A highly decorated Fort Hood soldier fell in battle Thursday in Kabul, Afghanistan.

26-year-old Sgt. Douglas J. Riney of Fairview, Illinois passed away on October 20 as a result of wounds sustained while encountering hostile enemy forces. He was serving in the Support Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood as part of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. He'd been with the Army since July of 2012.

Sgt. Riney's awards and decorations include  the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, 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.

We would like to express our neverending gratitude to Sgt. Riney for his service and sacrifice, and our prayers are with his family and brothers in arms.

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