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TUCSON - U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and husband Mark Kelly surprised airmen, military retirees and their families Thursday by helping serve Thanksgiving dinner at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Rep. Giffords and Kelly traveled to Tucson on Tuesday to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family, and Thursday they served up dinner to more than 400 people in her first constituent event since January 8.

Rep. Giffords donned an apron that read "Gabby," at the event, which was originally going to be attended by a member of her staff. When she heard about it, she decided she wanted to go herself, according to a news release from her office.

"It's a little overwhelming - defying the odds. It's the American spirit," said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Millie Gray. "Seeing her, and how she's overcome a lot of odds, and overcome adversity, it just strengthens me."

"When I saw her, I said ‘you look stronger.' And she said, ‘I feel stronger,' Gray said. "And...it's amazing. It makes me proud to be an American. I love it."

Giffords is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and known for her strong support of the military, veterans and their families. Earlier this year, Giffords was named Honorary Military Spouse of the Year by Military Spouse magazine. Her husband, Mark Kelly, served in the Navy and retired from NASA last month.

The meal featured turkey, all the traditional fixings, as well as prime rib, baked ham, shrimp, and assorted cheeses and desserts.

Giffords used only her left hand as she served, the Associated Press reports, a sign that physical damage remains from the injuries she suffered when she was shot in January.

Kelly supported her from her left side as she worked the turkey station on the serving line. He served ham.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.