[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E500-E501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN LUTHER RICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LUKE MESSER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 15, 2015

  Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Captain Luther Rice, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a 
truly selfless Hoosier.
  Luther was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was married 
to his wife Barbara Anne Nehls Rice for 61 years. Together, they had 
three children and six grandchildren. Luther was also a proud Marine. 
He served in the United States Marine Corps for 23 years, eventually 
retiring with the rank of Captain in 1971. He completed one tour in 
Korea and two tours of duty in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star with 
Combat ``V'' during his second Vietnam tour. Overall, Captain Rice was 
awarded an impressive 14 different medals during his career in the 
Marines.
  After his distinguished military career, Luther started attending 
night and summer school at Indiana State University, where he earned 
his Bachelor's degree in 1977 and a Master's in K-12 education in 1978. 
Luther found a passion for education and was named principal of 
Connersville vocational school where he served from 1979 to 1983. He 
also taught at the Career Center in Versailles, Indiana, and was 
eventually appointed school principal there as well--a position he 
served in until his retirement in 1992. In 1991, Luther was appointed 
Judge of Aurora City Court by Indiana Governor Evan Bayh, a position he 
held for six years.
  In his spare time, Luther enjoyed supporting fellow veterans in his 
community. Luther was a lifetime member of the Korean War Veterans 
Association and served as its National Director for six years. He also 
volunteered at Dearborn County Hospital for 17 years, where he 
eventually became President of the Dearborn County Hospital Community 
Foundation.
  Today, it is my privilege to honor the life of Captain Luther Rice. 
My thoughts and prayers go out to Luther's family, and may God comfort 
those he left behind with His peace and strength.

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