[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 14 (Thursday, January 23, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E66-E67]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF VIETNAM VETERAN SERGEANT ROYAL 
                             EDWARD NEELEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 23, 2025

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of U.S. Army 
veteran Royal ``Roy'' Edward Neeley.
  A former Green Beret with the 1st Special Forces Command, Airborne, 
Sergeant Neeley was born on April 8, 1948, in Los Angeles to Charles 
and Mary Neeley. He passed away October 12, 2024, at age 76.
  Although he lost his mother at an early age, Roy enjoyed his youth 
growing up in Los Angeles with his two sisters. A graduate of Fremont 
High School, he was an avid sports fan and music lover.
  On October 23, 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed 
at Fort Buckner, Okinawa, Japan. As a radio operator and a Green Beret, 
his unique skill set made him and his fellow soldiers in the Army 
Airborne's 1st Special Forces Command one of the most adaptable and 
capable forces in the United States military, poised to protect the 
Nation's interest across the globe at a moment's notice.
  Sergeant Neeley was honorably discharged from the Army in October 
1970. Two years later he married Elaine McDonald on December 2, 1972, 
in a private family service in Las Vegas.
  The wedding reception was memorable because the newlyweds and guests 
celebrated both the nuptials and Anthony Davis' six touchdown run that 
helped the University of Southern California clinch a 45-23 win over 
Notre Dame. The day was a win-win for Roy and Elaine, who would enjoy 
52 years of marriage.
  Roy was totally immersed in his work as an operations manager with 
Tanne Apparel, Value City Department Stores, Liz Claiborne, and Hybrid 
Apparel. These ventures took him and the family to Ohio and Alabama.
  Service and loyalty were always part of his everyday life. At all of 
the McDonald-Neeley Family events, there wasn't a bid whist game he 
wouldn't play rise and fly. He never missed an opportunity to play golf 
with his brothers-in-law Bobby and Billy McDonald. Even if it meant 
being late to a family function, the links with Bobby and Billy came 
first.
  Memories of Roy will be cherished by his family, including his wife, 
Elaine; sons Aaron Paul Neeley and Craig Edward Neeley; daughter-in-
law. Alexis Neeley; grandchildren Nia Phillips, Nicolas Neeley, Ian 
Neeley, Brenden Neeley, Brennah Neeley, Maddox Anderson, Royce Neeley, 
and soon-to-be Scarlett Neeley; countless nieces and nephews; and his 
best friend Bud Feldman.
  Roy will be remembered for his cheerful smile, strong positive 
attitude, and dedication to providing for his family.
  Please join me in celebrating the life of Royal Edward Neeley, one of 
our Nation's most esteemed veterans, who lived a life of honor and 
service to his family, community and country.

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