Last night, I joined the national whistleblower summit to mourn and celebrate the life of my friend and mentor, Dan Ellsberg.
Midway through the four-hour event, the organization gave away a series of awards in recognition of whistleblowers who exemplify the principles of Dan and those who came before him.
The Pillar Award, presented by the Government Accountability Project, is the highest honor bestowed on a whistleblower.
I was stunned when they announced I was the winner of this year's award. My journey has been mired in fake controversy and targeted smears.
But that's true of all the previous winners, as well, I learned.
The kindness and warmth I've found with other whistleblowers gives me hope that I'll come out the other side of this.
A special thanks to Jackie Garrick, Sherron Watkins, Jane and Victoria Turner, the National Whistleblower Center, Whistleblowers of America, and the Whistleblower Summit.