they are the unsung heroines, not me. i would like to accept this on behalf of all the women in the world we have worked with. the women who have been courageous enough to share their stories, and the woman who are really the unsung heroines of the world. thank you. [applause] >> our next award is the extraordinary public service award. [applause] she is a u.s. naval academy graduate and gay-rights activists. she is the first and only openly gay person allowed to remain on active duty in the military prior to the end of don't ask don't tell. [applause] in december 2010, she stood beside president obama as she signed the don't ask don't tell appeal. -- repeal. to many in congratulating her. -- join me in congratulating her. [applause] >> good afternoon. thank you for that introduction. one of the common things we keep hearing about in these profiles is when you love decided to give voice to those who do not have a voice -- who have decided to give voice to those who did not have a voice. women are stepping forward, that is