[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 84 (Thursday, May 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING COLONEL BERT RICE

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C. A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2016

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize 
Colonel Bert Rice--a United States veteran and dedicated civilian 
employee--on the occasion of his retirement after more than 60 years of 
service to his country.
  A Montana native, Colonel Rice joined the U.S. Army Reserves as a 
private in 1956. He earned his degree from Montana State University 
and, as an ROTC distinguished graduate, was commissioned a 2nd 
Lieutenant of infantry in 1959. He went on to achieve his Master's 
Degree in supervision and management at Central Michigan University in 
1977.
  Colonel Rice's highly decorated active duty career spanned 30 years, 
including two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he flew armed helicopters 
and, in his second tour, commanded Company B, 25th Aviation Battalion, 
25th Infantry Division. Colonel Rice also served in Iran during its 
revolution in 1979. His many stateside assignments include three years 
with the Pentagon.
  In 2003, Colonel Rice was hired by the Department of the Army at Fort 
Meade, Maryland, where he worked until his recent retirement. He served 
as project officer and program manager for several important efforts 
that included infrastructure improvements and the major BRAC 
undertaking that brought thousands of new jobs to the base and the 
region.
  While too numerous to mention in their entirety, Colonel Rice's 
military decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, 
Distinguished Flying Cross with OLC, Bronze Star with OLC, Joint 
Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with OLC. He also has 
many civilian accolades.
  Colonel Rice's many volunteer efforts reflect the servant-hearted 
manner in which he approached every aspect of his life. He served as 
Commander-in-Chief of the Military Order of World Wars, an organization 
for retired military. In 2007, Colonel Rice was named Greater Odenton 
Improvement Association's Citizen of the Year for his community 
service.
  Colonel Rice is a dedicated husband to his wife of 56 years and a 
committed father to two Army combat veterans. He also has four 
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I have had the privilege of personally knowing Colonel 
Rice since his days serving on the Anne Arundel County Council. I know 
him to be a hard-working, patriotic and ever-helpful community leader. 
I ask that you join with me today to honor Colonel Bert Rice, whose 
life of service to the United States is deserving of our deepest 
gratitude. It is with great pride that I congratulate him on his 
retirement and wish him many more years of continued success and 
happiness.

                          ____________________