WASHINGTON (CNN) – President Obama plans to nominate Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth to a communications post at the Department of Veterans Affairs, the White House announced Tuesday.
“Effective communications with Veterans and VA’s stakeholders is key to improving our services and ensuring Veterans receive the benefits they deserve,” said VA Secretary Eric Shinseki said in a statement released by the White House “Tammy Duckworth brings significant talent, leadership and personal experience to this important work,” added Shinseki.
Duckworth will be named the Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the VA. She will be responsible for public affairs, internal communications and intergovernmental relations, and will oversee programs for homeless veterans, consumer affairs and special rehabilitative events.
Duckworth lost both legs and partial use of one arm when a helicopter she was piloting was attacked by a rocket propelled grenade in Iraq. At the time, Duckworth was a major in the Illinois National Guard in Iraq.
She is currently the director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2006, Duckworth mounted an unsuccessful bid to represent the state’s 6th District in the House of Representatives.
From CNN Politics
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What! Real Vets running the VA? How novel is that. Just keep McCain away though.
Applause Applause Applause! Congratulations Tammy.
Congratulations Tammy. Wishing you the very best!!!
How about that, the first wisest choice Obama made! He has set a new presence, veteran's taking care of veterans.
Honorable. I'm speechless
Good choice.
This is an excellent choice.
Thank you. We need a Vet to understand what we vets go through. Taking Daschle out of the equation, another good pick by the Pres.
I'm waiting for all the "ex-Bush" men (women) to come here and say something ugly like they always do!
Good for Obama – he keeps on trying to do the right thing for the country even if he has to include those who continually stab him in the back!!
We are being "played" by the GOP and they are gleeful about it they draw back their lips and I see nothing but very sharp teeth!
WONDERFUL. CONGRATULATIONS. A REAL VETERAN OVER A DEPARTMENT FOR VETERANS. Now maybe some things can get done for all the veterans that have served this country and have been forgotten.
Good call.