Dear Neighbors,
Veterans day was this past Monday, and I spent the day with Vets from Des Plaines and at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. The Des Plaines VFW honored women Veterans while Jesse Brown VA partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to open Illinois’ first ever Veterans Food Bank. I got to meet a WWII Women’s Army Corps (WAC) Veteran who was simply awe-inspiring. I was both pleased to attend the much needed Food Pantry opening at Jesse Brown VA but am determined that we as a nation can do more so that we won’t have Veterans who must rely on food pantries to get by.
Later in the week, I visited the Environmental Protection Agency, the State Department and the Department of Health and Human Services to help these agencies celebrate the work of their Veterans. Each agency has in place programs to recruit Veterans to enter federal service. It was a pleasure to meet so many public servants who are committed to serving our country.
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On Thursday, I hosted a telephone townhall to talk with my neighbors and get their thoughts on immigration reform as well as other important issues. I am glad I was able to connect with so many of you.
This weekend, I am looking forward to spending some time in the 8th district. I hope you will come out and see me at one of my Congress at Your Corner events (details found here).
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This week, I celebrated my Alive Day. On November 12, 2004, my Blackhawk helicopter was shot down by a rocket propelled grenade in Iraq. I owe it to the crew who saved me to make their sacrifices and their heroic efforts that day worth it, and I owe it to them to live every day to the fullest and to stand up for our Veterans and for all Americans. Watch the full statement of thanks to these heroic men that I gave to the House on my Alive Day here.
Sincerely,
Congresswoman Duckworth
