Aloha. More than just a greeting in Hawaii, it embodies a spirit of kindness and a deeply held belief in compassion. Traveling to this island paradise, I wondered if this spirit truly permeated the culture, and more importantly, if I would find it in the person I was there to meet: Tulsi Gabbard. My journey wasn’t about the typical tourist experience, admiring the landscapes, though Hawaii’s beauty is undeniable. It was about understanding the essence of an individual. For almost a decade, my project has been about connecting with people, especially those who have served. “Who is Tulsi Gabbard?” I asked myself. The answer, I soon discovered, is simply, “Tulsi is Tulsi.”
My commitment to understanding the warrior spirit led me to Hawaii not once, but twice. This project thrives on genuine passion to connect with veterans, to understand their stories beyond the battlefield. When the chance to know someone like Tulsi Gabbard arises, I embrace it wholeheartedly. The political figure? That was secondary. In fact, she expressed no desire to discuss politics, a sentiment I deeply respected.
This endeavor is fundamentally about humanity, offering veterans a platform to share their life experiences. It’s about camaraderie, sharing moments with those I consider brothers and sisters. From the first moment with Tulsi, there was an instant connection, a feeling of familiarity, an embodiment of Aloha. We spent time together – hiking, rucking, laughing. I observed her husband engaged in home projects, and we even attempted surfing (yes, falling counts!). But it was in the quiet moments that Tulsi’s true character shone brightest. A quiet intensity, a ferocity perhaps rooted in her Samoan heritage, was palpable. This inner strength was undeniably evident during our grueling 50-mile ruck across the island.
Alt text: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard wearing military uniform and rucking gear, participating in a 50-mile endurance event in Hawaii, showcasing her commitment to veteran causes and physical resilience.
Mile ten of a fifty-mile ruck march across the diverse Hawaiian terrain, and my body was sending clear signals of surrender. Despite my tolerance for physical challenges, I was acutely aware of my inadequate gear compared to my fellow participants. “Know thyself,” the ancient wisdom echoed in my aching muscles. Hitting a seemingly endless asphalt incline, my legs simply refused to cooperate. My quads screamed in protest, transforming into one giant, seizing cramp. The temperature was manageable, but the humidity, combined with my lack of proper preparation, had sabotaged my attempt to complete the entire distance. Pride, however, compelled me to rejoin at intervals, pushing through the pain.
But this wasn’t a competition. It was about something larger than personal achievement – participating alongside my chosen family, my community, in an event honoring the fallen. The lingering pain from blistered feet and chafed skin in the days that followed paled in comparison to the profound sense of pride as we reached Pearl Harbor at sunrise on the 80th Anniversary, commemorating that pivotal moment in history. The pain I endured was insignificant in that context. But let me return to Tulsi.
Alt text: Tulsi Gabbard in uniform standing with fellow veterans at Pearl Harbor during a sunrise commemoration event, highlighting her military service and dedication to honoring fallen soldiers.
The warm greeting quickly shifted to a focused determination in Tulsi – “head down and eyes forward” intensity. I admired that immediate shift. Witnessing her accelerated pace, it became clear that her military rank was not merely bestowed, but earned through genuine sacrifice – blood, sweat, and tears. Leadership manifests in countless forms, unteachable by manuals or regulations. It’s ingrained, fundamental. Tulsi embodies this inherent leadership. At some point, I fell behind, but Tulsi pressed onward, her inner fire undiminished. I recall as daylight faded, replaced by headlamps and reflective gear, a significant moment occurred. She started to drop back slightly. Anyone who inquired about her well-being was met with that same knowing smirk. Having observed behavior within this community for years, I recognized that smirk instantly. It wasn’t arrogance, nor rudeness; it conveyed unwavering resolve. Only an extreme force could halt her progress. And not only did she finish, she crossed the finish line smiling, near the front of the pack. Remember, this was an 18-hour, 50-mile ordeal, organized by former Green Beret Chad Conley’s Non-Profit, 50 For the Fallen, designed to push participants to their absolute limits. I witnessed elite athletes succumb to exhaustion twenty miles prior.
So, you want to understand Tulsi Gabbard? Witness her in action, pushing her physical limits alongside fellow veterans. That unwavering spirit, that quiet determination, that’s Tulsi. It’s the essence of a warrior, beyond politics, beyond labels – just pure, unadulterated Tulsi.
