Edward A. Rice Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward A. Rice, Jr.
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General Edward A. Rice, Jr.
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| Born | March 31, 1956 Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1978–2013 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Air Education and Training Command United States Forces Japan Fifth Air Force Thirteenth Air Force 28th Bomb Wing 552nd Operations Group 34th Bomb Squadron |
| Awards | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (3) Defense Superior Service Medal (3) Legion of Merit (3) |
Edward Augustus Rice Jr. is a retired four-star general from the United States Air Force. He was the 30th Commander of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC). In this important role, he was in charge of finding, training, and educating all United States airmen.
His command included the Air Force Recruiting Service and Air University. AETC had 12 bases, over 70,600 people (including active duty, reserve, guard, civilians, and contractors), and 1,380 aircraft. General Rice handed over command of AETC in October 2013.
Before leading AETC, General Rice held many other key positions. He was the Commander of United States Forces Japan and the Fifth Air Force. He also served as Vice Commander of Pacific Air Forces. He was a White House Fellow and worked with the National Security Council. He earned several important awards, like the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.
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General Rice's Education and Training
Edward Rice Jr. was born in New Mexico in 1956 and grew up in Yellow Springs, Ohio. He graduated with honors from the United States Air Force Academy in 1978. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
Later, in 2006, he attended a special course at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. This course helped him learn more about leading joint forces, which means working with different branches of the military.
Flying Experience
General Rice is an experienced pilot. He has flown for more than 3,900 hours in many different types of aircraft. These include large bombers like the B-1 Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, and B-2 Spirit. He also flew other important planes like the E-3 Sentry (a surveillance aircraft) and the KC-135 Stratotanker (for refueling). His experience also includes transport planes like the C-130 Hercules and training jets like the T-37 Tweet and T-38 Talon.
General Rice's Military Career
General Rice's military career began in July 1978. He started with pilot training at Williams AFB, Arizona, where he was a distinguished graduate. Over the years, he held many different roles and commands.
- Early Pilot Roles: From 1980 to 1988, he was a B-52G co-pilot, aircraft commander, and instructor pilot at bases like Loring AFB, Maine, and Mather AFB, California.
- Leadership and Staff Roles: He worked at the U.S. Air Force Headquarters in Washington, D.C., helping with air crew management. He also served as a White House Fellow, working with the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Commanding Squadrons and Wings: He commanded the 34th Bomb Squadron at Castle AFB, California, and later the 552nd Operations Group at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. From 2000 to 2002, he commanded the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.
- Recruiting and International Commands: From 2002 to 2004, he led the Air Force Recruiting Service. He then commanded the 13th Air Force in Guam and Hawaii. From 2008 to 2010, he was the Commander of U.S. Forces Japan and the 5th Air Force.
- Final Command: His last major role was leading the Air Education and Training Command from 2010 until his retirement in 2014.
Awards and Honors
General Rice received many awards and decorations throughout his distinguished career. These awards recognize his bravery, leadership, and dedication to service.
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US Air Force Command Pilot Badge |
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Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge |
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Presidential Service Badge |
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Defense Superior Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Legion of Merit with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Meritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Aerial Achievement Medal |
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Air Force Commendation Medal |
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Joint Meritorious Unit Award |
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Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device & three bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Air Force Organizational Excellence Award |
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Combat Readiness Medal with bronze oak leaf clusters |
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National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star |
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Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal |
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Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal |
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Global War on Terrorism Service Medal |
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Humanitarian Service Medal |
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Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon with bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold frame |
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Air Force Longevity Service Award with silver and three bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Air Force Recruiter Ribbon |
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Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon |
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Air Force Training Ribbon |
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Order of the Rising Sun, 1st Class, Grand Cordon |
- In 2007, he received the Joseph A. Moller Trophy from Air Combat Command.
