Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth here! What questions do you have for me?

2016-04-14T13:39:44-04:00

*From RP Staff:
We're honored to welcome Congresswoman Duckworth to RallyPoint for a Live Q&A on 4/18 at 4:00pm EST! Post your questions below.

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth is an Iraq War Veteran who served in the U.S. Army’s Reserve Component for more than 2 decades and was awarded a Purple Heart. She was one of the first Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 14 at 2016 1:44 PM

2016-04-14T13:44:15-04:00

Why are we continuing with the draw down of the Army, at a time when Iraq, Syria and Afganistan are picking up?

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 14 at 2016 1:49 PM

2016-04-14T13:49:17-04:00

LTC Tammy Duckworth, Ma'am, thanks for joining us. There is an increasingly evident divide between the military and the civilian population we serve. Nowhere is this more evident than in the government where fewer veterans are elected and fewer elected representatives' children serve. 1. What do you see as the roles and responsibilities of congress in addressing this? 2. What do you see as the roles and responsibilities of we servicemembers and veterans in addressing this? 3. What hazards do you see approaching if this civil-military divide is not properly addressed?

Response by GySgt David Andrews made Apr 14 at 2016 1:49 PM

2016-04-14T13:49:27-04:00

Why do you and the other veterans in congress let them keep cutting our benefits?! This includes those serving and those who are veterans. Is it you get up there in the capital and forget where you came from?

Response by SSG Jeremy Kohlwes made Apr 14 at 2016 1:56 PM

2016-04-14T13:56:00-04:00

LTC Duckworth, thank you for taking the time to address the concerns of the members here. As a fellow disabled Veteran and amputee I have watched your political career with interest.

As a Congresswoman and a past VA employee, do you have any plans for addressing the issues that continue to surface within the Veteran's Affairs? Thank you again for your time

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 14 at 2016 2:11 PM

2016-04-14T14:11:00-04:00

Thank you for answering questions in this forum. Please explain your position on allowing Syrian refugees into the US. I've seen commercials saying you'd welcome hundreds of thousands. How do we ensure we aren't allowing radical Muslim terrorists into our country?

Response by SSG Bethany Viglietta made Apr 14 at 2016 2:12 PM

2016-04-14T14:12:30-04:00

Ma'am,

First of all, thank you for your service and continuing service to this nation. I know you've continued to be an advocate for Veterans and the mandatory funding of our healthcare with better/more doctors, nurses, and other specialists so that we may be seen in a timely manner.

My question for you, is how do we get the Veteran's Health Care and benefits away from the Defense spending bills? If that is at all possible. I agree with you that our defense spending should be continuously audited, but how can we do that without hurting our Veterans and those currently serving?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 14 at 2016 2:21 PM

2016-04-14T14:21:37-04:00

Ma'am,
As you are running for Senate currently, can you weigh in on your view of the Advice & Consent Clause, and its current AND historical uses as a political game chip?

Your views on most "policy" is well established, however the usage of Powers would be insightful.

Response by SSG Michael Hartsfield made Apr 14 at 2016 2:27 PM

2016-04-14T14:27:38-04:00

LTC Tammy Duckworth It is an honor to have you here today, Ma'am. My questions are: Is there a way that the US Military and the VA can share information (medical records, for example) electronically IOT streamline information and possibly cut down on the wait time veterans can receive benefits and if so when can it be implemented?

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 14 at 2016 2:28 PM

2016-04-14T14:28:28-04:00

Congresswoman Duckworth I would like to thank you for fighting for service members and veterans. My question is, will congress, SECDEF, and generals start thinking about the service members and veterans as a priority instead of giving a paltry 1% raise, cutting BAH, VAH offset, and giving pink slips to include those who are on a deployment? Where is the love?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 2:42 PM

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what is your stance on the changing of the military retirement from the old pension system to the new 401K style system? do you think this will benefit future service members or will it hurt the ability to retain members to the standard 20 year retirement?

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Apr 14 at 2016 2:47 PM

2016-04-14T14:47:01-04:00

Would you consider implementing term limits in the House, Senate, and Supreme Court?

