US Rep. Tulsi Gabbard promoted to Army major

HONOLULU (AP) — U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is being promoted from captain to major in the Hawaii Army National Guard.

Gabbard’s office said in a news release she was promoted during a ceremony Monday at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as Punchbowl.

Former U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka led Gabbard in reciting her oath of office. Gabbard was previously one of Akaka’s legislative aides.

Gabbard joined the Hawaii Army National Guard in 2003, one year after she was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature at the age of 21.

She served two tours of duty in the Middle East.

Gabbard was elected to represent Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District in 2012.