Joe Sestak
Today, I am pleased to introduce you to a young woman who was one of the thousands of young people who signed up to serve her country in the wake of 9/11: Tulsi Gabbard.
Now, Tulsi is running to serve her community and her country in Congress, another chapter of service for such a young leader. At 19, Tulsi started her own nonprofit to improve Hawaii’s environmental protection and community health programs. At 21, she became the youngest person ever elected to Hawaii’s legislature.
When the Hawaii National Guard was called to the Middle East, she chose not to run for reelection and joined the Medical Command. On her second tour, she worked on a Counter-Terrorism unit in Kuwait, one of the few woman to do so. The Kuwaiti Guards were so impressed with her work, they presented her with an award of appreciation - the first ever presented to a woman.
In short, I am impressed by Tulsi because she gets what our American Exceptionalism is all about: a wonderful alliance between our rugged individualism and the common mission; where everyone strives to be all they can be, but never measure their individual achievement apart from our nation’s greater effort. She epitomized that in her military service, and will continue to do that for us, for America, in her Congressional duties. She will be above all else a public servant for Americans.
Unfortunately, too many elected officials have forgotten that they are public servants above all else. And that's exactly why we need people like Tulsi in Congress - her life has been about service, and that's what she'll bring to Washington. That's why I am supporting her. Please join me in supporting her, and please consider contributing to her campaign today.
We need to bring to Congress the same selflessness, passion, and focus that young people bring to our armed services every day. I know Tulsi will do that. Let's help her get there.