Representative Richard Adams
House Continues to Commemorate Fallen Soldiers 

Honoring past and present members of our armed forces has continually been a high priority in the House of Representatives. Recently, we passed House Concurrent Resolution 15, which I co-sponsored, recognizing the Fortieth Anniversary of Operation Homecoming during the Vietnam War. 

On May 21st, the House presented the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction to families of fallen soldiers. Sixteen men were remembered at the ceremony commemorating their service and sacrifice. 

One of the men honored was a constituent of mine. Pfc. Jeffrey Rice was born and raised in Troy, Ohio.  He graduated in 2007 from Troy High School and Upper Valley Career Center, where he majored in welding.  Pfc. Rice had always felt compelled to serve his country, and he entered active duty service in October 2008 as a member of the 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade based out of Fort Hood, Texas.  He fought in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as a combat engineer who searched for improvised explosive devices. 

Pfc. Rice volunteered for a second tour of duty in Afghanistan in February 2012.  On July 19, 2012, he was killed in Kandahar at the age of twenty-four. 

I was privileged to introduce House Bill 53, legislation designating a portion of State Route 55 in Miami County as the “Pfc. Jeffrey L. Rice Memorial Highway.” Pfc. Rice lived near this portion of the highway with his mother, so I thought it would be a fitting way to honor a man who was described as quiet and hardworking by friends and family. 

This legislation and the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction are the least we can do honor a man who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Please remember all veterans, active military and fallen soldiers for their selfless service. 

Rep. Richard Adams may be reached by calling (614) 466-8114, emailing Rep80@ohiohouse.gov, or writing to State Rep. Richard Adams, 77 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.