Photo By Cpl. Harley Thomas | Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a congresswoman with the 2nd Congressional District of Hawaii,...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII — Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a congresswoman with the 2nd Congressional District of Hawaii, visited members of the Wounded Warrior Battalion West-Detachment Hawaii aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 4, 2015.
The purpose of the representative’s visit was to spend time with the wounded warriors and base leadership, giving her the chance to extend her gratitude to them and, upon leaving, be able to better tell the Marines’ story and advocate for the base. She said it was great to hear about the work the Marines have been doing as they go through the recovery process.
“Personally, it’s very meaningful, both as a soldier and representative of this district,” said Gabbard, a Leloaloa, American Samoa, native. “It’s unfortunate that the headlines no longer talk about those who are still paying the price for their service. When the headlines go away and people start to forget about who carries the burden of our conflict and the toll it takes, it is not good for our country.”
Gabbard, also a captain in the Hawaii National Guard’s 29th Brigade Combat Team, said whether it was going through basic training, deployment, or Officer Candidates School, having a political career was never her goal. She said her reason for becoming an officer was to correct the issues she saw as an enlisted soldier.
“During training it was drilled into me: You are responsible,” Gabbard said. “Not just for the mission, but for everything that happens around you. There are a lot of challenges that no training could (prepare you for), but those challenges helped me become a better soldier, officer and leader. Having the experience I do, and coming home to train or drill with my unit, I see things at the base level, where many people don’t.”
Gabbard said the work she does with the military and community continues to serve as her motivation. She said that no matter what the problem may be, she thinks of how she can help be a part of the solution.
“Coming out of my deployments, I felt it was important to take those experiences and do something constructive to change things for the better, not just for my unit or platoon, but for our community and country as well,” she said. “I became more motivated to do so once I saw how few people in Congress have actually worn a uniform — how few people have any actual ability to relate to the experiences (our service members) have gone through.”
Sgt. Christopher Austria, a Marine reservist with the detachment, said he was glad Gabbard made it a point to visit the Marines. He said she plays a pivotal role in her position, and uses insight from her military and civilian experience to formulate her decisions.
“For me, the visit was very satisfying,” Austria said. “It’s great to know we have a strong person, such as Rep. Gabbard, in office who actually wants to hear what’s wrong so she can try to fix the issue for the service members. She understands the issues of military life and has firsthand experience.”
Austria, a Hilo, Hawaii, native, said he’s happy knowing the congresswoman “embraced the suck” from the enlisted and commissioned officer side. He said because of this, Gabbard has been able to establish a good rapport with the service members.
“I think the visit was (crucial) for our Marines,” Austria said. “I believe the congresswoman is a very inspiring individual and her story is uplifting. Most of the Marines in the detachment are transitioning out and I truly believe she has given our Marines the motivation to strive and do the best they can possibly do. I hope the congresswoman is able to carry on and keep pushing for our military members.”
Gabbard said by working with MCB Hawaii, she is better able to represent service members while in Washington.
“For the people making the decisions, I think it’s important to have some personal experience and know the impact of those decisions,” the congresswoman said. “Coming here, I get to see things, ask questions and get (immediate) feedback.”
Gabbard said she is focused on her purpose, working for the service members and the state of Hawaii. She also said she feels right at home whenever she visits troops and any day she does is a good day.
“For those who welcomed me into their ohana, I just want to say ‘thank you,’” Gabbard said. “I want to thank them for the warm welcome and for all they are doing. There is significant hardship that comes with the job they signed up for, but there is also a great reward — a common bond that unites us all. I appreciate sharing that bond and I accept the responsibility that comes with it; I take my job very seriously because it is important for our (service members) to know they have advocates, people like me, (who support them). It is important our troops have a voice and I am proud to represent them in Congress.”
| Date Taken: | 08.04.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.11.2015 17:26 |
| Story ID: | 172543 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 47 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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