Watch Robert’s story of how Gabrielle stood up to Washington and fought for him.

Gabrielle has a record of rolling up her sleeves and doing the hard work for Southern Arizona’s military community.

Gabrielle is known for delivering high quality results for those who need her most. Just last week, she announced that she has helped Southern Arizonans recover nearly $6.4 million owed to them by the government since she took office in 2007. In that same time period, she has resolved nearly three times as many constituent cases as the average member of Congress.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the only member of Congress with an active duty military spouse, Gabrielle understands the challenges facing our military and Southern Arizona’s military families.

That is why she fought for the new Post-9/11 G.I Bill to send our service men and women to college; helped overhaul the VA so it has the capability to treat complex 21st century injuries and adapt to the needs of our women veterans; and is our nation’s No. 1 champion of saving lives and dollars by reducing our military’s dependency on fuel. Read more here.

What Southern Arizona veterans are saying about Gabrielle

“Gabrielle is the most sincere, loyal person to veterans’ issues I’ve ever known. She works tirelessly to make a better life for veterans. She is the best friend veterans have ever had in Arizona.” – U.S. Air Force Retired Master Sergeant Bob Berry

“Having worked with Congresswoman Giffords, I know first hand that she represents Arizona’s interests one hundred percent,” U.S. Army Chief of Staff under Ronald Reagan & Ret. General John Wickham said. “She not only understands defense and veterans issues, but she provides rock solid support for them.” Read more here.

Robert’s Story

Robert Kelly is a U.S. Army veteran who served in combat in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star. In the course of his service, Robert was exposed repeatedly to Agent Orange. In subsequent years, this exposure caused him serious medical problems, including Diabetes.

At the time he contacted Gabrielle’s office, the VA was awarding him only 30 percent disability, despite the fact that the government had identified numerous severe medical consequences of Agent Orange.

Robert said he contacted Gabrielle because she is known as a champion for Southern Arizona veterans. She and her staff quickly intervened and succeeded in getting the VA to bring Robert up to the 100 percent disability level appropriate for someone with his level of Agent Orange exposure and symptoms.

Robert lives in Green Valley with his wife, Wendy. He comes from a proud family of veterans – both his father and grandfather served in the U.S. military.

Transcript of “Cutting Red Tape”

Robert Kelly:

It was 41 years ago and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

I was in a reactionary air assault unit.

They would come in with Agent Orange and carpet the area…

Then they’d send us in.

My disability comes from the effect of Agent Orange.

I went through the channels of the VA, but it was very bureaucratic.

Congresswoman Giffords really stepped up and cut through the red tape.

I don’t think I would be receiving the disability that I’m receiving now if it wasn’t for her.

She really cares for the veteran.

I really think she cares.

Gabrielle Giffords:

I’m Gabrielle Giffords and I approve this message.