Response by SSG Alvin Amezquita made Apr 14 at 2016 3:08 PM

2016-04-14T15:08:15-04:00

Good Afternoon ma'am
First thank you for you faithful service to our nation. Second I would like to address something that is near and dear to me. Military base services for people who get a disability rating. The current rule is that you have to be 100% disabled to use military facilities like the px and commissary. I was wondering if everybody who is service connected with a disability rating no matter what rating could be afforded the right to continue shopping at the px, commissary and also able to use other facilities on post. I'm not sure why this rule is in place and I could not find anything in writing. I feel that all of us veterans sacrificed our bodies for this nation. I think it would be nice for us to still be able to be around the one home we all miss and continue to contribute to our military facilities. Thank you for your time.

Response by Katheryn Sato made Apr 14 at 2016 3:15 PM

2016-04-14T15:15:17-04:00

Wow! The post alone gave me welcome news! Tammy, Brava! Another person in Congress who offers me hope! Thank you!

Response by PO3 Victoria D. made Apr 14 at 2016 4:13 PM

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Congresswoman, first and foremost thank you for your service. My question is because I am a Navy veteran who served during Desert Shield, not OIF/OEF, there are no services that I can take advantage of because of this. Everything is geared for OIF/OEF veterans. What can you do to help female veterans like me. I don't have PTSD or MST, my husband and I have been trying to start a small business from home and there is nothing out there to help because we don't fit into any of the boxes.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 4:22 PM

2016-04-14T16:22:24-04:00

BRAC requests from the Services need to be addressed beyond the rhetoric of "it cost too much last time " and "not in my district". If BRAC legislation doesn't work then I'd like to know who might be working in revised legislation to noth address concerns/lessons learned and post sequestration funding for readiness. Allowing the Services to realign would be efficient.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 5:28 PM

2016-04-14T17:28:43-04:00

LTC Tammy Duckworth congresswoman, thanks for taking the time to engage with the RallyPoint community! Your work on national security issues, as briefly outlined at http://duckworth.house.gov/index.php/issues/national-security, has been meaningful and important. What are your views on updating Goldwater-Nichols and DOPMA to address the security issues we face? I'm particularly concerned with personnel/talent management; I don't believe the current up-or-out system for promotion, for example, is the best approach for managing our human resources. Thoughts?

National Security

Over the more than two decades that I wore the uniform, I had the honor and privilege of serving both at home and overseas alongside the best that our country has to offer. My time in the military helped shape my views on national security and foreign policy, and it drives my work as a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Response by LTC Marc King made Apr 14 at 2016 7:24 PM

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Why have mothballed 2,000 M1 Tanks and don't want to upgrade them when the Russians and Chinese are expanding and updating their tank fleets. Do we have to relearn this lesson after we get our asses kicked in the opening round of a war? A Stryker with a 105mm gun will not defeat a main battle tank.

Here is an update:

A single Iraqi M1 Abrams tank has been reportedly devastating Islamic State positions within the city of Hit in western Iraq's Anbar province, earning the nickname "The Beast" on social media and among U.S. and coalition advisers.

"Frankly, [the M1] has been handing it to the enemy regularly now for several days," Col. Steve Warren, spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led mission to drive Islamic State out of Iraq and Syria, told reporters. Warren was responding to criticisms about Iraqi forces being "slow in the pace of their operations" and not being aggressive enough.

So again I ask "Why are 2000 M1 tanks sitting in the desert?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 14 at 2016 10:04 PM

2016-04-14T22:04:27-04:00

No questions just a Hardy Thank You from One Veteran to Another. If you ever decide to move to Kansas and Run for Office. You have my Vote.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 11:38 PM

2016-04-14T23:38:56-04:00

Are you going to get involved in the military's chronic problem of sexual assault. Victims are retaliated against there are no recovery programs offered.

