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09-10-2009 - Everyday people

by Andrew Aoki

In 2008, Neil Abercrombie moved nearly a billion dollars from the Pentagon's future weapons programs to pay for equipment and immediate support for our National Guard soldiers. To do this, he had to take on some of the most powerful special interests in Washington, but he never quit.

This Saturday, Neil will receive the Harry S. Truman Award, the highest honor granted by the National Guard Association of the United States for "sustained contributions of exceptional and far-reaching magnitude to the defense and security of the United States." Among the previous recipients are Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole, and Daniel Inouye.

When I asked Neil how he felt about this award he told me how surprised he was. Then he shifted the conversation to what our soldiers are going through and why we should do everything we can to ensure their safety and readiness. We talked about how we can build more positive relationships between military and local populations in Hawaii. We talked about how the U.S. can be a force for good around the world and how Hawaii can play a key part in that.

Time and again, in these little talks we have about different issues, he moves attention away from him and toward the things that matter to everyday people. In the process, he makes me more confident that there are no problems too tough for us to solve if we approach them with determination, creativity, principle, and humility.

At a time when leaders with Hawaii roots are reaching the highest heights on the national stage, we have one world-class public servant who has made a total commitment to lead us here at home. Over the past few months, I've gotten to know a lot more about Neil, why he loves Hawaii so much, and what motivates him in his heart. Over the course of this campaign for governor, I hope you will too.

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