Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan is nearing the end of his time as House Speaker and on Wednesday, he received an award from the Department of Defense for his public service and for his enduring support for the military.

Ryan paid tribute to the military men and women for their service overseas in a time of great division back home.

"We see the huge fights over small things. Over there, in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in other places, in the mountains, in the deserts, these men and women, many on multiple deployments, they collaborate in a common pursuit under a constant strain and all they want to talk about is the difference they are making," said Rep. Paul Ryan.

Ryan who did not run for re-election this year will deliver his farewell speech to Congress next week.