Response by SrA Leah Murchie made Apr 15 at 2016 3:14 AM

2016-04-15T03:14:42-04:00

https://www.change.org/p/issue-trusted-afghan-interpreter-an-immigrant-visa?recruiter=518281586&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink

Issue trusted Afghan interpreter an immigrant visa

In 2011, I was deployed to Afghanistan in the U.S. Air Force Security Forces. My job was to help protect the perimeter of our base. We encountered many dangerous situations, and, at each turn, I was profoundly grateful to our dedicated Afghan interpreter, Jamie, for seeing us through. Now Jamie needs...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2016 12:06 PM

2016-04-15T12:06:45-04:00

Ma'am, what is your stance on term limits for all Congressional Members and creating a Retirement Age for all Politicians and SCOTUS Justices?

What are your views on the Healthcare system set aside for our Elected Officials? Would you support doing away with the Cadillac Polices most of them are getting and have them use the Healthcare systems and Insurance from their states and even force them to use the VA Facilities (in their States)?

Also, Would you please hit John McCain with a Phone Book or something similar in weight?

I look forward to your continued service to our country and helping the rest of the Politicians to gain common sense. God Bless, Ma'am.

Response by LCpl Timothy McCain made Apr 15 at 2016 2:48 PM

2016-04-15T14:48:56-04:00

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/why-isn-t-the-fight-over-when-i-return-home-and-why-do-i-have-to-fight-my-government-for-the-pay-and-benefits-i-was-promised

Why isn't the fight over when I return home and why do I have to fight my Government for the pay...

It's easy for civilians and politicians to say thank you for your service. But when it comes to doing what is right they find excuses not to do right by our veterans. For example:. Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act (2014) After clearing a procedural vote by a 99-0 margin, the bill was hijacked by Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans who attached an amendment to the bill which would have levied sanctions...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2016 3:55 PM

2016-04-15T15:55:37-04:00

Ma'am,

Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our nation coming from a fellow Iraq War veteran. My question is: Will there be a chance that the military (especially the Army) will slow down the drawdown in spite of the ongoing threats from Russia, China, North Korea, ISIS, etc.?

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Apr 16 at 2016 7:30 PM

2016-04-16T19:30:10-04:00

How can the Army refuse to investigate a murder and other crimes commited by a former Officer

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Apr 17 at 2016 3:08 PM

2016-04-17T15:08:42-04:00

Thank you for joining us on RallyPoint Congresswoman. If Donald Trump wins the general election, what impact do you foresee it having on congress and its ability to pass meaningful legislation for our veterans and military? What impact do you think a Sander's presidency would have?

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 4:28 PM

2016-04-17T16:28:54-04:00

Congresswoman Duckworth,

There sems to be increasing difficulty in the transition from DoD service to veteran status, particularly for women servicemembers. Do you believe enough is being done at the strategic level to help bridge the gap between assignment to the DoD, and transition to the VA? It seems a more proactive aproach to this gap could better address the myriad of issues veterans face today.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/homecoming-can-particularly-hard-female-veterans/

Why homecoming can be particularly hard for female veterans

In the return to civilian life, many women find that veteran services fall short of their needs. Unemployment rates for female veterans are higher than for other women, as well as for male veterans. Female veterans are at least twice as likely to be homeless than women who haven’t worn a uniform. Special correspondent Gayle Tzemach Lemmon reports on the challenges they face.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 9:26 PM

2016-04-17T21:26:50-04:00

Congresswoman Ducksworth,
Thank you for joining us. What is your view point on the manning reduction within the US Air Force, particularly on the Logistics field; Material Management and Tiltrotor Maintenance. Congress has blessed us with less funding every year and yet, we have less manning and resources to accomplish our mission. Thank you.

Response by SPC Joshua Heath made Apr 18 at 2016 8:55 AM

2016-04-18T08:55:42-04:00

Congresswoman Duckworth,

First, thank you for your service and your continued dedication to serving your country through elected office. I think the other respondents have all asked excellent questions and I hope you address them effectively. My question to you is on religious diversity within our country at large and within our military in particular. Thank you for your time here answering questions, I wish you the best of luck with your campaign.

I am have been trying, unsuccessfully so far, to get the Department of Defense to recognize my religious preference since '09 when I was still on active duty. This process continues to be stalled and frustrating at every stage, yet, supposedly the DoD as a whole is unrolling a new system to recognize and support additions to the religious preference list. http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/05/24/thor-asatru-humanism-hammer/27598169/

My question is this, what will you do to support those of us in minority faiths within the military? Furthermore, how will you assist in reducing discrimination of religious minorities within the US as a whole, as Senator?

