If I still had my legs, I would be in line for a battalion command, and instead, I'm flying a desk.
Tammy DuckworthRead
I do not have PTSD, but if I watch part of a movie like 'The Hurt Locker,' or when I spend time around Blackhawk helicopters, I will close my eyes that night and live an entire day in Iraq, flying my missions. I remember the smell and the feel and the heat and everything about it. Then I wake up in Illinois, and I'm exhausted.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the lingering impact of traumatic experiences and the strength required to cope with them.
Tammy Duckworth's quote speaks to the powerful memories and emotions that can arise from experiencing trauma, even when one does not have PTSD. She describes how specific stimuli, like movies or helicopters, can trigger vivid recollections of her time serving in Iraq, demonstrating the deep psychological effects of war on veterans. This highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the emotional burdens carried by those who have served.
Themes
TraumaMemoryVeteranCourageWarResilience
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about veterans' mental health, this quote could emphasize the importance of acknowledging trauma.
More from Tammy Duckworth
All quotes →It was the combination of hard work and a hand up that allowed me to become one of the first women to fly in combat missions and achieve my American Dream.
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I went to Iraq in 2004 because I believe in doing my duty, not because I agreed with the war.
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The women putting their lives at risk for our country deserve better than to be treated as second-class citizens.
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The wheelchair and the prosthesis give me a soapbox to stand on. If it helps me get my message across, I'm glad; then we need to talk about what we need to do for this country.
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As I recovered at Walter Reed, I worried about the soldiers who pulled me out of my helicopter that Friday afternoon. Would they make it back okay? And what about all the other soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who were also putting their lives on the line every day?
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