At the George Washington University's "Celebration of Service" dinner Oct. 15, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, GWSB MBA '71, presented the inaugural Colin Powell Public Service Award to Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth, ESIA MA '92. Assistant Secretary Duckworth was chosen for this honor for her lifetime of service. (Video | Photos)
In addition, GW President Steven Knapp announced the launch of the Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service that will support public service activities across the University.
"I am honored to have two of GW's most prestigious alumni, General Powell and Assistant Secretary Duckworth, here for this special award and this exciting announcement," said President Knapp. "General Powell has been a true role model for service, and it is hard to think of a more suitable candidate to receive the first Colin Powell Public Service Award than Assistant Secretary Duckworth."
The George Washington University's Colin Powell Public Service Award honors a GW student, a member of the University community, campus organization, alumnus or faculty member who has made an outstanding contribution to public service that honors the University and is in the spirit of the award's namesake, General Colin Powell.
A Major in the Illinois Army National Guard, Duckworth served in Iraq as an Assistant Operations Officer and also flew combat missions as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. During a mission north of Baghdad in 2004, her aircraft was ambushed and a rocket-propelled grenade struck the helicopter she was co-piloting. She continued to attempt to pilot the aircraft until passing out from blood loss. As a result of the attack, Duckworth lost both of her legs and partial use of one arm. She received many decorations for her actions, including the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.
"The greatest honor in my life has and always will be the privilege of serving in uniform next to the finest people I have ever known. They are why I wake up everyday with a sense of purpose and a renewed vow to live my life to the fullest," said Assistant Secretary Duckworth upon accepting the award.
The new GW Center will build strong partnerships and coordinate activities among the offices on campus already engaged in public service and civic engagement activities. Following a national search, the Center will have an executive director in place in early 2010.
Watch the Celebration of Service video played at the event:
