Warbirds Online » Blog Archive » CAF President Bob Rice Resigns for Red Cross Position

As reported by MyWestTexas.com

Bob Rice, president of the Commemorative Air Force, announced publicly Thursday that he turned in his resignation on Aug. 27.

Rice will accept the position of executive director of the American Red Cross of Southwest Texas.

Rice, who will remain in his current capacity through AirSho, takes the helm of the American Red Cross on Oct. 8. According to Gordon Stevenson, chairman of the CAF’s Board of Directors, a nationwide search is underway to find Rice’s replacement.

In 1991, Rice joined the CAF when it moved its headquarters to the Midland-Odessa area. After serving as vice president of flight operations for seven months, he assumed the position of president in January 1992. Rice, who is active in several local organizations, also serves on the board of the International Council of Air Shows.

“The CAF is fortunate to have the support and friendship of the Midland and Odessa communities,” said Rice. “It has been a wonderful experience for me to get to know and work with so many dedicated people not only in this area but across the United States.”

Since relocating from Harlingen to the Permian Basin, the CAF has expanded both its programs and its facilities. The American Airpower Heritage Museum (AAHM), under the direction of Tami O’Bannion, has added several galleries including the Aviation Nose Art Gallery, a conservation lab, a research library, and the Dynamics of Flight Discovery Center. In 1997, the AAHM received accreditation by the American Association of Museums, and in 2007 the AAHM achieved another milestone by becoming a Smithsonian affiliate. The CAF’s Nose Art collection is recognized as an official project of Save America’s Treasures.

On Sunday, the Robert E. Reiss Memorial Holy Family Chapel, located on the grounds of the CAF headquarters, will be dedicated. Also scheduled for completion this year is the World War II Ground Transportation Vehicle Museum, housing the George O’Brien Medal of Honor Hall, the Texas Medal of Honor Memorial, and the CAF History Gallery. Visitors to the headquarters complex can enjoy these facilities as well as the Memorial Garden and the Vietnam Memorial, both of which have been completed in recent years.

Each year, the CAF hosts AirSho. The two-day event draws tens of thousands of spectators including reunion groups and overseas visitors. Besides serving as an annual homecoming for members, AirSho weekend has been expanded to include the Special Show for Special People, Save the Girls Lunch and ACAHOF, an induction ceremony honoring World War II units and individuals.

Having seen the CAF extend its presence in the Permian Basin during the last 16 years, Rice looks forward to continuing his work with another West Texas non-profit organization.

“AirSho and the dedication of the chapel in memory of Bob Reiss are great reminders for me of the wonderful friendships I’ve made in the CAF,” Rice said. “Now, I look forward with excitement and enthusiasm to beginning my partnership with the people of the American Red Cross. As we all know, the Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that has a proud heritage of service. It plays a vital role not only in our community but in every community throughout this nation.”

LINK: Original Article 9/27/07

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