Tammy Duckworth - A Real American Hero
Heroes are sometimes hard to find these days, unless you really look for them. Last night, while watching the coverage of the 2012 Democratic National Convention, I saw and heard, a real American hero speak.
Her name is Tammy Duckworth. Do you know her? I want to tell you some things you should know about Tammy Duckworth.
- She was born in Thailand.
- She is approximately 44 years old.
- She is a soldier, a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army.
- She is a pilot of Black Hawk helicopters.
- She has a Purple Heart, a Meritorious Service Award, an Army Commendation Medal, and more.
- She is a Veteran and a formidable advocate for Veterans and their families.
- She is the first female double amputee from the war in Iraq.
On Tuesday night, I heard her speak to the 2012 Democratic National Convention. She spoke directly and with conviction to her belief that our military has a friend in President and Michele Obama. Her compassion for Americas veterans was palpable. Tammy Duckworth stood there, on two prosthetic legs that she deliberately did not hide beneath trousers or a long skirt; a proud veteran of the U.S. Military. She didn't want sympathy. That isn't why she isn't ashamed of her prosthetic legs. Tammy Duckworth is an example to all wounded warriors, that there is, and will be - life after the sacrifice.
Tammy Duckworth makes me proud to be a woman; proud to be an American; and she inspires me. Her future is bright. We have not seen a fragment of what Tammy Duckworth will accomplish in her lifetime. .
I heard some good speechs on Tuesday night but none moved me like Tammy Duckworth. If she, a woman born in another country, can display such immense pride in fighting for my country, I owe her a debt of gratitude. If she can sacrifice both of her legs in the name of freedom and return to fight for other Veteran's, she has my upmost respect. She is a hero!
When Tammy Duckworth tells me we need Obama for four more years, I want her to know I heard her. I am listening.
© 2012 Linda Crist, All rights reserved.
