[Mr. Harrison] has been a true catalyst for change, tirelessly working to challenge and overturn the military’s discriminatory HIV policies. His landmark case, Harrison v. Austin, not only resulted in a pivotal federal court decision but also illuminated the broader injustices faced by HIV-positive service members. . . . He embodies the principle that change is not the result of a single great person but of a series of individuals building on the accomplishments of those who came before them. His contributions have significantly advanced the cause of HIV advocacy and have set the stage for future progress.

[Mr. Harrison’s] military career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to serving our nation, even in the face of significant personal challenges. He has twice put his life, education, and career on hold to deploy to combat zones, first in Afghanistan from 2006-2007 and later in Kuwait and Iraq from 2011-2012. These deployments highlight [his] willingness to sacrifice for his country, a country that has not always fully accepted him.

Mr. Harrison became a newsroom leader and mentor. He modeled for younger journalists an attitude of curiosity and a habit of perseverance. He showed them how to look powerful people in the face and insist on answers. . . . I can attest that Mr. Harrison knows freedom of information laws very well and is a passionate advocate for government transparency and citizen access to the information we need to be free and self-governing. He is intelligent, fearless, passionate, and fair.

Mr. Harrison was always an outstanding volunteer and a loyal community servant – especially to the disenfranchised members of the community. . . . Mr. Harrison has also steadfastly continued his advocacy for people affected by HIV, including mounting his own personal challenge against the Department of Defense’s policy against HIV+ personnel receiving a commission. [He] continues to offer personal support and assistance to other similarly affected servicemembers  who are striving to make their own headways through the military’s administrative processes.

His breadth of knowledge and experience in regards to small business contracting has been a real asset to this agency and we have been truly blessed to have him as a Program Manager. Faced with the challenge of managing a $2.8 billion portfolio focused on chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats to identify opportunities for small businesses and non‑traditional defense contractors and ensure the agency met its small business goals, he has responded with creativity and initiative. Mr. Harrison created most of the small business policy for our agency.