After 6 years, Heathenism religious code still in limbo

A six-year quest by multiple soldiers to add Heathenism to the Army's list of faith group codes appeared to wrap up in January, with word from a

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Apr 18 at 2016 9:08 AM

2016-04-18T09:08:54-04:00

When is the VA system going to be cleanse and forced to follow their own rules! And don't tell me they do, they don't! Lose records and apply deniability, and refuse to recognize their own rules like Reasonable Doubt!!!!!!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-04-18T09:59:22-04:00

Congresswoman Duckworth,
Welcome and thank you for being here.
My question is: Have you read the classified 28 pages of the 9/11 report and if so do you feel they should be classified or not?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Apr 18 at 2016 10:54 AM

2016-04-18T10:54:37-04:00

Congresswoman Duckworth,
It's an honor to have you on RallyPoint with us. Your story is inspiring for many veterans here as you overcame tremendous circumstances in your transition. We need more veteran leaders like yourself in political office to continue the important advocacy for those who have served. What can service members and veterans be doing now to prepare themselves to take on such an important career path someday?

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Apr 18 at 2016 11:05 AM

2016-04-18T11:05:49-04:00

Thank you for coming to RP ma'am. It's good to see one of our own come back and give insight. My question to you would be: We've been going through Sequestration for awhile now, and the line of "keeping the best and brightest" is not true. We're looking at a military that is stretched thin, deployed more than they are home, families destroyed due to OPTEMPO, and while deployed there is no guarantee you'll have a job when you get back. I read the articles that talk about change in the service, but all I see are Brigades casing colors, BRAC talk, how this branch is loosing 40,000 troops, and that branch loosing 10,000. We have aircraft that are so beat up they're scavenging museum planes for parts. That actually was a Marine Unit on Fox news talking about that VERY incident. They DID have to go to a museum plane and get parts of it for another plane to be ready. We have a project that is effectively destroying the AF budget, and still has no clear sign of being mission capable anytime soon, but they want to stop flying the plane that actually IS able to perform the CAS mission perfectly now. What are you doing to stem the tide? What are your verifiable plans to end the bleeding of the military? We cannot keep up this pace loosing experienced NCO's and Officers, using equipment that would normally be DRMO'd or scrapped without a second thought. I again thank you for your time ma'am, and "No Mission To Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great....DUTY FIRST"!!!

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Apr 18 at 2016 11:43 AM

2016-04-18T11:43:44-04:00

Thank you congresswoman Duckworth for your service to our country. I feel that we will all be a little better connected to Washington, D.C. with more veterans serving in congress. My question concerns my son who is currently flying in the middle east on deployment. What will you do to replace the aging air frames such as the KC-10 and KC-135 tankers in the AF inventory now? These gas stations in the sky make it possible for our fighters, bombers and ground support aircraft to stay on station over hostile territories for longer periods of time. This is a virtual life saver for soldiers on the ground.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 12:00 PM

2016-04-18T12:00:13-04:00

Congresswoman,
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Lately the SCOTUS has made some unconstitutional decisions overriding the right of the states to set their own laws. Are the conservative members of Congress considering using a constitutional amendment to help restrain the SCOTUS in the abuse of its authority?

Response by SPC Tanya Cummings Boozer made Apr 18 at 2016 12:51 PM

2016-04-18T12:51:27-04:00

Thank you for joining us on RallyPoint and thank you for your service, Congresswoman Duckworth.
My question for you is, why can VA employees who commit fraud not be fired and prosecuted accordingly?

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 18 at 2016 1:17 PM

2016-04-18T13:17:57-04:00

Congresswoman, are personal relations as a group, or individually, between the Democrats and Republicans, as bad as the media and the rhetoric would lead us to believe?

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Apr 18 at 2016 1:31 PM

2016-04-18T13:31:25-04:00

Hello Congresswoman Duckworth. I was wondering if the V.A. could get given the same priority that senate/house healthcare gets. Why is it that senators, et al, get their problems "fixed" expeditiously, yet the VA takes years to settle claims? I am presently going on five years, waiting for the VA to straighten it's mess out.

