Local and western regional LULAC official Mickie Luna had an
opportunity to say thanks in person to a suddenly prolific resident
who helped to save Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ life.
Local and far west regional LULAC official Mickie Luna had an opportunity to say thanks in person to a suddenly prolific resident who helped to save Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ life.
Luna, far west regional vice president for the League of United Latin American Citizens, was invited to take part in awarding Daniel Hernandez with LULAC’s Presidential Citation Medallion 14th Annual Legislative Gala in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 11. She was asked by President Margaret Moran to escort Hernandez to the podium and stand with her as she awarded him the medallion for his bravery.
Hernandez is the University of Arizona intern credited to aiding the Arizona congresswoman moments after she was shot in early January by a suspected assassin. As far west region vice president, Luna oversees several states, including Arizona where it occurred.
Luna noted how there were many officials and celebrities at the gala, and she said she talked with Hernandez and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar back stage. Luna recalled asking Hernandez what he thought of all the publicity.
“He said, ‘I’m not a hero. I happened to be in the right place at the right time,'” according to Luna, adding he mentioned that anyone else would’ve done the same thing.
She said Hernandez is humble about it and pointed out how he planned to continue his education as a political science major.
Luna asked him to attend Hollister’s annual LULAC leadership conference, and he said he would love to, she said. The next one is in October, she said.
“I was honored,” Luna said. “I just felt honored.”
