The vice chair of the Democrat National Committee has resigned her position to back Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for president. Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard appeared on Sunday show "Meet the Press" to make her announcement.

"First of all, I am resigning from the DNC so I can support Bernie Sanders for president," Gabbard said early Sunday during NBC's "Meet the Press" panel.

Gabbard is one of only two female combat veterans to serve in Congress. She stressed the importance of electing a leader with a "military mindset" and a presidential candidate who "importantly, [knows] when we don't use [U.S.] military power."

"As a veteran and as a soldier, I've seen first-hand the very high human cost of that war," said Gabbard, who served two tours of duty in the Middle East. "I think it's most important for us, as we look at our choices as to who our next commander-in-chief will be to recognize the necessity to have a commander-in-chief who has foresight, who exercises good judgement."

DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz accepted Gabbard's resignation.

"Congresswoman Gabbard is a role model who embodies the American ideal that anyone can dream big and make a difference," the Florida congresswoman said in a statement. "She is also a colleague in Congress and a friend, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside her when our Party unites behind whoever emerges as our nominee."

"You've seen the groundswell of support that he's gotten -- not only in our or two states but in states across the country -- I think this where there's a hunger for a leader, a commander-in-chief who is honest, who has integrity, who exercises good judgement," Gabbard said.

Gabbard was also in the spotlight back in November when she said he had been dis-invited from a presidential primary debate in Nevada, after calling for more presidential debates.