Tucson News NowFallen Giffords staffer Gabe Zimmerman to be honored

Fallen Giffords staffer Gabe Zimmerman to be honored

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The resolution will name a room in the Capitol Visitor's Center after Zimmerman. It is widely expected to pass. The resolution will name a room in the Capitol Visitor's Center after Zimmerman. It is widely expected to pass.

WASHINGTON, DC (KOLD) - A resolution to honor Rep. Giffords' fallen community outreach director was officially announced Wednesday.

The move to name a room at the Capitol Visitor Center after Gabe Zimmerman will be voted on next week. It was sponsored by Arizona Representative David Schweikert and Florida congresswoman Debbie Schultz.

Zimmerman is the first congressional aide to be killed in the line of duty. He was shot by a gunman on January 8.

Rep. Giffords' staffers and Zimmerman's family joined an array of politicians at the noon press conference to offer their insight on Gabe. He was widely regarded as a compassionate government servant who was diligent in helping Congressional District 8's constituents.

"Gabe loved people," Rep. Schultz said. "He had a way about him that invited conversation. This was a young man who not only had a bright future but the biggest heart."

Zimmerman's style as a Rep. Giffords staffer was one of service, something his mother pointed to during the press conference. As the community outreach director, he was in charge of things like the "Congress on Your Corner" events.

"It's not his death, but his work and his ideals that should be recognized here," Emily Nottingham said.

Zimmerman's younger brother, Ben, reflected on some of the things Gabe showed him about caring for people.

"While Gabe's life was tragically cut short, what he taught me in that short time is that small acts of kindness can make a tremendous difference," Ben Zimmerman said.

Rep. Giffords' husband, NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelley weighed in on the resolution to name a room at the visitor's center after Zimmerman.

"He spent his last hour alive doing the thing he loved, using his gifts of empathy, warmth and communication to enhance the well-being of other people through public service," Kelly wrote.

"It would be fitting to see his name in the Capitol Visitor Center. His commitment to his job, to Southern Arizona, and to the nation truly represents the spirit of government service."

Copyright 2011 KOLD. All rights reserved.

 

 

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