Two leading members of the Senate Armed Services Committee have been awarded the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2022 Legislator of the Year award for their staunch and effective support of the Army and soldiers and their families.

Sens. Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island, and Republican Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma recently were honored by AUSA President and CEO retired Gen. Bob Brown.

Reed is the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, while Inhofe is the ranking member.

“Senators Reed and Inhofe have long been, and continue to be, champions of the total Army—our soldiers, their families, caregivers and veterans,” Brown said. “Naming these distinguished senators the 2022 Legislators of the Year was an easy choice. Their bipartisan leadership, tireless efforts and patriotism puts our soldiers first and ensures that they have the resources necessary to fight and win.”

Reed and Inhofe have long been steadfast supporters of the men and women in uniform, and their support is even more important today.

“As our nation faces unprecedented security challenges and the demands on the Army increase, I can think of no more ardent supporters of our men and women in uniform than these two Soldiers for Life,” Brown said.

AUSA’s Legislator of the Year award is an apolitical and nonpartisan award designed to recognize congressional leaders who have made significant contributions to and provided substantial support for the total Army—Regular Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve—as well as Army civilians, families, survivors, caregivers and veterans.

This is the first time the award has been presented since 2013, even though AUSA began recognizing congressional leaders more than two decades ago.

“It’s a real honor to receive this prestigious award for a second time and a thrill to share it today with my battle buddy, Ranking Member Inhofe. We’ve made it our bipartisan mission to enhance the well-being of our troops and their families and build a strong, effective force that has the right policies, posture, platforms and capabilities in place to effectively safeguard our nation,” Reed said. “I am incredibly grateful to AUSA for their outstanding advocacy and insight, and I join them in saluting my friend and colleague Jim Inhofe on his years of distinguished service to Oklahoma and the nation.”

Inhofe, who has announced his plans to retire from the Senate effective Jan. 3, said it has been a priority for him to continue serving his country.

“Each year in which I’ve been on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have dedicated time and resources towards working alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that our military has what it needs protect our nation’s safety and security,” he said in a statement, adding that he’s “not done” advocating for the military.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be selected as the Association of the United States Army 2022 Legislator of the Year alongside my good friend, Jack Reed,” Inhofe said. “I am also proud of our joint efforts to preserve, renew and expand provisions and support for the United States Army.”