I am a 75-year-old retired Army colonel who went to see Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords on the morning of Jan. 8, 2011.
Who would have ever thought that a tragic event such as the one that took place that beautiful morning could ever happen in Tucson?
That tragic event changed my life forever. My priorities in life have changed. My family, friends and our great country are now my No. 1 priority.
I found out how great the people of Tucson and the United States are. They have all come together to show their support and respect for the six individuals killed and also the 13 who were shot but managed to survive.
My objective for this first anniversary is to honor and remember forever those innocent people who were killed on Jan. 8, 2011. Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, Judge John Roll, Gabe Zimmerman, and last but the most tragic of all was 9-year-old Christina-Taylor Green.
My heart and prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost loved ones on that January morning.
Some of the kindness bestowed on me is as follows:
The Arizona National Guard Association, both Air and Army, gave me the Minuteman Award, which is one of the highest awards given by the National Guard. They also nominated me for the Valley Forge Cross for Heroism, which was awarded to me by the National Guard Association of the United States.
I got the Citizen Award from the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
I got a free week at Canyon Ranch from owner Mel Zuckerman.
I also got the Shining World Hero Award from Supreme Master Ching Hai.
I was selected as one of the most inspiring individuals for 2011 by AARP.
Bill Badger, 75, helped wrestle the gun away from shooter Jared Lee Loughner.
