Rep. Gabbard Honored for National Guard Advocacy

At the Hawaiʻi National Guard Association Annual Conference held on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018,  Rep. Tulsi Gabbard received the Charles Dick Medal of Merit for her distinguished legislative contributions to the National Guard. The medal is awarded to individuals who have provided exceptionally strong support to the National Guard in a state or nationally elected legislative body. Rep. Gabbard joins Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, Rep. Mark Takai and other state and national leaders as recipients of the prestigious award.

Rep. Gabbard said, “I’m truly grateful for the privilege of serving in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, and in Congress, where in both capacities, I am focused on serving the people of Hawaiʻi and our country. I’m humbled to receive this award and as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, will continue to do my best every day to honor those who put their lives on the line in service to Hawaiʻi and America.”

“Congresswoman Gabbard joins the ranks of exceptional Hawaiʻi elected officials, like Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, who’ve worked diligently for the National Guard not just within their state but throughout the nation,” said Major General Arthur “Joe” Logan, Hawaiʻi’s State Adjutant General. “Congresswoman Gabbard is the quintessential Soldier-Statesperson who ensures the National Guard continues to be Ready and Relevant within our States and the Nation.”

The Charles Dick Medal of Merit is named for Major General Charles Dick, who before serving as NGAUS president, served in the Ohio National Guard, and in Congress as a U.S. Representative and as a U.S. Senator. MG Dick authored legislation that established the foundation of the modern National Guard.

Later in the day, Rep. Gabbard joined community members in cheering on participants of the Hoku Relay, a 134-mile relay around Oʻahu. Now in its third year, the race supports Hoku Scholars, a scholarship program that helps students in Waiʻanae prepare for college, including with school tuition, PSATs, summer enrichment classes, textbooks, and more. Since launching in 2012, Hoku Scholars has supported 92 students on the Waiʻanae Coast, and awarded more than $35,000 to students in scholarships.