BREAKING: Body of decorated soldier from San Benito pulled from Chattahoochee River

By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

Roberto Reyna

Roberto Reyna

The body of a man recovered from the Chattahoochee River, which borders Alabama and Georgia, has been identified as a soldier from San Benito.

According to a press release from the Fort Benning Media Relations Branch, the body recovered from the river has been identified as 35-year-old Staff Sgt. Roberto Reyna.

Columbus, Georgia-based WTVM News Leader 9 reported Monday that Reyna’s body was recovered from the Chattahoochee River at approximately 2:30 p.m. on March 17 near River Bend Park in Fort Mitchell, Alabama.

Stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia since October 2011, Reyna was a Calvary Scout assigned to the 194th Armored Brigade, which conducts initial entry training for new soldiers and Marines.

Fort Benning media relations personnel also indicated via email correspondence that the brigade will conduct a private memorial service for members of Reyna’s unit on March 21.

Reyna served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army for 15 years; his unit trains all initial entry Armor Crewmen and Cavalry Scouts for the Army. Marine Corps Armor crewmen also complete armor advanced individual training at the 194th, a Fort Benning release read.

His awards and decorations include seven Army Commendation Medals, 10 Army Achievement Medals, an Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, five Army Good Conduct Medals, an Air Force Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, four Iraq Campaign Medals, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, an Army Service Ribbon, five Overseas Service Ribbons, a Combat Action Badge and an Air Assault Badge.

Authorities further reported via the press release that Fort Benning’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating Reyna’s death, which is standard operating procedure for any death that occurs “on post.”

No further information was released as of presstime Tuesday.

Read this story in the March 20 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2013/03/19/breaking-body-of-decorated-soldier-from-san-benito-pulled-from-chattahoochee-river/

2 comments

    • Terry Benjamin on March 23, 2013 at 3:33 pm
    • Reply

    I am truely saddened by this shocking news. You and your family are in my prayers. God is with you and the family at this time. Terry Benjamin

  1. My condolences to his family , relatives and friends….

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