Gabrielle Giffords Embodies AFSCME’s ‘Spirit of Public Service’

by Clyde Weiss  |  June 21, 2012

Sheri Van Horsen, president of AFSCME Local 3111

LOS ANGELES — AFSCME awarded its first Spirit of Public Service Award Wednesday to former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords of Arizona, for exemplifying a true public service hero.

Giffords resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 25, following a 2011 shooting in Tucson that left her critically wounded. Six others were killed and 13 more wounded.

In a video award presentation, the three-term congresswoman riveted the Convention hall as she was shown making a brave return to the Capitol last summer to cast her first vote since the shooting. Her vote was a critical one in favor of a deal to raise the federal debt limit.

Giffords thanked AFSCME delegates in the video and said she is getting stronger.

For her bravery and dedication to public service, Giffords is a worthy recipient of the first AFSCME Spirit of Public Service Award, as it honors those who are driven by the desire to do good – not just for themselves, but for the public as a whole. The award acknowledges public service heroes who have the courage to make change happen.

“She shows us what it means to stand strong even in the face of our fiercest foes,” said Sheri Van Horsen, president of AFSCME Local 3111 in Arizona, in presenting Giffords’ award. “She shows us what it means to make our communities, our states, our country a better place for all people.”

Watch video of the award presentation: