Newsletter: The Duckworth Diary

Statement

Dear Neighbors,

This weekend I celebrated the Fourth of July in Hoffman Estates by attending the Northwest Fourth Fest and the Kane County Farmers Market. It was a nice way to honor our nation's servicemembers and give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy every day.

On Monday, I visited Experian in Schaumburg. I met with leaders from their Marketing practice and we discussed the importance of information security of their consumers. I then met with more of their staff for an employee townhall. We discussed the effects of social media on government and the situation in Iraq among other issues.

I then attended the ribbon cutting for local IT staffing firm, Lead-IT. Lead-IT is a woman owned small business that helps connect qualified workers with good jobs here in the 8TH District.

Back in Washington, I hosted a briefing on the Department of Defense's current medical evacuation capabilities with Congressman Wenstrup from Ohio. Over the years we have seen tremendous advances in medical technology and the planes and vehicles that evacuate our wounded men and women from the battlefield. This is an issue that is not often discussed and it was a great opportunity for me and my colleagues to better understand this unique and vital capability. This will be an area that I will continue to address in the Armed Services Committee, ensuring that we have the equipment and necessary training for our troops who are tending to our wounded.

I then met with my Washington, DC interns for coffee and conversation. I am inspired by these young people and their commitment to public service.

On Thursday, I introduced the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act with Representative Tim Walz (D-MN) and Chairman of the VA Committee, Representative Jeff Miller (R-FL). This legislation is a comprehensive bill that would help prevent Veteran suicide and help our nation's heroes who may be struggling get the care and support they need. It is named in honor of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veteran and suicide prevention advocate Clay Hunt. Hunt epitomized what it meant to live a life of service, both in and out of uniform. Hunt, who helped countless Veterans overcome their demons, tragically took his own life in March of 2011. The legacy he left behind, however, will live on for generations to come.

I hope you are having a great week.

Sincerely,

Representative Duckworth

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