In the course of government service, you do your job as best as you can - in the manner that best serves the nation. Few do more than that, as it should be. Fewer still really seek out the limelight. They don't seek drama.
The operational branches of the Department of Defense and Department of State know the risks, and they accept them. One reason they accept them is that they know important things do not come without risk, but they also have trust in the work, honor, and intentions of those who send them in harms way.
They know people and institutions are not perfect - but they like to believe that there is an undercurrent of honor in service, and rely on the trust that it requires.
When that system breaks down on your watch, you can find yourself in a place you never expected or wanted. History has decided to pause on you.
When that happens, there are rarely good options; just options with different types of bad. What is the best option? It is the one that keeps your honor intact. The one that is founded on truth - truth you will be hounded and hated for by some - but what your colleagues and fellow travelers will recognize and give an approving nod for. It is also the option that the guy in the mirror every morning will approve of as well for the rest of your life.
So, we find ourselves with today's FbF. Three professionals in the stride of their career - and it is time. They did it well. They will offer truth and let others take it or leave it.
We will find out much more as time passes, but I think history will be more kind to these three gentlemen than others. I give you Gregory Hicks, Mark Thompson, and Eric Nordstrom.
7 hours ago