[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 200 (Wednesday, November 17, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S8343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MAJOR DANIELA RAGEN

 Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of 
recognizing MAJ Daniela Ragen, U.S. Army National Guard, of Broadwater 
County, as Montanan of the Month for her service to our Nation.
  Daniela knew from a young age that she wanted to be a soldier. As 
soon as she enlisted in the Army, Daniela faced a challenge--a language 
barrier. She persisted and studied tirelessly to pass her English exams 
with high scores--so high she was accused of cheating and was forced to 
retake the exam. That didn't deter her. She retook the exam and passed 
again with flying colors.
  Following a period of service on Active Duty, Major Ragen joined the 
Arizona National Guard, where she continued her career as an analyst in 
the Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force. Major Ragen then enrolled in 
the selective 15-month officer candidate school, where she was 1 of 
only 6 participants who graduated from a starting class of 21 students.
  In addition to serving her country, Daniela has served the great 
State of Montana as a coordinator for the Montana National Guard 
Counter Drug Program. In this position, Daniela represents the best of 
both the National Guard and the State of Montana through her values of 
service, leadership, and persistence. She was even selected by her 
colleagues to serve as the chair for Northwest Region Advisory 
Committee for the National Counterdrug Program.
  On top of being an exemplary Montanan and soldier, Daniela is a wife 
and a mother of five children, one of whom is currently serving in the 
Montana National Guard. Her husband, LTC Chase Ragen, is also a long-
serving officer in the Montana National Guard.
  Major Ragen truly embodies the values of a soldier and the spirit of 
a Montanan. It is my honor to recognize Daniela for her resilience, 
courage, and commitment to serving her great State and country. Keep up 
the great work, Major Ragen.

                          ____________________