June 25, 2021

Duckworth Discusses Support for Servicemembers with Air Force Sergeants Association

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today held a virtual Q&A with members of the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) Chapter 872 from Scott Air Force Base. Duckworth was joined by AFSA Chapter 872 President Master Sergeant Amanda Rainford, AFSA Chapter 872 Secretary Technical Sergeant Patrick Costello, AFSA Chapter 872 Senior Advisor Master Sergeant Rhonnie Bronson and other chapter members to discuss necessary servicemember support such as military pay raises, immigration assistance and suicide prevention programs.

“Our country has a duty to support our servicemembers, Veterans and our military families,” Duckworth said. “I had a great discussion with the local AFSA members today, and I will keep working to support our military men and women at Scott Air Force Base, in every corner of Illinois and across our country.”

Duckworth is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee and has consistently worked to help our military servicemembers and Veterans. This week, Duckworth released a report detailing the state of deported Veterans and the barriers immigrant servicemembers and Veterans face. Earlier this year, Duckworth introduced legislation to support active military families experiencing food insecurity and help ensure no one willing to serve this nation in uniform struggles to feed their family.

Duckworth was one of the first handful of Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years before retiring from military service in 2014 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She served on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) during her four years serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

-30-