DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
807 Maine Ave., SW • Washington, D.C. 20024 • Phone (202) 554-3501 • Fax (202) 863-0233
N EWS R ELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2008
CONTACT: David E. Autry
Disabled American Veterans
(202) 554-3501
DAV Names Duckworth Disabled Vet of the Year
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) will honor Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director
Tammy Duckworth as the Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year for 2008 at the organization’s 87th
National Convention at Bally’s Hotel Las Vegas. The award will be presented by DAV National Commander
Robert T. Reynolds on Saturday, Aug. 9.
Duckworth, a combat-wounded double amputee of the war in Iraq, is recognized for her advocacy of
veterans and leadership as a public official and spokesperson.
“Since waking up at Walter Reed following horrific wounds, Tammy Duckworth has dedicated her life
to serving the needs of veterans. She’s given the new generation of returning veterans a voice on the national
stage and has been recognized as a leader for the service and benefits her agency provides Illinois vets,” said
Commander Reynolds. “Despite the debilitating injuries she sustained serving her country, she’s continued
to serve the entire veteran community as a patriot and advocate.”
Duckworth lost both of her legs and severely wounded her right arm on Nov. 12, 2004, when an enemy
rocket-propelled grenade struck the Black Hawk helicopter she co-piloted in Iraq. She was medically
evacuated to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where she began rehabilitation as the senior-ranking
amputee at the facility. As a patient, she helped her fellow wounded soldiers and their families address the
issues they faced.
Encouraged by congressional leaders she met during her recovery, she ran for a seat in the U.S. House
of Representatives in 2006. Despite losing by a narrow margin, during her campaign she strove to bring
veterans issues