Duckworth is an Iraq war veteran and Purple Heart recipient who was one of the first women to fly combat missions as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot. When her helicopter was hit by a grenade in 2004, she lost both legs and some mobility in her right arm, NewsNation partner The Hill reports.

The nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary has left many wondering how his experience compares to people who have previously served.

Hegseth, Trump's pick for Defense secretary, told a podcast host last week that “we should not have women in combat roles.”