SUBJECT: Letter of Recommendation for Shurd C. Rice
1. Shurd Rice was one of the best soldiers and Maintenance Test Pilots that I have ever worked with and should be successful in any of his future endeavors. Please select Mr. Rice for this position at your earliest opportunity. I had been his commander through two difficult combat tours and I found Mr. Rice to be able to maintain a high level of motivation and discipline. His numerous citations should attest to his excellent aviation work through this difficult period.
2. In Afghanistan and Hawaii, I flew many times with Shurd, including combat, logistics, and fire fighting operations. I find him to be a very conscientious, aware, and intelligent pilot. In Iraq, I witnessed Shurd successfully and safely land a crippled Blackhawk; a feat which lesser pilots would not have been able to do.
3. As an MTP in Iraq, Shurd single-handedly ran the maintenance program for his company. Normally a two-man job, with the illness of his partner, Shurd worked ceaselessly for twelve hours a day, six to seven days a week for six months. Shurd Rice received a Bronze Star for his efforts.
4. Mr. Rice has been an asset to my Company, my Battalion, and the Army as a whole. While it was difficult to let him go, I sincerely hope that you will select Mr. Rice and see what I mean.
5. The point of contact is the undersigned at 808-722-4799.
RENE M. DE LA FUENTE
Captain, AV
US Army
Monday, February 1, 2010
MORE TESTIMONIALS
SUBJECT: Letter of Recommendation Mr. Shurd Rice
1. Please consider this letter as my highest endorsement of Mr. Shurd Rice as a candidate for your organization. Mr. Rice has demonstrated his technical expertise and calm delivery under pressure as an aviator in two tours of combat. He is unquestionably among the very best of aviation professionals I have had the pleasure to serve with in 16 years of active duty. Mr. Rice will not only be an asset to any team he is assigned, he will quickly bubble to the top as a leader in your organization. His record speaks clearly for itself.
2. Mr. Rice was awarded the Air Medal with Valor for his aviation missions while assigned to US Army Special Operations in Afghanistan. These missions, simply stated, were executed in the most demanding conditions our aviation world has to offer: rugged mountainous terrain with peaks in excess of the Blackhawk’s service ceiling, night vision goggle missions under a black desert sky, and all executed in an environment with no IFR support structure. The mission for which Mr. Rice was awarded the Air Medal with Valor was the type of mission that we all train for and hope that we don’t fold under when we are faced with it: a night rooftop extraction of Special Forces Soldiers- under fire. This was one example, one example among the 148 combat sorties flown during his tour as part of Operation Enduring Freedom V, Afghanistan.
3. Additionally, Mr. Rice was awarded the Bronze Star for his leadership as his company’s Maintenance Test Pilot while serving during combat operations in Iraq. His responsibilities included final signature authority and release for flight for 12 UH-60L Blackhawk helicopters, senior technical inspector for his assigned aircraft, and supervisor for 14 aviation maintenance personnel. His technical expertise resulted in consistent ‘fully mission capable’ readiness ratings for his assigned aircraft, and 100% of his assigned aircraft returned successfully from their combat sorties.
4. Mr. Rice is uniquely qualified for nearly any aviation position. His education began early, under the mentorship of his father, an SR-71 Blackbird pilot, then honed through the US Army’s Rotary Wing and Maintenance Test Pilot courses. This officer was then tested under fire during two combat aviation tours, and emerged on the other side a decorated aviation leader- loved and respected by peers and superiors alike. This leader will achieve any goal he sets for himself and should be challenged with positions requiring the best in your organization.
SHANNON D. BECKETT
MAJ, MS
Division AeromedicalEvacuationOfficer
Tikrit, Iraq
1. Please consider this letter as my highest endorsement of Mr. Shurd Rice as a candidate for your organization. Mr. Rice has demonstrated his technical expertise and calm delivery under pressure as an aviator in two tours of combat. He is unquestionably among the very best of aviation professionals I have had the pleasure to serve with in 16 years of active duty. Mr. Rice will not only be an asset to any team he is assigned, he will quickly bubble to the top as a leader in your organization. His record speaks clearly for itself.
2. Mr. Rice was awarded the Air Medal with Valor for his aviation missions while assigned to US Army Special Operations in Afghanistan. These missions, simply stated, were executed in the most demanding conditions our aviation world has to offer: rugged mountainous terrain with peaks in excess of the Blackhawk’s service ceiling, night vision goggle missions under a black desert sky, and all executed in an environment with no IFR support structure. The mission for which Mr. Rice was awarded the Air Medal with Valor was the type of mission that we all train for and hope that we don’t fold under when we are faced with it: a night rooftop extraction of Special Forces Soldiers- under fire. This was one example, one example among the 148 combat sorties flown during his tour as part of Operation Enduring Freedom V, Afghanistan.
