Ex-aide for Akaka tapped for Pentagon

A former congressional staffer for retired U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka has been appointed to a high-level Pentagon position by President Barack Obama.

Debra S. Wada, a St. Andrew's Priory graduate, was appointed as assistant secretary of the Army for manpower and reserve affairs. Her nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said Wada, who is a staff member for the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, has "a thorough understanding of military personnel issues and great relationships on the hill."

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono added that Wada's "ties to Hawaii and her understanding of the military will be beneficial as the Army faces many critical issues related to its force structure comprised of active duty, National Guard, Reserve and civilian components."

Read the entire piece at: http://www.staradvertiser.com/newspremium/20140511__Ex-aide_for_Akaka_tapped_for_Pentagon.html?c=n