Its disgusting that in this computer day and age, the system caring for our vets is still using pencils and erasers and recruiting minimal staff that are not capable of handling the large volume of work that needs to be handled. My claim is very complex; I need to get a child added back on to my benefits. Again...five years... Amazing.

V/R,

Don Murphy
YN3(SS), USN Retired

Response by SGT J M Porters made Apr 18 at 2016 1:42 PM

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I have niece who has become disillusioned with her command and now is the being target for removal. She is a 1st LT who has had two run in with her XO who is also a female. And as you know this is not the complete story. However, they have had her reporting to SSGT for work details and assignments. This is an Army reserve unit training at a Air Force base. I have tried to tell her this is not the big picture of the Army. They have lost her paper work on three occasions. She has been berated by the Captain who is the company commander because she has not attend or selected her branch while in formation. I would hate to see her cash in here military careen because she has done so well up until here. Thanks again for your service.

Response by SPC David S. made Apr 18 at 2016 2:09 PM

2016-04-18T14:09:47-04:00

Thank you ma'am for your service as well for allowing us the opportunity to ask you questions. As I live out side Chicago (Glen Ellyn) with many friends and family living in Chicago I constantly hear about the 'gun violence' that has plagued the city. We're only 108 days into the year and already have 151 shot and killed with an additional 822 who were shot and wounded. What or how are you working on addressing this issue beyond gun control laws as the gun laws are doing little to curb the violence.

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Apr 18 at 2016 2:12 PM

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On Oct 1,1973 a murder happened in my unit 1st Bn 19th Inf 25th Inf Div Schofield Barracks Hawaii. When I talked to the MP,s about it I told them 5 people heard the co order the murder to protect his carreer because the pfc had turned him in for stealing promotions and stealing unit members pay.The day later I was sent to Ft.Riley , Kansas for discharge where I was held for 6months of illegal detention I was also not paid for 15 months. but every law enforcement refuses to investigate.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-04-18T14:44:38-04:00

Would appreciate your thoughts on Sgt. 1st Class Charles Martland, what exactly is Congress doing to support him after being discharged by the Army for body slamming an Afghani child rapist? At what point are we going to realize their is cultural differences that will never change & support the men and women we send downrange unconditionally. He would be hailed a hero if he were on US soil and had done the same... We trained him to be lethal but apparently body slamming a baby raper is over line.
- Secondly the VA is still abysmal, the VA Secretary seems to be another professional lip service champion, in order to change the culture we need change in leadership, not just a new face to the old company, how many senior level VA employees have been fired for the current train wreck, blatant misuse of funds for job transfers, lying about wait times, etc.?
- BTW - I still appreciate you fragging the "sprained ankle" clown who took advantage of DAV set asides a few years go, that was pretty epic.
- I understand the VA question/comment is a quite a daunting one, but SFC Martland IMO was abandoned in what seems to be a political decision...strange that he is out and Bergdahl is still cashing taxpayer checks.

Response by CPT Yinka Ogunsanya MBA, MA made Apr 18 at 2016 2:53 PM

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I have a proposal and not a question, I think the Military should be treated like everyone else when it come to retirement, a lose it all approach to retirement is unjust. People that have served over 10 years should be able to carry along with them whatever they have accrued to next job and not start all over. I truly believe this is one of the factors that some of us veterans find is hard to succeed. If I work for any major company that has pension and I decide to leave, my accrual goes with me. Will you be willing to champion this legislation with me.

Response by Cpl Jim Hainen made Apr 18 at 2016 3:15 PM

2016-04-18T15:15:05-04:00

Tammy, I could spend hours listening to and your combat experiences. But one question I have is what ran through your mind as you were hit and going down in the aircraft? The one single most thought. I salute you and God bless you. Sgt. James Hainen, 1189639 USMC.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Apr 18 at 2016 3:46 PM

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LTC Tammy Duckworth, I work as the Acting Chief of the Congressional Response Department within a VHA office that responds to community care issues for Veterans. In that capacity, I respond to inquiries from Representatives such as yourself. What issues and trends do you continue to see from your constituents that directly involve their interaction with the VA and/or VHA? From your perspective, what can I do in my capacity to help?

