Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoTreasury sanctions individuals, groups tied to Russian malign influence activities Navalny released from hospital after suspected poisoning Overnight Defense: Pentagon redirects pandemic funding to defense contractors | US planning for full Afghanistan withdrawal by May | Anti-Trump GOP group puts ads in military papers MORE and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford, were among the attendees Thursday at a ceremony honoring former Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.) with an honorary promotion to Army colonel.

Pictures of the event show Dunford and Pompeo smiling alongside members of Dole's family, including his wife, former Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.).

"I became a “full bird colonel” today at the WWII Memorial. A special thanks to the U.S. Army. God bless our men and women in uniform," Dole wrote on Twitter.

By Act of Congress signed by @POTUS, former Sen Bob Dole is promoted to honorary rank of Colonel. Insignia presented by Army Chief of Staff Gen Mark Milley at WWII Memrorial. Dole was severely wounded in combat in WWII. Was discharged as a Captain. (Photo: US Army) pic.twitter.com/kd8v5exuRR — Mark Knoller (@markknoller) May 16, 2019

I became a “full bird colonel” today at the WWII Memorial. A special thanks to the U.S. Army. God bless our men and women in uniform. pic.twitter.com/STicedutPs — Senator Bob Dole (@SenatorDole) May 16, 2019

Rep. Debbie Dingell Deborah (Debbie) Ann DingellRaces heat up for House leadership posts Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell easily wins House primary Court orders release of Black Michigan teen who was jailed for missing schoolwork MORE (D-Mich.) was also among the guests Thursday, calling Dole's service during World War 2 "inspiring."

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"Congrats to my friend Bob Dole on the promotion to Army Colonel! Your service and dedication to our country is inspiring," she wrote.

Congrats to my friend Bob Dole on the promotion to Army Colonel! Your service and dedication to our country is inspiring. pic.twitter.com/AaFUxGOPqX — Rep. Debbie Dingell (@RepDebDingell) May 16, 2019

Dole was officially promoted in March after legislation to approve his honorary promotion to colonel was unanimously approved by the House. Now 95 years old, Dole previously served as a senator for more than three decades and unsuccessfully ran for president in 1996.

"I was proud to wear our nation's uniform 77 years ago when I enlisted, and my pride in America's brave service men and women continues today," he said in a statement earlier this year upon his official promotion.