The WPRC presents Sentinel Awards to U.S. Representative Don Davis (D-NC) andU.S. Representative Pat Harrigan (R-NC)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 24, 2026) – Last week, the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC) hosted its 17th Annual Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., convening industry leaders from domestic manufacturing companies that support the warfighter’s uniform and equipment needs. During this event, the WPRC announced that U.S. Representative Don Davis (D-NC, 1st District) and U.S. Representative Pat Harrigan (R-NC, 10th District) have been awarded the 2026 WPRC Sentinel Award. This accolade recognizes their outstanding legislative efforts to bolster the U.S. defense industrial base, which plays a crucial role in supporting U.S. service members and homeland security personnel.

The Sentinel Award is bestowed annually upon members of Congress who have made significant efforts to ensure the federal government has access to high-quality, American-made helmets, body armor, uniforms, footwear, textiles, and equipment, securing the best value for taxpayers. Representatives Davis and Harrigan are the co- founders and co-chairs of the Congressional Berry Amendment Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral caucus committed to strengthening national security and preserving American manufacturing.

“Representatives Davis and Harrigan have demonstrated extraordinary, bipartisan commitment to the domestic defense industrial base,” said David Costello, Executive Director of the WPRC. “As the co-founders of the Congressional Berry Amendment Caucus, they have taken direct and meaningful action to protect and support the American manufacturers who equip our warfighters. The WPRC is proud to recognize their leadership and dedication to this critical mission.”

U.S. Representative Pat Harrigan (R-NC) accepts the 2026 Sentinel Award presented by WPRC Board Chairman Markin Dornan and Executive Director David Costello.

U.S. Representative Don Davis (D-NC) accepts the 2026 Sentinel Award presented by WPRC Board Chairman Markin Dornan and Executive Director David Costello.

The 2026 Legislative Summit featured a distinguished speaking program that included Leighann Mazoki, Director of Supplier Operations, Clothing and Textiles, Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support; Mr. Andrew T. Clements, Deputy Capability Portfolio Executive Ground; Mr. Jeff Myhre, Deputy Project Manager for Soldier Survivability, Capability Portfolio Executive Ground; and Mr. Michael Stumo, Associate Director for Economic Policy and the Made in America Office, Office of Management and Budget. This program provided WPRC members with direct insight from Department of War and Executive Branch leadership on the nation’s defense industrial base priorities.

Michael Stumo, Associate Director for Economic Policy and the Made in America Office, Office of Management and Budget, addresses WPRC members at the 17th Annual Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., on April 15, 2026.

Mr. Andrew T. Clements, Deputy Capability Portfolio Executive Ground, speaks to industry leaders on soldier equipment modernization and acquisition priorities for the Army.

A major highlight of this year’s summit was the announcement of a landmark achievement for the Coalition: on February 13, 2026, President Trump signed a Presidential Waiver extending Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III authorities to “Soldier Systems” — a definition that encompasses Berry Amendment-compliant personal protective equipment and organizational clothing and individual equipment manufactured by WPRC member companies. This Executive Action, which was originally developed by the WPRC, will open DPA Title III investments to the domestic clothing and textile industrial base at a critical time for American supply chain security.

The WPRC’s FY27 legislative priorities include strongly defending the Berry Amendment to protect domestic defense industrial base manufacturers and ensure warfighter readiness, fully funding the Army Soldier Enhancement Program at $20 million, and advocating for immediate implementation of the recently signed Defense Production Act Title III Presidential Waiver for Soldier Systems.

About the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition

The Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC) is a national industry association representing domestic manufacturers of military clothing, personal protective equipment, and individual equipment for the U.S. Armed Forces, homeland security and frontline personnel. Founded 17 years ago to build a unified voice for a historically fragmented industry sector, the WPRC advocates for policies that sustain and strengthen the Berry Amendment- compliant domestic industrial base, ensuring that America’s warfighters and peacekeepers are equipped with the highest quality, American-made gear. For more information, visit warriorprotection.net.