The U.S. Navy awarded U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service Thursday. The medal is the highest award a private citizen or politician can receive from the department.
The award honors Donnelly for his dedication to ensuring service members have the resources and preparation needed to complete their missions.
"Our brave men and women work nonstop to keep our country safe and protect our freedoms," Donnelly said in a statement. "They and their families deserve nothing less than our wholehearted support, and I will continue working to get them the resources they need to succeed on the battlefield and here at home. "
Donnelly serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee.