Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth may have come up short in her bid to represent the 6th District in the U.S. Congress, but she has benefited: Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich has appointed her as the new director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs ( IDVA ) . Duckworth's appointment, which requires State Senate confirmaton, is effective Dec. 15.
According to a press release, Duckworth's first priority will be to step up IDVA's efforts to reach out to veterans who lack health coverage and make them aware of the Governor's Veterans Care health program that was jointly created by Gov. Blagojevich and Lt. Governor Pat Quinn.
As a member of the military, Duckworth is currently a major with the Illinois National Guard, working as a safety officer inspecting facilities around the state. During the war, she also served as commander of a 15-ship, UH-60A Blackhawk Helicopter Company, supervising the training for 60 aircrew members and overseeing maintenance for over $50 million in equipment. She also helped with planning, assigning and tracking combat missions. During a mission in November 2004, a rocket-propelled grenade struck the cockpit of her helicopter and exploded, causing her to lose both legs.
Duckworth will replace outgoing IDVA Director Roy L. Dolgos. He will remain in the Blagojevich administration as deputy director of administration with the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Highways.