Name: Tulsi Gabbard
Born: April 12, 1981
Birthplace: Leloaloa, American Samoa
Home State: Hawaii
Political Affiliation: Independent
Husband: Abraham Williams(m.2015)
Parents: Mike and Carol Gabbard
Hair Color: Dark Brown with a gray streak
Eye Color: Dark Brown
1. She was brought up in a large culturally and religiously diverse family.
2. Tulsi is the 4th of 5 children born to politician Mike Gabbard and Carol Porter.
3. She was only 2 years old when her parents moved the family to Hawaii, where she was raised.
4. During the September 11, 2001 attack, she was working for a nonprofit organization called “Stand Up For America.”
5. She is a trained martial arts instructor and was also a martial arts teacher in 2002.
6. Tulsi became the youngest legislator to be elected to be a member of the 42nd House District of the Hawaii House of Representatives.
7. In her free time, Tulsi enjoys going surfing.
8. In 2003, Tulsi enrolled at the “Hawaii Army National Guard.” At the time, she was also serving at the State Legislature. The following year, Tulsi was posted in Iraq for 12 months with the National Guard as a specialist with the Medical Company in the 29th Support Battalion for the “29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team”.
9. She was a teenager when she adopted the Hindu faith.
10. As a teenager, co-founded Healthy Hawai’i Coalition, an environmental non-profit.
11. She is the first American Samoan congresswoman and first practicing Hindu member of the US Congress.
"We cannot afford to walk down that dangerous path of government overstepping its boundaries into the most personal parts of our lives."
"Through my time in the military and my deployments, I have recognized the importance of having a Commander in Chief who will not only go after those who threaten the safety and security of the American people, but who will also exercise good judgment and foresight in stopping these failed interventionist wars of regime change that have cost our country so much in human lives, untold suffering, and trillions of dollars."
"I chose to take the oath of office with my personal copy of the Bhagavad Gita because its teachings have inspired me to be a servant-leader, dedicating my life in the service of others and to my country."
"Hawaii is a special place because we have a very diverse population there, who are very respectful and tolerant of those who have differing opinions and different views."
"These days, it's often women in uniform - moms, wives, even grandmothers - who deploy and leave their families behind."
"Finding common ground means reaching out with respect and aloha - despite the issues that divide us, despite the hurt, despite the fear - and recognize what unites us as human beings."
"My mom was a practicing Hindu, and my dad was a Catholic who practiced yoga meditation and karma yoga. My earliest memories are of the bright colors, beautiful sounds, and fragrant aromas of both Christian and Hindu celebrations."
"Let's care for the land and water, heal our cherished planet, and promote wellness for all of her people. Water is life. Let's protect the natural resources that our lives depend upon."
"I am proud to be the first Hindu American to have been elected to Congress and now the first Hindu American to run for president."
"Sadly, the system in this country is rigged in favor of wealthy elites who have purchased tremendous influence in our government."
"I am a very firm believer in the Aloha spirit - respect and love for everyone, irrespective of their religion, race, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation."
"Our nation was founded on the principle that our government should be of the people, by the people, and for the people - where all people are treated equally, and with respect, in these United States of America."
"It's when we care for each other - choosing inclusion and love over division and hatred - that this great country is at its greatest."
Hawaii House of Representatives (2002–2004)
Honolulu City Council (2011–2012)
United States House of Representatives (2013– 2021)
Democratic National Committee Vice Chair (2013-2016)
2020 presidential campaign
In October of 2022, Tulsi announced that she was leaving the Democratic party to register as an Independent.
In April 2003, while serving in the Hawaii State Legislature, Gabbard enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard. In July 2004, she was deployed for a 12-month tour in Iraq, serving as a specialist with the Medical Company, 29th Support Battalion, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. In Iraq, Gabbard served at Logistical Support Area Anaconda, completing her tour in 2005.
In March 2007, she graduated from the Accelerated Officer Candidate School at the Alabama Military Academy. She was commissioned as a second lieutenant, and assigned to the 29th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Hawaii Army National Guard, this time to serve as an Army Military Police officer.She was stationed in Kuwait from 2008 to 2009.She was one of the first women to enter a Kuwaiti military facility, as well as the first woman to receive an award of appreciation from the Kuwait National Guard.
Gabbard is a recipient of the Combat Medical Badge and the Meritorious Service Medal.On October 12, 2015, she was promoted from the rank of captain to major at a ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.She continued to serve as a major in the Hawaii Army National Guard until her transfer to the 351st Civil Affairs Command, a California-based United States Army Reserve unit assigned to the United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, in June 2020.
In October 2020, Gabbard left the Hawaii Army National Guard to join the Army Reserves with a California-based unit. On July 4, 2021, Gabbard was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Source:Wikipedia
