US Senator Tammy Duckworth , f ormer US Army lieutenant colone l, has significant physical disabilities, just like many of those served by DRS.

As a combat veteran of the  Iraq War , Duckworth served as a  U.S. Army  helicopter pilot and acquired severe combat wounds, which caused her to lose both of her legs and some mobility in her right arm. She was the first female double amputee from the war. Duckworth went on to obtain a medical waiver which allowed her to continue serving as a  lieutenant colonel  in the  Illinois Army National Guard . As time progressed, and as a double amputee, she was the first woman with a disability elected to the US Congress in 2016.

Senator Duckworth demonstrates living a full life, disability being only part of who she is. She, and many served by DRS, have found ways to thrive, not just survive.