Elea Riney and James Riney

children of

Sgt. Douglas J. Riney

The Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis Foundation’s 2025 Scholarship Recipients are Elea and James Riney.

Elea Riney and James Riney are the children of American hero, Sgt. Douglas J. Riney and Kylie Riney. Through the generosity of our corporate and individual sponsors, Elea and James will each receive a future-use college scholarship intended to cover the needs of their college tuition and expenses.

Army Sergeant Douglas J. Riney was killed in action during a mission Sgt. Riney entered an Afghan Military supply point when a lone gun man opened fire and killed Sgt. Douglas Riney and one other American solider.

He was born on July 29th, 1990, at the Fort Stewart Army base in Georgia to his parents Dave and Pam Chabotte Riney. Sgt. Douglas J. Riney joined the Army as an active-duty Petroleum Specialist in July of 2012. He was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from July 2014 to February 2015, then again for Operation Freedom’s Sentinel from June to October 2016. His awards and decorations include a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, four Army Achievements 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 a NATO Medal.

Douglas was a member of the Vintage Church in Texas, a volunteer firefighter, avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, and a motorcycle and BMX bike rider with many awards in those fields as well. He graduated from Spoon River Valley High School. Douglas married the love of his life, Kylie, in December of 2012.

Sergeant Riney made the ultimate sacrifice, laying his life down for others, and is a true American Hero.

We are proud to honor his memory during our Salute to Service Event and appreciate your support for his children, Elea and James’, collegiate future, who we believe have also made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Warrior Tribute Ride will take place before the Growler game begins. The ride is from Homer Stryker Field to Fort Custer Memorial Cemetery and returning to watch the game.

Elea and James: the Willis Foundation wants you to know that your father is an American Hero!