NDIA Presents Eisenhower award to Thornberry.

• Position: NDIA News

Members of industry, the military and U.S. government joined together in May to attend the National Defense Industrial Association's Dwight D. Eisenhower Award dinner where this year's award was presented to Rep. William 'Mac' Thornberry, R-Texas, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

Thornberry has distinguished himself throughout his time in Congress, putting a particular focus on supporting the warfighter.

"I'm honored and grateful for the award," he said during remarks at the dinner, which was held at the Pentagon City Ritz-Carlton in Arlington, Virginia. "There is no higher calling and nothing more noble that we can do with our lives than to help protect our fellow citizens and provide security for our country."

There are many ways for citizens to help, he said. Those serving in the military are the tips of the spear.

"But especially in the United States, the defense industries play a crucial role in making sure that our citizens are protected and that our country is secure," he added.

During the evening, Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward C. Byers Jr., who received the Medal of Honor award in 2016, gave special remarks during which he highlighted the importance of industry working together with government.

"We live in an age now where we must do more with less," he said. "We have to be nimble, proactive and most importantly, we have to expand our mindset to make sure that what seems to be next to impossible becomes a reality."

Byers--who was awarded the Medal of Honor by former President Barack Obama for actions he undertook during a rescue mission in Afghanistan in December 2012--encouraged those in the defense industry to not let their competitive edge fade away. "Your country and guys like myself depend on it," he said.

"At the end of the day, you are side by side...