sitting here testifying in front of this committee and the american public about my actions. when i reported my concerns my only thought was to act properly and carry out my duty if following each of my reports i returned to work to advance the president's and our country's foreign policy objectives. i focused on what i have throughout my career, promoting america's national security interests. i want to take a moment to recognize the courage of my colleagues that appears before this committee. the attacks on these public servants is reprehensible. it is natural to disagree and engage in spirited debate, and this has been our country's founding since the time of our founding fathers but we're better than personal attacks. the uniform i wear today second-degree that of the united states army. the members of our all volunteer force are made up of a patch work of people from all et knit