Shawn Michaels was honored Thursday by San Antonio Mayor Edward Garza and members of the city council.
The Heartbreak Kid, a San Antonio resident, was awarded a Certificate of Commendation at the city council meeting to recognize his efforts in organizing a major fundraiser for the families of soldiers killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Michaels spearheaded the initiative that raised $80,000 via autograph sessions with Superstars this summer and fall at FYE stores around the country. The money went to the Armed Forces Family Scholarship and Assistance Fund, which provides scholarships for higher education of children of all fallen personnel in the war operations.
Reached on his cellular phone this afternoon, Michaels said winning the award was “very nice.”
“I actually had no idea that the mayor or the city council were wrestling fans and paid attention to what we do – but they actually did and do,” he said. “It’s small compared to the jobs that our soldiers do, but as I told them, being from a military family, it’s not just something we try to do. I was raised to have respect and regard for our military. I just thought it would be something nice for the families.”
Michaels’ father was in the Air Force and served two tours of Vietnam; his brother was in the Army and was part of the first Persian Gulf War.
Michaels admitted that he was a bit humbled that he was honored and not the actual soldiers who are fighting. But he said, “I’m glad I’m in a position that I can at least bring awareness to causes such as this.”