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.
Tammy DuckworthRead
If I still had my legs, I would be in line for a battalion command, and instead, I'm flying a desk.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a sense of longing and ambition despite physical limitations.
Tammy Duckworth reflects on her desire to lead in a combat role, showcasing her resilience and determination. Even though she has faced significant physical challenges, her spirit and ambition to serve in a commanding position are strong, highlighting the contrast between her aspirations and her current reality of being restricted to a desk job.
Themes
CourageAmbitionResilienceServiceLeadership
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about overcoming adversity, this quote can illustrate perseverance.
More from Tammy Duckworth
All quotes βI went to Iraq in 2004 because I believe in doing my duty, not because I agreed with the war.
Tammy DuckworthRead
The women putting their lives at risk for our country deserve better than to be treated as second-class citizens.
Tammy DuckworthRead
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.
Tammy DuckworthRead
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?
Tammy DuckworthRead
My experience in Iraq made me realize, and during the recovery, that I could have died. And I just had to do more with my life.
Tammy DuckworthRead
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Being disabled gave me an immense advantage. People are kinder to you. It puts you on a different level than if you go into a situation whole and secure.
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My doctrine is this, that if we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.
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Where there is oppression, there will be resistance.
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