[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 156 (Thursday, September 26, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H7995-H7996]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING COLONEL JOSEPH S. HICE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Hice) for 5 minutes.

[[Page H7996]]

  

  Mr. HICE of Georgia. Madam Speaker, with solemn remembrance and a 
heavy heart, I rise today to honor the life of my uncle, Colonel Joseph 
S. Hice.
  We knew him as Uncle Spurge. He was a great husband, a father, a 
friend to everyone who knew him, and an amazing American patriot.
  Colonel Hice was born in 1928 in Cherry Log, Georgia. He attended the 
University of Georgia, where he graduated with a degree in aeronautical 
engineering.
  His passion for flight led him to an amazing career in the United 
States Air Force, where he served with honor for 21 years. He was among 
the first jet pilots in our Nation's history who commanded the P-80, F-
84, F-86, F-100, F-104, KC-135, and B-52.
  During his distinguished career, he earned the World War II Victory 
Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit 
Award with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the 
National Defense Service Medal, and the Bronze Star service medal.
  Colonel Hice served his Nation with great honor during both the 
Korean and Vietnam wars and led the first squadron of jet aircraft to 
circumnavigate the globe nonstop.
  During the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, Colonel Hice served at 
Strategic Air Command headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base in 
Nebraska, where he helped coordinate various branches involved in 
Operation Looking Glass, and he was responsible for briefing President 
John Kennedy in real time.
  Following his career in the Air Force, Colonel Hice celebrated a 20-
year career with Eastern Air Lines in Miami, Florida, as a chief flight 
instructor. Later, he worked in real estate in both south Florida and 
Atlanta, Georgia, after his retirement from the airline.
  Colonel Hice was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Phil Blankley 
Hice. He is survived by his children, Joseph Hice, Jr., Charles N. 
Hice, Leslie Jane Hice Coleman; his brother, my father, Thomas Hice; 10 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his many nieces and nephews; and 
his beloved pup, Louie.
  Colonel Hice led an illustrious life of great honor and marked 
dignity in service and commitment to his family, his friends, and his 
Nation. He will receive full military honors during a ceremony at the 
Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, on Friday, October 4, 
2019--10/4/2019.

  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this 
amazing American hero, Colonel Joseph S. Hice: Fly low and slow, and 
keep the doors open. 10-4.

                          ____________________