Illinois U.S Senator Tammy Duckworth has been named Legislator of the Year by the National Guard Association. She was honored during the association’s annual banquet and awards ceremony at the Wyndham Springfield City Center last week.
Duckworth said in a video message that she is honored to receive the award from an association that has meant so much to her since she joined the Illinois National Guard so many years ago. She also thanked the National Guard for the great work they do in supporting and defending the citizens of this country around the world and in Illinois.
She says she will continue to protect the jobs of 1,250 airmen and approximately 370 full-time employees in Illinois. She also praised some provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act that requires the Air Force to have a sufficient fleet of C-130 planes.
She says it will ensure the 182nd Airlift Wing’s mission will remain for years to come. The group is based out of Peoria.