Duckworth Statement on President Obama's Final State of the Union Address

Statement

Following President Obama's final State of the Union Address this evening, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) issued the following statement:

"As I watched President Obama deliver his final State of the Union Address this evening, I reflected on the progress our nation has been able to make when we work together to meet shared goals. We've pulled ourselves from the brink of economic collapse, created millions of jobs and made significant progress in reducing Veteran homelessness--something I am particularly proud of.

"While these successes make me optimistic about America's future, we must remain vigilant against complacency. I am hopeful that we can find common ground on important national priorities, whether reducing gun violence while respecting the Second Amendment, helping make college more affordable for all families or protecting our homeland from ISIL without slamming our doors on the innocent victims of terrorism.

"We can all serve this nation in some way and I approach the New Year with a renewed commitment to serving my fellow citizens. I look forward to reaching across the aisle as well as working with the President to accomplish the work the American people sent us here to do."

Highlighting the importance and value of volunteer work and civilian national service, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) invited Loretta Coleman, an Air Force Veteran, AmeriCorps member and manager of the Jesse Brown VA Food Pantry, to be her guest at tonight's State of the Union Address. Ms. Coleman joined the military because of what she describes as her "servant's heart" and believes in the importance of serving one's country as well as being part of something bigger than oneself, and as a civilian she has continued serving her fellow Illinoisans in several capacities. Duckworth has made community service a hallmark of her public life, often volunteering her time throughout Eighth District communities, and is a champion in Congress for national service.

"Among America's best qualities--one that has helped our nation become a global superpower--is our unwavering commitment to helping others," said Congresswoman Duckworth as she invited Ms. Coleman. "Throughout my life, I've seen the impact selflessness and service can have on our communities and those around us. I have tried my best to give back what I can to my nation that has given me so much. When I imagine what our world might look like if we each showed the same dedication to serving others as Loretta Coleman has, it gives me hope for our future. Her story is a powerful reminder that serving one's country is not limited to those in uniform, and I commend her for continuing to serve our nation as a civilian with AmeriCorps. I look forward to hosting Loretta as my guest at President Obama's final State of the Union Address next week."

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