Katie sat down with Tammy Duckworth hours before Tammy’s big speech at the Democratic Convention in Denver. Duckworth, a wounded warrior and veteran of the Iraq war, spoke candidly about life since combat and her views on the Bush administration’s foreign policies.

Katie Couric interviews Tammy Duckworth

Tammy Duckworth currently serves as the Director of Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. A Major in the Illinois Army National Guard, Tammy Duckworth served in Iraq and flew combat missions as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. During a mission in 2004, a rocket-propelled grenade struck the helicopter she was co-piloting and as a result of the attack, Duckworth lost both of her legs and partial use of one arm. She received many decorations for her service in Iraq, including the Purple Heart and the Air Medal.

Since her recovery at Walter Reed, Duckworth has dedicated her life to public service. She serves as a national advocate on behalf of other veterans, regularly addressing a wide variety of issues facing veterans today. She has testified before both the U.S. House and Senate regarding medical care and employment for returning veterans. In 2006, Duckworth ran for U.S. Congress in the 6th District of Illinois, losing to her Republican opponent by only a small percent of the vote.

She speaks fluent Thai and Indonesian and is a published author on the connection between environmental radon and lung cancer. She has declined her medical retirement to continue her service in the Illinois Army National Guard. Duckworth and her husband MAJ Bryan Bowlsbey, currently reside in Hoffman Estates, IL.

A short video that played at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, featuring Tammy Duckworth.

Tammhy Duckworth speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC)