Duckworth marks her ‘Alive Day’ in Veterans Day post

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) on Monday marked her “Alive Day,” the anniversary of the day she was wounded in Iraq, as the U.S. observed Veterans Day.

Duckworth, an Iraq War combat veteran, served as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in Iraq in 2004 when her helicopter was hit and she lost her legs.

She marked the occasion with a story about the day and how fellow troops “risked their lives” to save her.

{mosads}“Today is my Alive Day, the anniversary of the day I almost died but didn’t,” she tweeted Monday. “On this day 14 years ago, an RPG tore through the cockpit of the helicopter I was flying over Iraq, taking my legs and partial use of my right arm with it.”

“I was quite literally in pieces, but my buddies risked their lives and refused to leave me behind,” the senator added in a second tweet. “Every day I think about what they did for me and what I can do to repay them.”

“Making sure I don’t let them down is what drives me to do everything I can for our Veterans and troops.”

I was quite literally in pieces, but my buddies risked their lives and refused to leave me behind. Every day I think about what they did for me and what I can do to repay them. Making sure I don’t let them down is what drives me to do everything I can for our Veterans and troops.

— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) November 12, 2018

Duckworth, who is a Purple Heart recipient, has championed veterans issues during her time in office. She was one of the first female service members to fly combat missions in Iraq.

Earlier this year, Duckworth also became the first senator to give birth while in office.