MISSION, Texas –
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with the 851st Transportation Company based in Harlingen, Texas, conducted a military memorial ceremony to honor U.S. Army Reserve Soldier 1st Lt. Jonathon Reyes on Nov. 3, 2018. 1st Lt. Reyes passed away during a car accident while performing military duties on Sept. 15, 2018. Memorial ceremonies give military units and families a chance to pay respect to service members that die while serving their country.
“Lieutenant Reyes was a diligent soldier,” said Cadet Nnana Edmund, a Soldier with the 851st Transportation Company. “He always put the mission first, he always cared about his soldiers. He had those values I love to imitate.”
Reyes is remembered fondly for helping others. He volunteered over 500 hours to assist his local community while being a positive role model to cadets of the JROTC program at Mission High School.
“He was always very friendly to everyone,” said Lesslie Rangel, the wife of Reyes. “He offered to always volunteer. He liked to get involved with any type of event and he liked giving back.”
Reyes’ desire to volunteer and help also extended to his military duties.
“He was the kind of guy that would volunteer for everything,” said Capt. Elias Guerra, Company Commander of the 851st Transportation Company. “If it was something big or something small, he was the go-to guy for everything in the company.”
Reyes had a kind, virtuous soul and always looked out for those around him. If he saw someone having a bad day, he gave them his time and attention.
“He was a very kind person, always generous,” said Rangel. “He liked being there for everyone; always a brother, a friend, someone you can open up to.”
Reyes was regarded as a natural leader with his magnetic and caring personality. Leaders like Reyes are a key component to the success of the Army Reserve.
“He cared not just for the company but everyone he met,” said Guerra. “Anyone he made contact with just kind of migrated towards him, he was that kind of guy.”
As a stalwart family man, Reyes encouraged others around him to maintain strong bonds with their families.
“He always made me contact my family,” said Edmund. “He told me to do what is right, to always bring out the best in myself and be hard working.”
This desire to always do the right thing demonstrated Reyes adherence to the Army values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. That dedication inspired others around him.
“I thought I had a pretty good work ethic, but looking at his, I feel I need to step it up,” said Guerra. “It is challenging me to go up to a higher level.”
Reyes will be remembered for many things including his strength of character and his ability to inspire others to greatness.
“I want other people to know he was a good soldier,” said Edmund. “He was a good person. He was family oriented, he cared about his family and the people around him. And he always carried himself in a manner such as that what a leader should look like. That is what I want people to know about him.”
For those seeking to make a difference in their communities while inspiring others, information about the U.S. Army Reserve and how to become a Citizen-Soldier, please go to https://www.goarmy.com/reserve.html
The 851st Transportation Company is part of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). The 4th ESC is made up of Soldiers, civilians and their families in units headquartered throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. As part of America’s Army Reserve, these units are trained, combat-ready and equipped to provide military and logistical support in any corner of the globe.