Anne gets major support from Congress
Not only did congressman Michael C. Burgess present Anne with this award for her heroism, but he stood up in the United States House of Representatives and addressed the House Speaker in a heartfelt tribute to Anne Whiteman.
Here's some of what congressman Burgess had to say about Anne:
"Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a brave American; Anne Whiteman."
Following a brief introduction of Anne and a summary of her career, he went on to say:
"...While Anne Whiteman received numerous awards throughout her career and became recognized as a valued FAA team member, this all changed when the safety concerns she reported were compromised and covered up which led to her blowing the whistle. As a result, she was ostracized at the job she loved. During Anne's career, she has supervised or trained at least 30 air traffic controllers at the DFW Tower or in TRACON and was recognized by the Department of Transportation Inspector General who found her egregious reports were well-documented. Twice during a three-year period, these reports were submitted to the President. This reporting activity also led to her being awarded the Office of Special Counsel's 2005 Public Service Award and later sharing the Public Servant of the Year in 2008 for her contribution to air safety. She was also nominated for the 2006 Service to America medal while the reprisals continued along with her safety concerns. After some 30 years of service with the FAA, Anne Whiteman is no ordinary hero for she put her job and well-being on the line for what she believed was needed in order to protect the flying public. As a Member of Congress, it has been my honor to serve this valiant American who not only helped pave the way for women controllers but also serves as a courageous example in the protection of air travel and she did not flinch at such a great personal loss. This record serves to honor this service as she retires from the job she loves on September 3, 2009."
Anne receives the Public Servant's Award from the Office of Special Council
