in a statement issued shortly after her Senate confirmation.
"President Obama and America's veterans now have Tammy Duckworth as their advocate and champion," Durbin said in the written statement. "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."
--Mike Dorning
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Senate confirms Duckworth for V.A. position