3. Additionally, Mr. Rice was awarded the Bronze Star for his leadership as his company’s Maintenance Test Pilot while serving during combat operations in Iraq. His responsibilities included final signature authority and release for flight for 12 UH-60L Blackhawk helicopters, senior technical inspector for his assigned aircraft, and supervisor for 14 aviation maintenance personnel. His technical expertise resulted in consistent ‘fully mission capable’ readiness ratings for his assigned aircraft, and 100% of his assigned aircraft returned successfully from their combat sorties.
4. Mr. Rice is uniquely qualified for nearly any aviation position. His education began early, under the mentorship of his father, an SR-71 Blackbird pilot, then honed through the US Army’s Rotary Wing and Maintenance Test Pilot courses. This officer was then tested under fire during two combat aviation tours, and emerged on the other side a decorated aviation leader- loved and respected by peers and superiors alike. This leader will achieve any goal he sets for himself and should be challenged with positions requiring the best in your organization.
SHANNON D. BECKETT
MAJ, MS
Division AeromedicalEvacuationOfficer
Tikrit, Iraq
TESTIMONIALS
Letter of Recommendation - Shurd Rice
Based on my professional and personal relationship, Shurd Rice receives my utmost support and wholehearted recommendation. I had the privilege to serve with Mr. Rice from March 2006 till March 2008 in Charlie Company, 2-25 Aviation Regiment (Assault). As his platoon leader, and first line supervisor, for fifteen months in Operation Iraqi Freedom and nine months at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, I witnessed flawless character, unmatched resource management, and rare peer leadership.
Army Aviation demands the best, especially from its maintenance test pilots, and Mr. Rice distinguished himself among the best. Mr. Rice never shirked his duties, as he knew mission success depended on his ability to maintain fully mission capable aircraft. Despite a grueling operation tempo, and headquarters’ demands, Mr. Rice not only accomplished, but also excelled at his mission. Throughout my career I have known many “Yes Men,” and witnessed the waste created by their unrealistic promises. This was never an issue with Mr. Rice. Because of his maturity, and sound judgment, he told me what I needed to hear, which was not necessarily what I wanted to hear. His candid maintenance assessments addressed problems early, thus providing realistic unit readiness. As a proactive advisor, Mr. Rice not only informed me of maintenance issues, but also presented feasible solutions, despite scares resources.
In Iraq, scarce assets, such as parts, tools, and personnel, made effective resource management imperative. Mr. Rice’s impeccable prioritization of numerous aircraft maintenance requirements maximized our assets, directly supporting our mission accomplishment. He made the most of all resources, especially the most valuable, his own time. Though allotted two maintenance test pilots, Charlie Company only needed Mr. Rice. He worked tirelessly, single handedly performing the job of two pilots. A testament to his phenomenal work ethic, the leadership never noticed the vacancy. Even when not on duty, Mr. Rice stood ready to respond to any maintenance emergency.
Mr. Rice’s skills extended beyond the maintenance arena, as he was an outstanding mission pilot. As a platoon leader, I was tasked to command numerous complex missions. Burdened with these responsibilities during a flight, I selected only the best pilots to accompany me. Mr. Rice’s sound judgment and aircraft control made him an obvious choice. When I became task saturated with mission changes, I had full confidence that Mr. Rice could single-hand a two pilot aircraft, ensuring crew and passenger safety, displaying his seasoned cockpit leadership.
For quality officers, leadership extends beyond the cockpit. Though a peer by rank, Mr. Rice was a leader by character. Unfazed by his already monumental responsibilities, he was often called upon to rally the company, reinvigorating mission focus. Mr. Rice always supported his leadership’s decisions, but we quickly learned to rely on his sound counsel.
Shurd Rice enabled me to succeed as a platoon leader. Without his flawless character, resources management, and peer leadership, Charlie Company would not have succeeded. I hope to work with this exemplary man again in the future. He will be an invaluable asset to any organization.
CPT Matthew Killoran
808-295-0593matthew.killoran@us.army.mil
Based on my professional and personal relationship, Shurd Rice receives my utmost support and wholehearted recommendation. I had the privilege to serve with Mr. Rice from March 2006 till March 2008 in Charlie Company, 2-25 Aviation Regiment (Assault). As his platoon leader, and first line supervisor, for fifteen months in Operation Iraqi Freedom and nine months at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, I witnessed flawless character, unmatched resource management, and rare peer leadership.
