[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 3, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORY OF SGT REGINA REALI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 3, 2006

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the memory 
of SGT Regina Reali who lost her life defending our nation in support 
of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Sergeant Reali, 25, was born in Denair, California, then relocated to 
the central San Joaquin Valley. She was a 1999 graduate of Fresno High 
School and enlisted to serve in the U.S. Army in 2000. Ms. Reali's 
military career includes graduation from basic training at Fort 
Jackson, South Carolina and advanced individual training as a civil 
affairs specialist at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School and 
Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Ms. Reali's dedication led her to 
receive various awards, including the: National Defense Service Medal, 
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ``M'' Device, Army Service Ribbon and 
the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge. Upon completion of 
training, Ms. Reali reported to her first assignment as a civil affairs 
specialist with the Army Reserve's 351st Civil Affairs Command, based 
at Mountain View. Shortly after her deployment to protect our country, 
Ms. Reali's leadership efforts were recognized and she was promoted to 
sergeant.
  Unfortunately, Regina Reali's tour in Baghdad, Iraq ended when an 
improvised explosive device detonated near her military vehicle on the 
23rd day of December 2005. In recognition of Sergeant Reali's 
dedication and sacrifice, she has been recommended to posthumously 
receive several awards that portray her strength of character, such as 
the: Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, 
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism 
Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge. 
Finally, Sergeant Reali was recommended to receive the Purple Heart, 
the oldest military decoration in the world, awarded to members of the 
Armed Forces who are wounded in the line of action.
  Regina Reali is survived by her father Richard of Atwater and her 
brother and his wife Paul and Pricilla of San Diego.
  I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy and most sincere 
condolences to Sergeant Reali's family.
  It is my belief that SGT Regina Reali's loss symbolizes the ultimate 
sacrifice one can make for her country. Her humble service to our 
Nation demonstrates her valor, strength, courage and pride. Americans 
all across the Nation are indebted to Sergeant Reali for her sacrifice 
and her efforts to uphold the principals of democracy, which will serve 
as an example to all of us for generations to come.

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