He served as vice chair of the full committee during McKeon 's time as chairman .
Thornberry lost his 2009 bid to chair the full Armed Services Committee to Buck McKeon , R - Calif. , who had more seniority .
Thornberry served as vice chair of the full committee during Buck McKeon 's time as chairman .
Thornberry lost his 2009 bid to chair the full Armed Services Committee to Buck McKeon , R - Calif. , who had more seniority .