Carter's wife, Stephanie, helped organize the event. This year is the first time the 'Ash Carter Exchange on Innovation and National Security' has been held. 'His action, the action of Ash Carter, saved American lives on the battlefield, to include my own.' At the time, it was Secretary of Defense Robert Gates who conceived of the idea, but it was Carter - then the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics - who pushed it over the finish line. One example, he said, was with the mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle - a vehicle that was put to use in Afghanistan and Iraq. 'He was incredibly talented at cutting red tape and speeding up the bureaucracy in order to improve the lives of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.' 'Ash Carter's decision-making was always motivated by the care and safety of the men and women in uniform,' Milley said.

More so, Austin said, Carter had been a committed public servant. He was positive, he was upbeat, and he communicated especially well.' He was approachable and affable and got along with everyone. He was, of course, a physicist, a scientist - but more than that, he was just a great human being.

'The first thing I think of when I think of Ash Carter was his human touch. 'I had the great privilege of working very closely with Secretary Carter on many, many occasions over the years, and I can attest to you that he was a great patriot, a real patriot, and a great American,' Milley said.

Milley, who offered his insight into Carter's influence on national security and the Defense Department.

Closing out the day-long event was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen.

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