Tammy Duckworth

Ladda Tammy Duckworth, born on March 12, 1968, is a distinguished American politician and retired lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard, currently serving as Illinois' junior U.S. senator since 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously held a seat in the United States House of Representatives, representing Illinois's 8th congressional district from 2013 to 2017.

Duckworth's early life began in Bangkok, Thailand, before she moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where she was raised. She pursued higher education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and later at George Washington University in the nation’s capital. A decorated veteran of the Iraq War, Duckworth served as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army. In a tragic incident in 2004, her Black Hawk helicopter was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, resulting in the loss of both her legs and limited mobility in her right arm. She made history as the first female double amputee to emerge from the conflict.

Despite her significant injuries, Duckworth demonstrated remarkable resilience, obtaining a medical waiver that allowed her to serve in the Illinois Army National Guard for an additional decade before retiring in 2014. Throughout her career, she has been a vocal advocate for veterans’ rights, disability issues, and healthcare reform, solidifying her reputation as a dedicated public servant.