WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) discussed the demands being placed on the troops and families of the Hawaii National Guard in the current wars, while chairing a hearing on Department of Veterans Affairs outreach to members of the Guard and Reserve.  The Hawaii National Guard has the fifth highest post-9/11 rate of deployment in the nation. 

Akaka said: "In my own state of Hawaii, over 5,000 members of the Guard and Reserve have been deployed.  The Hawaii National Guard is currently in the midst of its second deployment to Iraq and over 85 percent of those mobilized are already combat veterans.  It is important that these soldiers, and all reservists, know that VA will be there for them when they return, and in a manner that recognizes their sacrifices and helps them overcome any obstacles specific to their circumstances."

According to figures provided to Senator Akaka's office by the National Guard, the Hawaii National Guard has a post-9/11 deployment rate of 109 percent, substantially higher than the national average of 87 percent.  These figures count multiple deployments by individual servicemembers.

Today's hearing followed an investigative report released last week which found that VA failed to inform tens of thousands of Guard and Reservists returning from Iraq and Afghanistan of the benefits for which they may be eligible.  In light of these and other findings, Chairman Akaka (D-HI) and the Committee seek to assess the effectiveness of the current level of outreach to members of the Guard and Reserve. 

Akaka is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.   

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