[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 79 (Monday, May 8, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E615-E616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MAJOR EFRAIN REYNA, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 8, 2017

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Major Efrain 
Reyna Jr. of the United States Army for his extraordinary dedication to 
duty and service to the Nation. After four years of faithful service in 
the nation's capital, Major Reyna will transition from his present 
assignment as a Budget Liaison at Department of the Army Headquarters 
to civilian life back in the Great State of Texas.
  Major Reyna has demonstrated the invaluable service that Army 
Congressional Liaisons provide Congress. He enabled countless Members 
and staff in developing a better understanding of Army policies, 
operations, and requirements. His first-hand knowledge of military 
needs, culture, and tradition were of tremendous benefit to 
Congressional offices. Prior to service as a Liaison, Major Reyna was 
assigned to my office as a Military Fellow

[[Page E616]]

where he quickly became an indispensable asset to my team. His 
performance was superb and he earned my utmost respect. His ability to 
build relationships and create opportunities aided me greatly in 
securing legislative language in support of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting 
victims, an effort that had been a priority of mine for 5 years.
  A native Texan from the Rio Grande Valley, Major Reyna is a 
distinguished military graduate from Saint Mary's University where he 
earned a commission in the Army Aviation branch. He served with the 
101st Airborne Division as a Chinook helicopter pilot and platoon 
leader. From here, he deployed on his first combat tour to Afghanistan 
as a flight platoon leader in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 
Efrain also served with the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, 
``the Great Place.'' While there, he served in various leadership 
positions to include Chinook company commander and support battalion 
operations officer. Efrain conducted his second combat deployed to 
Afghanistan with the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade as a company commander.
  His dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Major Reyna's 
awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious 
Service Medal, Air Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on 
Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous others. He has earned the Senior 
Aviator Badge, Ranger Tab, Airborne Wings, and Air Assault Wings. 
Efrain is a graduate of the Marine Expeditionary Warfare School. He 
also completed a Master's Degree from George Washington University 
during his time here, demonstrating his commitment as a Warrior and a 
Scholar.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize the selfless 
service of Major Efrain Reyna and the support and dedication of his 
wife Kelly Ann and their two sons, Isaac Lee Reyna and Zachary Miers. I 
wish them the very best as they complete over twelve years of honorable 
service to our great nation and proceed to the next chapter in their 
lives.

                          ____________________