Award-winning author of The Afghanistan Papers to talk about his latest book
WASHINGTON, Apr. 22 — Military Reporters and Editors welcomes Washington Post investigative reporter and New York Times Best Selling Author Craig Whitlock to discuss his latest book, “Fat Leonard: How One Man Bribed, Bilked and Seduced the U.S. Navy” on June 12, at the offices of the Medill News Service, 1301 K St NW Suite 200 West, Washington, DC 20005.
Whitlock has worked for the Washington Post since 1998, as a Pentagon correspondent, investigative reporter, and foreign correspondent. He is the author of the #1 New York Times Best Seller “The Afghanistan Papers” – A detailed and unflinching look at America’s longest war. His reporting on Afghanistan won the George Polk Award for Military Reporting, the Scripps Howard Award for Investigative Reporting. He is also a three-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
His latest book dives deep into the story of Leonard Glenn Francis, the Malaysian contractor who bribed his way to prominence with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific. The scandal exposed systemic weakness and ethical lapses at the highest level of the U.S. military. At least 200 admirals fell under scrutiny after Francis was taken into custody in 2013. As the cases worked their way through the courts, Francis fled house arrest in 2022 and was extradited back to the United States last year, where he awaits sentencing in San Diego.
The event is moderated by MRE Board Member Steve Walsh, who writes for WHRO and the American Homefront Project.
This is a free event. Advanced sign-up is required. A mixer with beer and wine will begin at 6:15 p.m., with the interview to start at 7 p.m. The discussion will also be streamed live.
About Military Reporters & Editors | MRE
Military Reporters & Editors is the leading organization for U.S. journalists covering national security. MRE provides resources, support, and networking opportunities for its members, fostering excellence in journalism and promoting public understanding of military and national security affairs.