Quotes from Tammy Duckworth

As a nation, we need to do everything we can to make sure those who have served have the tools they need to succeed in civilian life.

I believe accurately remembering - and honoring - our whole past is the first step in governing in a way that effectively represents the whole America.

I admire Governor Blagojevich's unbending commitment to giving every person in Illinois access to health care.

Those who put their lives on the line overseas are undoubtedly American heroes, but it's time for us to remember that those who serve in civilian life also embody the American spirit and are worthy of our praise as well.

The ADA is essential in helping me overcome the obstacles I face as a Wounded Warrior and empowers me to assist other veterans. It allows me to be physically active, have my pilot's license, and serve in Congress.

My first direct encounter with the military was when I joined ROTC as a graduate student, although my father, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, can trace the military service in our family all the way back to the Revolutionary War.

I feel like moderate Republicans, who would support sensible gun violence legislation, are pushed aside by those folks who are absolutely beholden to the NRA.

I almost can't believe this even needs to be said, but it's not unwarranted to burden retirement advisers with a requirement that they act in their clients' best interest.

When I joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1992, there were no female four-star generals. I still remember the day in 2008 when a woman first achieved that rank.

We must recognize and keep in the public consciousness the significant contributions and sacrifices Americans of every community have made that have helped forge the greatest country our world has ever known.

Had I been injured on the freeway and not in combat, it is likely that I would be bankrupt even though I had medical insurance through my civilian employer.

The women putting their lives at risk for our country deserve better than to be treated as second-class citizens.

Each and every time I went in for IVF treatments, I knew there was a bipartisan group of Congresswomen praying for me, and I was honored that the same group was there at my baby shower.

I do not have PTSD, but if I watch part of a movie like 'The Hurt Locker,' or when I spend time around Blackhawk helicopters, I will close my eyes that night and live an entire day in Iraq, flying my missions. I remember the smell and the feel and the heat and everything about it. Then I wake up in Illinois, and I'm exhausted.

Barack Obama will never ignore our troops.

Our troops do an incredible job every single day, but our policymakers have not lived up to the sacrifices that our troops make every day.

I can't avoid the interest in the fact that I'm an injured female soldier.

Our soldiers show every single day that they are more than good enough.

I'm glad that people know my military service. But, like this nation, we are more than our military. And the rest of our story is the same as the rest of my story.

I actually shoot. I enjoy target practice. I find it really zen. You focus on nothing but the target. You have to control your breathing. It's all part of my years in the military, where I was taught to become a marksman but also to respect my weapon.

Energy is one of the most precious battlefield resources, but it is risky and expensive to deliver in combat zones.

I spent twenty years in the Army; of course it's going to color the things I talk about. If anyone spends twenty years doing anything, that's going to play a part in who you are as a human being.

I shouldn't even be here, so if I'm here, I better do something good.

When I got to Iraq, my world focused in on one mission. It was incredibly rewarding.