[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 162 (Monday, November 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE SACRIFICE OF SGT. DOUGLAS J. RINEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of U.S. Army Sgt. Douglas J. Riney who was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan 
on October 19, 2016. I've always believed that the best way to really 
know who a person was, is to hear the memories from those who knew him 
best. As friends and family members in Fairview and across our 
community have come together to mourn the loss of this true American 
hero, it's clear that Sgt. Riney was a man who believed in the values 
that have made our nation strong. Like so many who grew up in Fairview, 
Sgt. Riney believed in service. After graduating from Spoon River 
Valley High School, Sgt. Riney became a volunteer firefighter with the 
Fairview Fire Protection District where he earned a reputation as a man 
who could always be counted on.
  In the United States Army, Sgt. Riney was deployed as part of 
Operation Enduring Freedom from July 2014 to February 2015. In June of 
this year, he was again deployed as part of Operation Freedom's 
Sentinel. As part of the Support Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st 
Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood, Texas, Sgt. Riney excelled at his 
work. Through the years, for his courage and commitment to getting the 
job done, Sgt. Riney was repeatedly recognized as he earned many 
commendations including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Army 
Commendation Medal. On that fateful day in Kabul, our nation lost one 
of its finest, and the community of Fairview lost one of its best.
  Mr. Speaker, as we mourn the loss of Sgt. Douglas J. Riney, let us 
also give thanks for the positive impact and legacy that he leaves 
behind. While words offer little consolation to soothe the pain of 
losing a loved one, our nation offers its deepest condolences and 
heartfelt gratitude to the family of Sgt. Riney, today and always.

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