Response by MSgt Rena Schmidt made Apr 18 at 2016 4:04 PM

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How can predatory female Airmen be stopped in the military? Case in point the airman shows "interest" in a superior officer seduces him (he is human) she gets promoted he loses his career, and she gets to brag about her conquests on base. Saying things like "I took one for the team" and got a notch in my belt. If the tables were turned and it had been a guy he would have suffered. But since she is female she lied and got away with it.

Response by LTC Tammy Duckworth made Apr 18 at 2016 4:11 PM

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Hi folks. Happy to join you all. Let's get started! Hooah!

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Apr 18 at 2016 4:45 PM

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Hello honorable congresswoman Duckworth, my name is Cody Collins I serve as United States Marine from October 9th 1979 to August 18th 1988 as a 2531 field radio operator and headquarters company 2nd Marine Division 2nd Marine regiment the I reenlisted as a 6531 Aviation Ordnance from May of 84 until August 18th 1988 served 3 tours in the Middle East. My question is what ideas or plans do you have in the pipeline to help Illinois's get out of the fiscal crisis that they are in? And what can you do on a federal level to help get Illinois back on track?

Response by LTC Tammy Duckworth made Apr 18 at 2016 5:11 PM

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Hey everyone, I had a great time. I'm sorry I couldn't get to everyone. I'd love to do this again sometime. If you have any questions or need VA help, please get in touch with my congressional office. [login to see] Air Assault! Hooah!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 6:03 PM

2016-04-18T18:03:45-04:00

Ms. Duckworth,
In your opinion, how serious would the economic & military consequences be if Saudi Arabia were implicated for 9/11 as a result of pending legislation and the declassification of the 28 redacted pages of the 9/11 Commission Report? Additionally, what relationship does that have to the 9 Yemeni GTMO prisoners transferred to Saudi Arabia recently in advance of President Obama's visit there?

Response by SSgt Timothy Wright made Apr 18 at 2016 7:11 PM

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LTC Duckworth. Yhank you for your service both in the military and now as our Congresswoman here in Hawaii. I served in the Marine Corps Reserve for 21 years with the last 5 years being on active duty. Why is it that reservists who have spent 20 plus years of service and also been called to active duty to a war zone have to wait until age 65 to receive retirement? Not too many active reservists stay in to serve a full 20 plus years for retirement. I served in Iraq in 2005 and injured my back and neck in a rocket attack on May 23rd, 2005 when a great Marine was killed. I did not receive a Purple Heart and nor did I want one at the time. My question is why do reservists who served 20 plus years and also served in a combat zone have to wait to they are 65 years old to receive retirement? Many have been injured and can no longer do the jobs that they had before and now live on a lower income due to injuries. Reservists who have spent 20 plus years to serve our country should be treated the same as our active duty counter part. We were all told that we are all the same but for some reason the reservist is left out of the picture of being treated the same way as our active duty counter part. Most reservists get out after serving the 4-6 year contract that they have signed but only a handful actually stay in to serve our country for 20 plus years and would still be serving if they could if not for mandatory retirement or for being processed through the MED BOARD.
SSGT Wright, Timothy L (USMC) 1986-2007

Response by PO2 Nick Burke made Apr 18 at 2016 7:59 PM

2016-04-18T19:59:10-04:00

Hi. I'm here in lake Co Il. How do you feel about CCW here as well as other 2nd Amend. issues? (like AR-15 ect ownership?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 9:46 PM

2016-04-18T21:46:26-04:00

Finally, we have a politician who is not a hard-right, anti-choice conservative.

I am very excited you are participating here, I just hope the extreme conservatives don't ruin the experience for you.

Oh, and thank you very much for your military and government service. I was proud to sponsor your campaign through Emily's list and wish you continued success in keeping our republic a secular one that respects the rights of all Americans, rather than just the religious ones.

