[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 2 (Thursday, January 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO COL. EDWARD RICE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN R. THUNE

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 24, 2002

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Col. Edward 
Rice, Jr. on his promotion to Brigadier General.
  Col. Rice commands the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 
my home state of South Dakota, with 27 B-1 bombers and more than 3,500 
military and civilian members.
  A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1978, the Colonel is a 
command pilot with more than 3,600 flying hours in aircraft such as the 
B-1B, B-52 and B-2. Throughout this distinguished career, Col. Rice has 
held numerous key operational and staff positions.
  Most recently, Col. Rice returned from commanding B-1 and B-52 
operations during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The B-1 
bomber has been involved in every aspect of the most precise, intense 
bombing campaign in history, flattening terrorist targets and taking 
out Taliban strongholds. Col. Rice's bombers were the key to winning in 
Afghanistan.
  Upon his return, Col. Rice stated, ``All of us who wear the uniform 
understand we may be sent into combat. We all know that when duty 
calls, we'll stand and do what we've been trained to do.'' That spirit 
is what makes the U.S. military the best in the world and Col. Rice one 
of its finest examples.
  Yesterday when I spoke with Col. Rice, I was reminded again of what a 
quality individual he is and what a tremendous asset he is to our 
country. I am proud of the important role he played in directing 
missions in the skies above Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, for all the 
sophistication of these bombers, we know it is people like Col. Rice 
who truly help get the job done. I'm proud of how well he represents 
South Dakota.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Col. Rice for his performance in Operation 
Enduring Freedom, thank him for his service and congratulate him on his 
promotion to Brigadier General.

                          ____________________