SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth returned to Iraq in April to visit Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard’s 108th Sustainment Brigade deployed there and to show her support for their service and mission in the region.
The senator is very familiar with the harsh environments and situations of deployed Soldiers.
Duckworth served in the Illinois Army National Guard for more than 23 years. In 2004, she deployed to Iraq as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot for the Illinois Army National Guard. Her helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade on Nov. 12, 2004. Duckworth lost both legs and partial use of her right arm in the explosion and received a Purple Heart for her combat injuries.
Duckworth encouraged the unit to learn from each other, stay connected with home and make the state of Illinois and country proud.