[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 165 (Friday, November 8, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING VIETNAM WAR VETERAN RICH ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 8, 2024

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Rich Allen, a distinguished 
military veteran and the longest tenured employee at Lansing Community 
College. Rich Allen's life exemplifies dedication to both education and 
service. His story is one of unwavering commitment to his country and 
to higher education.
  Born on June 11, 1945 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rich moved with his 
family to Michigan in the 1950s. He grew up in Michigan and graduated 
from Chelsea High School in 1963. After earning a Bachelor of Arts 
degree from Cleary University, Rich chose to enlist in the U.S. Army in 
1967 during the height of the Vietnam War. He served with the Army 
Security Agency, a predecessor of today's National Security Agency, 
which was tasked with electronic intelligence and warfare. Agency 
operators played a critical role in intercepting and decoding enemy 
radio transmissions to provide vital intelligence to American forces.
  As a Morse Intercept Operator, Rich underwent rigorous training, 
mastering Morse code. In 1968, he was deployed to Vietnam stationed at 
the 303rd Radio Research Battalion, an undercover unit for Army 
Security Agency operators. Rich performed critical tasks such as 
tracking enemy radio transmissions and triangulating positions to 
support military operations. His work, which often included helicopter 
reconnaissance to gather frontline intelligence, was crucial to the war 
effort, coordinating intelligence that informed artillery and 
airstrikes.
  Rich's distinguished service earned him numerous commendations, 
including the Bronze Star Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army 
Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal, all recognizing his 
technical expertise and steadfast commitment.
  After his honorable discharge in 1971, Rich returned to Michigan and 
enrolled at Lansing Community College, marking the beginning of a 50-
year career. While pursuing a degree in computer programming, he began 
as a student programmer in 1973 and soon transitioned to a full-time 
position in the Information Technology Department, where he helped 
advance the college's technological capabilities. From writing code on 
punch cards and using early computer systems to developing the 
college's first online system in 1975, his work laid the foundation for 
modern IT practices at Lansing Community College.
  Over his tenure spanning more than five decades, Rich Allen has 
served under seven college presidents and held various job titles, 
adapting to each new wave of technology. His expertise and 
collaborative spirit has helped countless colleagues, earning him deep 
respect within the Lansing community.
  Rich's legacy is marked not only by his military service and 
professional accomplishments but also by his dedication to his family. 
He finds joy in spending time with his son and grandchildren, fishing, 
camping, and gardening--a testament to living a well-rounded life. It 
is with profound respect and gratitude that I recognize his service.

                          ____________________