Thomas Daschle: “today I want to honor the commanding officer at Ellsworth Air Force Base--who has just returned home after directing Air…”

“today I want to honor the commanding officer at Ellsworth Air Force Base--who has just returned home after directing Air Force operations over Afghanistan and who will become a brigadier general this week. This outstanding officer, Colonel Edward A. Rice, Jr., has demonstrated his leadership abilities in a number of settings, and my fellow Senators can expect to hear more of him as he assumes new roles and responsibilities in our nation's service. As commander of the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing, Colonel Rice directed the main Air Force combat group operating over Afghanistan from late September until mid-January. This force of 1,800 personnel and 30 planes (including B-1 bombers, B-52 bombers, and KC-10 tankers), delivered most of the ordnance that was so effective in shattering the Taliban and al Qaeda forces. All branches of the military played a role in this first victory in the war against terrorism, but as an Air Force veteran and a South Dakotan, I am particularly proud of the achievements of Colonel Rice and the forces under his command.”