U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) is the recipient of the 2002 Outstanding Legislator Award from the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). Senator Akaka, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, and Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), the Subcommittee's Ranking Member, were honored for their efforts on behalf of the Army in the Congress. Secretary of the Army Thomas White and General Gordon R. Sullivan, USA, Ret., president of the Association of the United States Army, presented Steuben crystal eagle awards to Senators Akaka and Inhofe during a reception in the Armed Services Committee hearing room on June 25, 2002.

The "Outstanding Legislator Award" is presented annually to members of Congress "who through their legislative work support the Army as an institution and its soldiers each and every day," General Sullivan said. "Both of these dedicated men served proudly and honorably. Both were part of an Army that closed the deal. The same Army the nation depends on today."

General Sullivan noted that as Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee and co-chair of the Senate Army Caucus, Senator Akaka "has worked in a bipartisan fashion to fund a robust national defense and moved legislation to boost the readiness of America's Armed Forces."

Senator Akaka, in accepting the award along with Senator Inhofe, noted that "we work well together to address the immediate and long-term readiness challenges facing our services, and it is an honor to work with him to advance the readiness of our armed forces. One of our chief responsibilities is to ensure that the world's best army has the resources and support it needs to fulfill its mission. We have called upon our armed forces to stand alert to the new challenges that threaten our freedom and security in the war against terrorism, and the Congress must ensure the readiness of our forces, both now and in the future."

Senator Akaka also thanked AUSA for its work on national security issues and support for the Army family, noting that "the Association of the United States Army does a tremendous job as the 'voice' for all components of the Army. AUSA helps the public and policy makers to understand the significance of the Army's role in ensuring the national security of our great country. As the premier organization that welcomes and represents all Army ranks and all Army components, including active duty, the National Guard, and Reserves, I salute your advocacy and support of the men and women of the United States Army and their families."

The Association of the United States Army, established in 1950, is a private, nonprofit educational organization that supports America's Army - Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees and family members.

AUSA Web site: http://www.ausa.org/