Army Aviation demands the best, especially from its maintenance test pilots, and Mr. Rice distinguished himself among the best. Mr. Rice never shirked his duties, as he knew mission success depended on his ability to maintain fully mission capable aircraft. Despite a grueling operation tempo, and headquarters’ demands, Mr. Rice not only accomplished, but also excelled at his mission. Throughout my career I have known many “Yes Men,” and witnessed the waste created by their unrealistic promises. This was never an issue with Mr. Rice. Because of his maturity, and sound judgment, he told me what I needed to hear, which was not necessarily what I wanted to hear. His candid maintenance assessments addressed problems early, thus providing realistic unit readiness. As a proactive advisor, Mr. Rice not only informed me of maintenance issues, but also presented feasible solutions, despite scares resources.
In Iraq, scarce assets, such as parts, tools, and personnel, made effective resource management imperative. Mr. Rice’s impeccable prioritization of numerous aircraft maintenance requirements maximized our assets, directly supporting our mission accomplishment. He made the most of all resources, especially the most valuable, his own time. Though allotted two maintenance test pilots, Charlie Company only needed Mr. Rice. He worked tirelessly, single handedly performing the job of two pilots. A testament to his phenomenal work ethic, the leadership never noticed the vacancy. Even when not on duty, Mr. Rice stood ready to respond to any maintenance emergency.
Mr. Rice’s skills extended beyond the maintenance arena, as he was an outstanding mission pilot. As a platoon leader, I was tasked to command numerous complex missions. Burdened with these responsibilities during a flight, I selected only the best pilots to accompany me. Mr. Rice’s sound judgment and aircraft control made him an obvious choice. When I became task saturated with mission changes, I had full confidence that Mr. Rice could single-hand a two pilot aircraft, ensuring crew and passenger safety, displaying his seasoned cockpit leadership.
For quality officers, leadership extends beyond the cockpit. Though a peer by rank, Mr. Rice was a leader by character. Unfazed by his already monumental responsibilities, he was often called upon to rally the company, reinvigorating mission focus. Mr. Rice always supported his leadership’s decisions, but we quickly learned to rely on his sound counsel.
Shurd Rice enabled me to succeed as a platoon leader. Without his flawless character, resources management, and peer leadership, Charlie Company would not have succeeded. I hope to work with this exemplary man again in the future. He will be an invaluable asset to any organization.
CPT Matthew Killoran
808-295-0593matthew.killoran@us.army.mil
SHURD C. RICE
1908 N Killingsworth St. #3
Portland, Or. 97217
808-341-5703
shurdline@hotmail.com
OBJECTIVE
Commercial Pilot / Maintenance Pilot
QUALIFICATIONS
Ø Commercial Pilot Airplane Single & Multiengine Land; Rotorcraft – Helicopter, Instrument Airplane and Helicopter
Ø 1,934.3 Total Flight Hours
Ø 1,150.5 Pilot-In-Command
Ø 1,840.7 Helicopter Total Time
Ø 1,699.2 UH-60A/L Total Time
Ø 141.5 OH-58 A/C - TH-67 (B206) Total Time
Ø 46.5 Single Engine Fixed Wing Total Time
Ø 47.8 Multiengine Fixed Wing Total Time
Ø Graduate US Army Maintenance Test Pilot Course
Ø Commercial Pilot Airplane Single & Multiengine Land; Rotorcraft – Helicopter, Instrument Airplane and Helicopter
Ø 1,934.3 Total Flight Hours
Ø 1,150.5 Pilot-In-Command
Ø 1,840.7 Helicopter Total Time
Ø 1,699.2 UH-60A/L Total Time
Ø 141.5 OH-58 A/C - TH-67 (B206) Total Time
Ø 46.5 Single Engine Fixed Wing Total Time
Ø 47.8 Multiengine Fixed Wing Total Time
Ø Graduate US Army Maintenance Test Pilot Course
PILOT CREDENTIALS
1,934.3 Total Flight Hours
947.4 Combat 163.2 Actual/Sim Instrument
728.9 Cross Country 105.8 Sling load/fire buckets
378.1 UH-60 MTP 101.1 Over Water
306.0 Night Vision Goggle 42.5 Night Unaided
173.1 Mountain
Medical: Class I
EXPERIENCE
Maintenance Test Pilot
C Co 2/25th AVN REGT
Company Chief Maintenance Pilot for all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance eight UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters fleet
2006 – 2008
Pilot in Command
B Co 2/25th AVN REGT
Combat Air Mission Commander and Pilot for multi-ship utility and air assault operations
2004 – 2006
Pilot
B Co 2/25th AVN REGT
Combat Pilot for multi-ship utility and air assault operations
2002 – 2004
Maintenance Test Pilot
C Co 2/25th AVN REGT
Company Chief Maintenance Pilot for all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance eight UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters fleet
2006 – 2008
Pilot in Command
B Co 2/25th AVN REGT
Combat Air Mission Commander and Pilot for multi-ship utility and air assault operations
2004 – 2006
Pilot
B Co 2/25th AVN REGT
Combat Pilot for multi-ship utility and air assault operations
2002 – 2004
Student Pilot
US Army Ft. Rucker
2000-2002
Medium Helicopter Repairer
US Army AVIM Giebelstadt Germany
Responsible for maintaining, servicing, and trouble shooting of army UH-60 and CH-47 Helicopters at an intermediate army repair facility.
