Ten years ago, I nearly lost my life when an RPG tore through the cockpit of my Black Hawk helicopter in Iraq.
The only reason I made it home was because of the heroism of my courageous buddies who risked their lives to save mine. I have an obligation to honor their sacrifice by making the most of this second chance in my life - this bonus time - and continuing to serve our nation, in any way I can.
That's why I'm announcing today that I'm running to represent Illinois in the United States Senate.
We deserve elected officials who will do for our fellow Americans what my crew did for me in Iraq: look out for our hardest hit and most vulnerable, work together for the sake of our mission, and refuse to give up until the job is done.
This will be a long, tough campaign. But no matter how hard it gets, I know nothing will ever be as bad as that day in Iraq, and that allows me to be fearless about speaking up and doing the right thing.
I promise to fight my heart out during this campaign and to represent Illinois with honor and integrity. With you alongside me, I know we can win and that together, we will make America stronger.
Thank you,
Tammy