Larry Reis

Larry Reis, 57, of Madisonville TN, passed away on April 24, 2024, in Lenoir City, TN. He was a proud Army veteran who served for 31 years, retiring as Command Sergeant Major. Larry was born on July 19, 1966 in Santa Maria, CA. Burial with Full Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. Caring and compassionate, Larry loved his family and country, both on and off the battlefield. His dedication to the military was unwavering, evident in his service in the US Army from September 16, 1987, to May 30, 2018. Command Sergeant Major Reis began his military career as an Artilleryman at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, on September 16, 1987. Throughout his service, he exemplified leadership and commitment to his fellow soldiers. He served in 3/82nd FA in Fort Hood Texas and the 2/319th AFAR, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. In October 1992, CSM Reis entered Special Forces training and became a Communications Sergeant. Upon successful completion of the SFQC he was assigned to ODA 312, A Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) where he participated in Operation RESTORE, UPHOLD, and MAINTAIN DEMOCRACY in Haiti. He would later serve on ODAs 313 and 314. In June 2001, he was assigned to the USAJFKSWCS where he served as a Cadre Team Sergeant and Senior Instructor at Phase II of the Special Forces Qualification Course, Small Unit Tactics. In June 2004 CSM Reis returned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) where he was assigned to Bravo Company as the Team Sergeant of ODA 321. He deployed twice while serving as the Team Sergeant in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In June 2007, he was selected to be the First Sergeant of the Warrior Leaders Course and the Basic Non-commissioned Officers Course for the USAJFKSWCS Non-commissioned officers Academy. Upon completion of the United States Army Sergeant’s Major in 2009, he was assigned as the Operations Sergeant Major of the soon to be activated 4ty Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group. After receiving a 1 year early activation of the 4th Battalion, he deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and stood up the newly formed Special Operations Task Force South East. In May 2010, he was selected to serve as the Company Sergeant Major for the A Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group and deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. There he served as the Team Tarbela Advanced Operational Base Sergeant Major while assigned to the Special Operations Command Central (Forward)-Pakistan. In November 2011 CSM Reis was once again assigned to the USAJFKSWCS as the Company Sergeant Major of F Company (ARSOF Assessment and Selection) 1st Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he deployed the battalion forward to Jordan and Turkey to establish a Combined Joint Special Operation Task Force in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. In October 2016 he was reassigned to be the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Special Operations Command-Lebanon mission located in the US Embassy Beirut, Lebanon working with the US and Lebanese Special Operations Forces. His service was recognized by the awards he received during his 31 years of service to this nation. These include the Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (2nd award), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (6th award), Army Commendation Medal with V device, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge, Static Line Jumpmaster Badge, as well as numerous others. In addition to his military service, Larry enjoyed woodworking and golf during his spare time. These hobbies brought him joy and relaxation outside of his duties. Larry Reis is survived by his beloved wife, Lora Reis; stepson Elliott Graham and wife Ashley; stepdaughter Teri and husband Charles; grandchildren, Cain Graham, Caleb Graham, and Grace Casteen; his mother, Annette McCaa and stepfather Gary McCaa, and sister Tammy. Larry's legacy of honor, service, and love for his family and country will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him.