Rep. Giffords and Defenders' Scotty Johnson

All of us here at Defenders of Wildlife’s Southwest office, and across the nation, send our thoughts and prayers to U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, her husband, Mark Kelly, her parents, Spencer and Gloria Giffords, and to all her family and friends. And we wish Congresswoman Giffords a very speedy recovery.

We also send our condolences to the family of Gabe Zimmerman, who lost his life in the shootings. Alongside the Congresswoman, Gabe worked tirelessly for the people of Arizona’s District 8.

We’re also keeping Ronald Barber and Pamela Simon, who were reported to be wounded in Saturday’s attack, in our thoughts and prayers.  Ron has been with Gabby since she began her work in Congress, and serves as her district office director. Defenders’ Tucson staff know Pam as the friendly voice at the Congresswoman’s office, who always greeted us warmly. We pray also for their speedy recovery.

Gabby has always been a champion for the environment. But she is also a warm, loving and kind person whose bright smile and keen intellect always lights our hearts.

To us in the Tucson office, Gabby had become more than just a Congresswoman we could count on to protect wildlife and the environment; she had become a friend. Gabby has always been a champion for the environment. But she is also a warm, loving and kind person whose bright smile and keen intellect always lights our hearts.

Thank you, Congresswoman Giffords. We’re all pulling for you.

Sincerely,

The Tucson Crew