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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "My spirit is as strong as ever. I'm still
fighting to make the world a better place," said former U.S.
Representative Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords after being awarded the
Department of the Army Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service
by Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal.
"Gabby
continues to be a great inspiration and a role model for her
community, her state, the Army, the American people and members of
Congress. She cared about soldiers and their families and worked
hard on their behalf," Westphal said during a ceremony at the
Pentagon on October 10, 2013.
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Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal (far right) presents the Army Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service to former Rep. Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords
(Ariz.) for "outstanding public service and support of the Army's
missions", Oct. 10, 2013 at the Pentagon, Washington, DC. She is
joined by her husband retired Navy Capt. Mark Kelly. (U.S. Army
photo by Staff Sgt. Bernardo Fuller)
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As a member of Congress from January 2007 to January
2012, she "was a dynamic leader, tirelessly working to
ensure that our men and women in uniform had what they
needed to keep our country safe," states her award citation.
"She was influential in the development of the framework
that introduced renewable energy at military installations
and she strongly supported critical funding to modernize and
sustain the Army," the citation continues. (See full award
citation below)
Among her many contributions,
Westphal highlighted her support for Army funding in Iraq
and Afghanistan and championing renewable energy solutions
for the Army through the Giffords-Udall Department of
Defense Energy Security Act of 2011.
"...during her six
years of House service, she helped to pass bills that
reduced service members' tax burdens through the Earned
Income Tax Credit and Child Care Tax Credit. She also
advanced legislation that supported Soldiers with traumatic
brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder," Westphal
noted.
"Even after an assassination attempt on
Giffords Jan. 8, 2011 in which she sustained a severe head
injury, she further earned the respect of the military
through her continued commitment to them," Westphal added.
Following Westphal's remarks, U.S. Representative Ron
Barber (D-AZ) lauded Giffords' efforts while serving in
Congress and recognized her continued devotion and selfless
service. "Gabby has inspired the nation with her courage,
intrepid spirit and determination. Her courage has inspired
more people than she'll ever know, not just in this country,
but worldwide," said Barber.
DEVOTED HUSBAND
"Throughout her career and during her recovery, her husband,
now-retired U.S. Navy Capt. Mark Kelly, was by her side
supporting her," Westphal said.
After the award was
presented to Giffords, Kelly spoke about his wife's
commitment to the U.S. Army and the nation.
"She
often visited soldiers at Fort Huachuca, which was in her
district," he said. "She got to really understand the
important work the intelligence community is doing there and
made certain that their work to keep America safe was front
and center in Congress."
Kelly stated that during her
visits with soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan she saw the
vulnerability of fuel supply lines, which were being
targeted by the enemy.
"The danger to soldiers was
clear. Thousands were in harm's way, tasked with protecting
the fragile fuel supply convoys. After two years of
behind-the-scenes work with Army leaders, industry
representatives and congressmen from both sides of the
aisle, she developed a smarter energy strategy for the
military," Kelly said.
"During her recovery, she
often looks to the brave service men and women who are
recovering from their injuries as inspiration for her own
recovery. And, as a military spouse, she gets it," Kelly
concluded.
After Kelly's remarks, Giffords spoke.
Her remarks were poignant, forceful and brought a standing
ovation and enthusiastic applause from a standing-room-only
crowd:
"You too can make this world a better place.
Be passionate. Be Courageous. Be your best," Giffords told
the audience.
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CITATION --------------------------------------------
**U.S. Army Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service is
presented by Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal to
Former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, October 10, 2013.
Citation:
For exceptionally distinguished public service from
January 2007 to January 2012 while serving as a Member of Congress
from the State of Arizona. During this period Congresswoman Giffords
was a dynamic leader, tirelessly working to ensure that our men and
women in uniform had what they needed to keep our country safe. She
was influential in the development of the framework that introduced
renewable energy at military installations and she strongly
supported critical funding to modernize and sustain the Army. Her
resilient and enduring commitment to care for those who defend our
liberty led her to promote and campaign for enhancements in health
care and quality of life improvements for Soldiers and their
Families. Congresswoman Giffords' allegiance to Service men and
women has enabled the Army to better prepare for new challenges and
successfully meet national security threats during a turbulent
period in American history. Congresswoman Giffords' patriotic and
passionate service to our Nation is in keeping with the highest
traditions of public service and reflects great credit on her, the
United States Congress and the United States of America.
By U.S. Army David Vergun
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
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