Politics

Iraq Vet Tammy Duckworth Takes VA Post

By Kevin Hechtkopf

February 3, 2009 / 11:56 AM EST / CBS News

(AP)

President Obama has nominated Tammy Duckworth to serve as Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The position is not one that is generally particularly newsworthy, but Duckworth is a name you might recall: The Iraq war veteran ran a losing campaign for Congress as a Democrat in 2006. As a helicopter pilot in 2004, Duckworth lost both legs and partial use of one arm after her helicopter was hit with a rocket-propelled grenade.

Duckworth is currently the director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Duckworth had been discussed a possible pick as Secretary of Veterans Affairs before Mr. Obama chose former General Eric K. Shinseki to lead the department. She appeared with Mr. Obama shortly after his election at a Veterans Day commemoration in Chicago, at left.

"Effective communications with Veterans and VA's stakeholders is key to improving our services and ensuring Veterans receive the benefits they deserve," Shinseki said in a statement released by the White House. "Tammy Duckworth brings significant talent, leadership and personal experience to this important work."