1998-2002
EDUCATION
2 Years Northern Virginia Community College
Graduate US Army Warrant Officer Candidate School
Graduate US Army Initial through Advanced Rotary Wing School
Graduate Us Army Maintenance Manager and Test Pilot School
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
2 Years Northern Virginia Community College
Graduate US Army Warrant Officer Candidate School
Graduate US Army Initial through Advanced Rotary Wing School
Graduate Us Army Maintenance Manager and Test Pilot School
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Aviation Maintenance Technology Part 65 Under-grad Courses
ACHIEVEMENTS
~ Awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Managerial Performance as the Company Maintenance Test Pilot in Operation Iraq Freedom.
As a Maintenance Test Pilot and Maintenance Manager, I have actively lead extensive phase maintenance teams requiring the timely coordination of a wide array of expertise. I actively monitored necessary supply and demand of aircraft parts. I coordinated aircraft inspections and repairs, insuring all maintenance followed a logical sequence, thus limiting aircraft downtime, increasing maintenance efficacy and contributing to mission readiness.
~ Awarded The Air Medal with “Valor” Device during Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan.
For the rescue of several US Army Special Forces personnel from an exposed rooftop while engaged by enemy small arms and RPG fire.
~ Broken Wing Award (pending) during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
For successfully landing the aircraft in a small confined area after experiencing an engine failure while at slow flight over a crowded Forward Operating Base in Mosul, Iraq. There was no further damage to the aircraft or injury to the crew.
~ Completed 21 credit hours towards completion of A&P certification at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University;
~ Qualified by the FAA to sit for A&P written, oral and practical exams.
~ Awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Managerial Performance as the Company Maintenance Test Pilot in Operation Iraq Freedom.
As a Maintenance Test Pilot and Maintenance Manager, I have actively lead extensive phase maintenance teams requiring the timely coordination of a wide array of expertise. I actively monitored necessary supply and demand of aircraft parts. I coordinated aircraft inspections and repairs, insuring all maintenance followed a logical sequence, thus limiting aircraft downtime, increasing maintenance efficacy and contributing to mission readiness.
~ Awarded The Air Medal with “Valor” Device during Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan.
For the rescue of several US Army Special Forces personnel from an exposed rooftop while engaged by enemy small arms and RPG fire.
~ Broken Wing Award (pending) during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
For successfully landing the aircraft in a small confined area after experiencing an engine failure while at slow flight over a crowded Forward Operating Base in Mosul, Iraq. There was no further damage to the aircraft or injury to the crew.
~ Completed 21 credit hours towards completion of A&P certification at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University;
~ Qualified by the FAA to sit for A&P written, oral and practical exams.
REFERENCES
Chad Roe – Former Company Commander
chadroe@hotmail.com
808-371-0866
CPT Rene Miguel de la Fuente – Former Platoon Leader
rene.m.delafuente@us.army.mil
Currently deployed to Iraq
CPT Matthew Killoran – Former Platoon Leader
matthew.killoran@us.army.mil
808-295-0593
MAJ Shannon Beckett – Mentor and Maintenance Test Pilot
shannon.beckett@us.army.mil
808-741-6056
TESTIMONIAL
“Based on my professional and personal relationship, Shurd Rice receives my utmost support and wholehearted recommendation.”
- CPT Matthew Killoran
“Based on my professional and personal relationship, Shurd Rice receives my utmost support and wholehearted recommendation.”
- CPT Matthew Killoran
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