Pfc. Jeffrey L. Rice, 24, of Troy, Ohio, died July 19, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas. Rice deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from January 2010 to January 2011. His 2012 deployment began in February. Rice's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.
PFC Jeffrey L. Rice, age 24, of Troy, Ohio passed away Thursday, July 19, 2012 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was born October 1, 1987 in Troy, Ohio to Bruce L. and Sandra (Hartman) Rice. Jeff is survived by his mother, Sandra and stepfather, Dick Wheelock of Troy; sisters, Wendy and Mary Rice of Troy; nieces, Ali, Kristen, and Makayla; and grandparents, Lee and Vi Hartman of Minster. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Bruce in 2007. Jeff was a 2007 graduate of Troy High School and the Upper Valley Joint Vocational School where he majored in welding. He was assigned to the 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas and was currently in Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Services will be held 10:30AM Monday, July 30, 2012 at the Baird Funeral Home, Troy, Ohio with Chaplain Dan Burris officiating. Military rites to follow the service. A public visitation will be held from 12:00-4:00PM on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at the funeral home with the family present from 4:00-8:00PM on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fisher House Foundation, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, Maryland 20850-5168. Obituary provided by Baird Funeral Home.