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. was born on March 31, 1956. He 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).
As the AETC commander, General Rice was in charge of finding, training, and educating all United States airmen. His command included the Air Force Recruiting Service and Air University. This large command had 12 bases and over 70,600 people. It also had 1,380 trainer, fighter, and transport aircraft. He left this command on October 10, 2013.
Before this role, General Rice held many important positions. He was the Commander of United States Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force. He also served as Vice Commander of Pacific Air Forces. He was a White House Fellow and worked for the National Security Council. He received several high honors, including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.
Becoming an Air Force Leader
Edward Rice Jr. was born in New Mexico 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 studied at the Naval War College in Rhode Island.
General Rice is an experienced pilot. He has flown over 3,900 hours in many different aircraft. These include large bombers like the B-1 Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress. He also flew the E-3 Sentry (a surveillance plane) and transport planes like the C-130 Hercules.
Key Military Roles
General Rice's career in the Air Force began in 1978. He started as a pilot trainee at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona.
- Early Flying Career: From 1980 to 1984, he was a B-52G co-pilot and aircraft commander. He also became an instructor pilot for the B-52G.
- Leadership and Staff Roles: He held various leadership roles at different Air Force bases. He also worked at the Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C.
- White House Fellow: From 1990 to 1991, he was a White House Fellow. This special program allows talented people to work in the U.S. government. He worked at the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Squadron and Group Commander: He commanded the 34th Bomb Squadron from 1992 to 1993. Later, he commanded the 552nd Operations Group from 1996 to 1997.
- National Security Council: From 1997 to 1999, he worked at the National Security Council at the White House. This council advises the President on national security and foreign policy.
- Wing Commander: From 2000 to 2002, he commanded the 28th Bomb Wing in South Dakota.
- Recruiting Service: He led the Air Force Recruiting Service from 2002 to 2004. This role was important for bringing new people into the Air Force.
- International Commands: He commanded the 13th Air Force in Guam and Hawaii from 2005 to 2006. From 2008 to 2010, he was the Commander of U.S. Forces Japan and the 5th Air Force. These roles involved working closely with Japan's military.
- Top Training Role: His final major role was Commander of the Air Education and Training Command. He held this position from 2010 until his retirement in 2013.
Awards and Honors
General Rice received many awards for his service. These show his dedication and achievements in the Air Force.
- Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (three awards)
- Defense Superior Service Medal (three awards)
- Legion of Merit (three awards)
- Meritorious Service Medal (four awards)
- Aerial Achievement Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Joint Meritorious Unit Award
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with Valor device and four awards)
- Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
- Combat Readiness Medal (two awards)
- National Defense Service Medal (two awards)
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Humanitarian Service Medal
- Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon (two awards)
- Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon (with gold frame)
- Air Force Longevity Service Award (nine awards)
- Air Force Recruiter Ribbon
- Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
- Air Force Training Ribbon
- Order of the Rising Sun, 1st Class, Grand Cordon (from Japan)
He also received the Joseph A. Moller Trophy from Air Combat Command in 2007.
Images for kids
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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
