The McKinley High School Foundation will honor war hero, activist and alumna Ladda "Tammy" Duckworth at a dinner Oct. 18.

Tickets for the dinner cost $150 and are on sale until Oct. 17.

"We think this is a great opportunity to honor somebody who has done a lot for our community and the nation as a whole," said Carl Takamura, foundation president and a 1962 McKinley graduate.

"This is a great opportunity for young people to look at public school grads and see the kind of achievements they can provide."

Duckworth will make an acceptance speech at the event.

The 1985 McKinley High graduate lost both her legs in 2004 while serving in the National Guard when her Black Hawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq. She went on to narrowly lose a U.S. House seat for Illinois. She heads the Office of Veterans Affairs in that state.

Duckworth has become an outspoken advocate for making sure veterans get the care and follow-up treatment they need. Democrats urged her to run in the 2008 race for the congressional seat she almost won, but she has declined, opting instead to continue helping vets.

Duckworth was co-piloting the Black Hawk that went down in Iraq, and her subsequent recovery and close race became the subject of national news and inspired other injured Iraq vets.

Takamura said Duckworth will likely talk at the tribute dinner about how her McKinley High experience helped her succeed and grow.

In addition to McKinley graduates, several former and current National Guard members will attend the dinner, Takamura said.

Duckworth was not available for comment last week.

The McKinley Foundation holds tribute dinners every two years for noted graduates. Proceeds from the event go toward scholarships. Since 1990, the foundation has handed out more than $600,000 to students.

The dinner for Duckworth is expected to raise about $50,000.

The event at the Hilton Hawaiian Village will also feature a silent auction. Tables for 10 can be purchased for between $2,000 and $5,000.

Contributions exceeding $50 are tax-deductible.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.