WASHINGTON — Tammy Duckworth returned yesterday to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, a key site in her long recovery from wounds suffered in Iraq, to take the oath of office as the chief spokeswoman for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"I am so honored to serve the Obama administration by helping to care for our veterans," said Duckworth, a graduate of McKinley High and the University of Hawai'i-Manoa. "They are our nation's greatest treasure and deserve the best care available. I fully support Secretary Shinseki as we work to provide that care."

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki — a native of Kaua'i — presided over the swearing-in ceremony as Duckworth, a major in the Illinois National Guard, became VA's assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs.

"Tammy has traveled a unique path to be here today, a journey far from over with many, many contributions yet to be made," Shinseki said.

As assistant secretary, Duckworth will direct VA's public affairs programs and its intergovernmental efforts. She also will oversee programs for homeless veterans and consumer affairs.

Duckworth was an Army helicopter pilot flying combat missions in Iraq in 2004 when her helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade and she lost both legs and partial use of one arm. She spent 13 months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Duckworth chose the Army site for her swearing in to recognize the facility's role in her recovery and to encourage other disabled service members and veterans.