Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Tomora Nance | Several service members, friends and family of Sgt. Douglas Rainey sit in silence...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas – Soldiers across Fort Hood paused to honor Sgt. Douglas J. Riney in a memorial service at the Spirit of Fort Hood Chapel here Oct. 26. Riney was a petroleum supply specialist with the Regimental Support Squadron “Muleskinner,” 3rd Cavalry Regt., who was killed after encountering hostile enemy forces near Kabul, Afghanistan, on Oct. 19 in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
“Today we say farewell to SGT Douglas Riney but celebrate his life through his achievements and legacy,” said Lt. Col Robin Montgomery, the commander of Muleskinner. “SGT Riney was one of our best in the Regiment. (He) was about deeds, not words.”
Riney served as a volunteer firefighter and was previously deployed to Afghanistan from July 2014 to February 2015.
During the memorial, several Soldiers expressed their loss.
“Words can never fully express how much someone means to us. In an instant, a person you love, care, or hold most dear, can be taken from you. But the knowledge of the death of Sgt Douglas Riney is one that shattered my heart,” said Spc. Cindy Chacon, who served alongside Riney in the regiment’s 2014 deployment. “Some days were filled with laughter and some with us arguing back and forth; but that’s what family does. We all laughed, argued, and cried together and, at the end of the day, we all loved each other. Not only was (he) a soldier I served with, but a brother, a friend, and my family.”
“I am truly sadden by the loss of such a great Family man and Soldier,” said Staff Sgt. Radames Garcia, Riney’s Squad leader. “When I first met Cpl Riney, I knew he was a dedicated Soldier and the consummate professional.”
Chacon recalled some of her most cherished memories with Riney during the memorial.
“I remember one game night where we all sat around playing poker with monopoly money. He ended up taking all our money. His poker face had us all fooled. Turns out he is very good at bluffing,” said Chacon.
She also shared a time when their entire platoon went to play paintball and made a wager. The wager was the first one hit with a paintball had to grill food for the rest of the platoon. Riney took the first hit and amiably exited the field to ensure all of the food was done for the rest of his teammates by the end of the game.
During her speech, Chacon also noted Riney’s love for his family.
“I can’t forget to mention that, not only was he an amazing NCO, but he was a great husband and father to his wife and two kids,” Chacon said.
He is survived by his wife, Kylie; children, Elea and James; parents, David Riney and Pamela Boland, who also attended the memorial.
Riney’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart Medal (awarded posthumously), the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, four Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.
| Date Taken: | 10.26.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.10.2016 15:10 |
| Story ID: | 214378 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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