HONOLULU--- VoteVets.org, “the voice of America’s 21st century patriots” and one of our nation’s leading veteran advocacy organizations, has just announced their endorsement of the congressional candidacy of fellow veteran Tulsi Gabbard who served two deployments to the Middle East .
VoteVets.org is dedicated to electing veterans to public office and holding public officials accountable for their words and actions that impact America's 21st century troops and veterans. VoteVets.org endorsed candidates also include Hawai’i native and fellow veteran, Tammy Duckworth (IL-08).
“Tulsi is really one to watch, this year and beyond,” said Jon Soltz, Iraq war veteran and Chairman of VoteVets.org. “From serving in the State House of Representatives and the City Council, to serving Senator Akaka in the U.S. Senate, to voluntarily serving in Iraq, time and time again, Tulsi has stood up to serve, and has done so with honor and integrity. She is an extraordinary woman who will make an extraordinary member of Congress. We’re very proud to endorse her.”
At a news conference held at the Korean and Vietnam War Memorial today, Gabbard said, “I am humbled to receive the endorsement of men and women who have served their nation in combat. Veterans place great importance on trust, self-sacrifice, and teamwork, so I am very honored that my fellow veterans have placed their trust and confidence in me to fight for them, help revitalize our economy, create more job opportunities, and lead our country into a brighter future."
Ryan Soon, who served with Tulsi, and is a veteran of three deployments to the Middle East said, “I had the honor of serving in the light of Tulsi’s leadership, and our platoon, our soldiers, and we as individuals prospered for it. In my career I have not seen a leader more dedicated, more hard-working, and most importantly so steadfast in her values than Tulsi. When leaders said it would be difficult, she gave possibilities. When soldiers were in doubt, she gave answers. And now, when we need help, I know she will give results. In a time of war, I placed my complete trust in Tulsi, and I was never disappointed. So when she takes her seat in Congress, I know that we will not be disappointed.”
Gabbard, a captain in the Hawai`i Army National Guard, said, “To earn the endorsement and support of my fellow veterans means more to me than any other endorsement because they know me. These brave men and women are true heroes, who have served courageously and continue to serve in our military and in our community. It has been my great honor to have served alongside real-life heroes whose commitment and dedication never falters, and who willingly make tremendous personal sacrifices in the service of our great nation. As a member of Congress, I will continue to fight to ensure that our veterans and their families receive the benefits and opportunities they so richly deserve.
“Their endorsement of my candidacy is not something I take lightly. Their trust in me as a leader who has been tested in combat, and their confidence that I will fight for them, the people of Hawaii and our nation, is an honor and a responsibility which I take very seriously," Gabbard continued.
Vietnam veteran, Allen Hoe, said, “I’ve known Tulsi for several years and have witnessed first-hand her exceptional leadership both as an officer in the National Guard and also as an elected official. In these challenging times, we need a strong leader like Tulsi who has proven that she is willing to set aside her own interests and serve our country and our people with bravery, humility, and respect.”
As a member of the Hawai’i National Guard, Tulsi Gabbard served two tours of duty in the Middle East. She was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for her service and was recently commissioned as a Captain.
A Democrat, Tulsi was the youngest woman in America ever elected to a state legislature when in 2002 at the age of 21 she won a Hawai`i State House seat. Two years later Tulsi sacrificed her position in the legislature to voluntarily join her fellow soldiers being deployed to a war zone in Iraq. Between her two deployments to the Middle East, Tulsi served as an aide to Senator Daniel Akaka in the U.S. Senate. In 2010 she was elected to the Honolulu City Council where she chairs the Safety, Economic Development, and Government Affairs committee. Gabbard is a candidate for Hawaii's second congressional district encompassing rural Oahu and the Neighbor Islands.
For more information about Tulsi Gabbard visit www.VoteTulsi.com, email Tulsi@votetulsi.com, or call 808-861-0793.