Response by CPT Len Joseph made Apr 18 at 2016 11:22 PM

2016-04-18T23:22:40-04:00

Do you intend to becum more vocal about the failure of US State Dept+Embassy to condemn Thai junta's harsh repression of free speech and debate over junta's proposed anti-democ constitution?

Response by CPT Steven Harder made Apr 18 at 2016 11:55 PM

2016-04-18T23:55:04-04:00

Sorry I missed this earlier . . .

Any idea how many times I have to beat the VA and prove they are inept, before they remove the cover sheet from my file that says "Screw Harder any and every way you can!"? I've been fighting them tooth and nail for over 30 years now and everything gets denied multiple times before they finally realize they've been wrong all along.

The only thing worse, is having to fight and wait for hip and now knee replacement. The VA standard is to not replace until bone-into-bone. Meanwhile, screw your quality of life and here's a prescription for Hydrocodone.

Feel free to contact me, if you think I'm BS'ing or want more details.

Response by LTC Gregory Bishop made Apr 19 at 2016 12:28 AM

2016-04-19T00:28:34-04:00

Congresswoman, I'm a partner and producer at the All Warrior Network...would you be interested in doing an interview with us anytime in the future? We have a fast growing social media community and we curate and create video content (documentaries, short films, comedies, etc.) that resonates with our community. I'd be happy to speak with your press staff to discuss.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Apr 19 at 2016 1:02 AM

2016-04-19T01:02:58-04:00

If this Q&A is going to be anything like the one you had at JUSMAGTHAI, I'll pass.

Response by PO1 David Joyce made Apr 19 at 2016 2:47 AM

2016-04-19T02:47:00-04:00

Congratulation Congress Woman Duckworth what district are you representing? We really appreciate your service! Thanks for the opportunity to chat with you. My one of many questions would be in Regards to the current Medical care I am retiree like many and I am also disabled receiving SSI my medical is covered under VA care yet I am still required to pay Medicare a monthly amount which is never used as a co pay for the VA can you explain why I am required to pay this additional fee to medicare and I will never use it.. Something is wrong with this medical system I like to add a few more comments when we get your answer. I like you to meet Ben Sasse from Nebraska. Looking forward to supporting your efforts!

Response by GySgt Robert Holmes made Apr 19 at 2016 7:58 AM

2016-04-19T07:58:13-04:00

Why is it that the U S House of Representives is not responding to the needs of the Active Duty as Well as the Retired personnel and there families I'm sure you are and a few others but as you well know those in the past as well as those currently on AD are not being taken care of properly. It is my candid opinion that the A/D as well as the Retired Community receive Cost of living increase of which we haven't for two years stop any further reduction of Benefits. Now if the House of Reps can ask for a raise in pay they should take care of us First.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Apr 19 at 2016 10:21 AM

2016-04-19T10:21:53-04:00

First of all Congresswoman Duckworth is a national hero that served with honor and in my eyes a awesome figure. I did notice that some answers were standard political answers. Some of the more personsal type question about denial help form the VA were not answered. I would tell her Thank you for your service and keep up the fine work in Congress but keep awaay from falling in line and just try ing for reelection. Help the people thaat send you to Washington. And i disagree with her stand on term limits. 30 anf 40 years is to long to contend with Congress members that control a run away government. If anyone wants to know you can look up government waste and someone had to put these thing in the budget and in bills.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2016 11:49 AM

2016-04-19T11:49:16-04:00

As a citizen of Illinois, I have no use for anything Tammy Duckworth has to say. She's an embarrassment to the State, the VA, and the Military community as a whole.

Response by COL Mike Caldwell made Apr 19 at 2016 12:26 PM

2016-04-19T12:26:28-04:00

Tammy,

What is being done to eliminate the military retirement deduction for SBP, VA below 40% and tricare cost?

Response by COL Mike Caldwell made Apr 19 at 2016 12:28 PM

2016-04-19T12:28:24-04:00

Tammy,

What is being done to eliminate the retirement issue with SBP deduction, Tricare and below 50% disability from military retirement checks each month?

