Rep. Gabbard Accepts AMVETS Silver Helmet Award

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard accepted the American Veterans (AMVETS) Silver Helmet Award for Congressional Service on behalf of Sen. Daniel Akaka for his dedication to serving and empowering veterans in Hawai‘i and across the country. The award was presented at the annual AMVETS Silver Helmets Awards Banquet that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership, excellence, and outstanding accomplishment in the fields of Americanism, defense, peace, rehabilitation, congressional and civil service.

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“With a full heart of aloha, Sen. Daniel Akaka dedicated his life in service to the people of Hawai‘i and our country,” said Rep. Gabbard. “From his service in the US Army during World War II to his leadership as the Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Akaka carried the stories and sacrifices of his fellow service members wherever he went, and fought to secure better care, services, and opportunities for our nation’s veterans. Mahalo nui loa to my mentor and friend, Sen. Daniel Akaka, for your lifetime of service, and ho‘omaika‘i upon earning the prestigious American Veterans Silver Helmet Award for Congressional Service.”

Courtesy photo

“One of the major motivations for me to serve Hawai‘i in both the House and the Senate came from my experience witnessing the attack on Pearl Harbor, and wanting to be in a position to build a better future for the people of Hawai‘i, and to ensure the promise our country made to our veterans is upheld and honored,” said Sen. Akaka. “I am humbled to receive the AMVETS Silver Helmet Award for Congressional Service, and I will continue to do my best to honor the service and sacrifices of my brothers and sisters in arms and their families. Mahalo to Congresswoman Gabbard for accepting this award on my behalf.”

The AMVETS Silver Helmet Award‚ a unique silver replica of the World War II GI helmet‚ has over the years acquired a well-deserved reputation as the most prestigious of all the awards given by veterans organizations and is now known as the “Veterans Oscar.” The AMVETS Silver Helmet Awards ceremony recognizes excellence and outstanding accomplishment in the fields of Americanism, defense, rehabilitation, congressional and civil service.