U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka is being recognized by the National Guard’s enlisted servicemen and women for his work to expand benefits of the GI Bill to more than 130,000 members of the Guard.

The Hawaii Democrat was honored along with U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, a Democrat from Idaho.  

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States said Monday it is giving the lawmakers the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Eagle Award for 2011. 

The association presents the honor each year to one senator and one representative who have distinguished themselves by advancing the interests of the Guard’s enlisted soldiers and airmen.