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Apr 19 at 2016 12:45 PM

2016-04-19T12:45:58-04:00

LTC Tammy Duckworth Ma'am thanks for taking time to communicate with the members here on RallyPoint and thank you for your conitnued service to this country. I have many questions and ideas on how we can continue to help our veterans and I'm hoping to set up a conference call with you, when and if your schedule permits - I've sent you a private message here on RP. Thank you!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 11:15 AM

2016-04-20T11:15:45-04:00

https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=RDp2IdZSuP0kA&params=EAEYATgBSAFYAmILcDJJZFpTdVAwa0FoAA%253D%253D&v=cjquGpmgwOo&mode=NORMAL

Jack Webb and Johnny Carson

The Copper Clappers Caper . . . . enjoy!

Response by LCpl Ronnie Padgett made Apr 21 at 2016 8:48 AM

2016-04-21T08:48:45-04:00

Why is there a high denial rate on Disability ratings when the evidence is all there.

Response by Cpl Jim Hainen made Apr 28 at 2016 12:25 PM

2016-04-28T12:25:45-04:00

Tammy, run for President, you have my vote. Sgt. James Hainen 1189639 USMC

Response by LTC Andrae Evans made Aug 5 at 2016 4:52 AM

2016-08-05T04:52:57-04:00

Thank you for your continued service!

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Aug 8 at 2016 4:43 PM

2016-08-08T16:43:52-04:00

Ma'am, what advice would you give to a veteran that from time to time considers running for office, but who's political beliefs run more "middle of the road" than the "R's" or D's"? The road to solutions for the problems that impact America is in compromise, but it seems that more often than not America is divided along party lines by rhetoric and sound-bytes.

When I speak to my friends I usually find that if I get beyond what they've been told to feel by cable news everyone is pretty close on the issues that we argue most about.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2016 1:49 PM

2016-08-11T13:49:59-04:00

No guestions for you.

Just thanks for continuing to serve.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Mar 20 at 2017 12:49 PM

2017-03-20T12:49:44-04:00

Greetings Congresswoman Duckworth. Allow me to preface what I'm about to say with the caviet that I'm solidly Libertarian, and from that standpoint I often find myself speaking to friends from both sides of the aisle that accuse me of "being in favor of the other side".

On the subject of Healthcare:

I've been saying for over a decade that there's a simple solution to the Healthcare debate:

Mandate that every federal tax dollar spent on healthcare has to be spent at the VA (Medicare is not tax money, that's a benefit we buy over the course of our working lifetime).

Right now the federal government spends half of all the money spent on healthcare. Start out by mandating that elected officials have to use the VA, starting in 2020. I guarantee they'll "find it in the budget" to get the VA up and running smoothly before *they* have to use it.

Since it IS the VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, veterans take precedent except in life threatening situations.

Next, federal employees... again, the elected officials go further down on the list (lead from the front guys).

Next Medicaid gets added. All ACA (ObamaCare) did was change line at which someone is poor enough to get on medicaid... I'm not opposed to social programs that provide healthcare to people who have fallen on hard times and cant afford to fight cancer, but dammit some people are making "sucking off the taxpayer tit" a career choice. If the politicians are willing to say "they need it more than I do" then I'm OK with letting them in.

The final step would be to let the insurance companies contract with the (now) smoothly running VA system. Flat rate, 300% of cost. This would do a couple of things:

First, it would reduce the cost of healthcare overall, because the 300% of cost for an overnight hospital stay is going to be substantially less than the typical $13,000 that a for profit hospital charges, i.e. an end to price gouging and corporations making insane profits on the misfortune of citizens ($15 for an aspirin? C'mon...).

Second, at 300% of cost that means that every time someone from the for profit healthcare system comes to visit they now pay for two other people to receive healthcare... lowering the burden on the taxpayer.

It seems like a win/win to me... the only people who really loose are the corporations with seven figure salaried CEO's and huge lobbyist budgets.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jan 24 at 2018 3:39 PM

2018-01-24T15:39:32-05:00

Go Tammy, a Draft Dodger needs four promotions to reach the level of POG

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Jan 24 at 2018 4:51 PM

2018-01-24T16:51:02-05:00

LTC Tammy Duckworth Is Congress ever going to take a look at this bill H.R.936 - SPACE-A Travel. Thank you,

Peace!