(Tammy) Duckworth on homefront as husband off to war

[sabra]

Source: ChicagoTrib

Tammy Duckworth knows what it's like to be a soldier who kissed her spouse goodbye and went off to war in Iraq. She also knows what it's like to come home grievously wounded.

Now Duckworth, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs director who lost her legs during her 2004 deployment, is experiencing yet another reality of military life.

Her husband, Maj. Bryan Bowlsbey of the Illinois National Guard, arrived this month in the Middle East for his first tour of duty, directing convoys from Kuwait into Iraq several times a week.

Bowlsbey was mainly concerned with preparing his unit as he approached his deployment, she said, but he also took some extra precautions for his own safety. Duckworth said they bought extra armor for him.

"We certainly don't need another amputee in the family," she said and laughed.

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-duckworth_29jun29,1,807323.story?coll=chi-news-hed

[madrchsod]

1. she`s going to washington dc in a year or so.

she` has done a great job here in illinois and we`ll miss her..

[liberalnurse]

2. Could you elaborate?

What are her plans?

[madrchsod]

3. just speculating

who ever wins the election would be wise to ask her to join the va in some capacity. she`s doing a great job here in illinois for the vets and i`m sure she`d be great in any job she would be offered

[liberalnurse]

9. I can see that happening....

O8) :thumbsup:

[FredMertz]

4. It doesn't seem right

While I feel sorry for Ms.Duckworth, because of her injuries and the fact that her husband has to go to Iraq,it doesn't seem right, somehow, that the major gets to buy extra body armor, presumably because he can afford it. What about the poor private who's family can't afford to buy him extra armor?

[Hekate]

5. She speaks openly about the reality and about their actions, which helps others.

I don't know if anyone in this country still doesn't know that many of our troops are inadequately supplied and Ms. Duckworth can't change that policy herself, but it's now in the newspaper again thanks to her.

Hekate

[murielm99]

6. She also speaks out

about the treatment of veterans, and the lack of care they are getting. She knows about the horrific head wounds that are only multiplying in number.

I heard her speak at the Illinois Democratic Womens' convention. I wanted to talk to her after her speech, but she was surrounded by legislators. She was taking the opportunity to talk to them about wounded soldiers' needs, so I did not interrupt.

She is a terrific lady.

[Rebellious Republican]

7. Lots of soldiers families have bought body armor for them, She is

a civil servant and he is only a major, I am sure if you could pony up the cash you would to. They are not wealthy by any standards. What does not seem right is that the sons and daughters of coporate Americas elite do not have to go at all. I am sure the Bush twins really want to be there, however they have to stick around to be a role model for truly misunderstood brats like Paris Hilton.

[rcdean]

8. Why the hell doesn't she get out there and fight for her country!

Just kidding, of course. I love Tammy.

Back in the Nam era, we (the VVAW) organized a number of events in Philly. One was a 4th of July march from Roosevelt Park near Veteran's Stadium, up Broad Street to Independence Hall. We all wore combat fatigues. At the head of our march was a great guy we called "Shorty" who was a triple amputee. Everyone loved him. He was terrific.

At that time there were still a lot of residences on lower Broad Street. Front porches were crowded with people sucking down beers and hollering at us. The call we heard a lot was "Why the hell don't you bums get out there and fight for your country!"