Beginning his life in an orphanage, Hank Rice was adopted at just over a year old. Growing up with parents and a sister who was also adopted, Hank spent his childhood living in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. After graduating from high school, Hank enrolled in the U.S. Army for 8.5 years. Three of those years were spent in Vietnam. Hank was a part of the 1st Air Cavalry's, 9th Regiment "Hunter Killer Teams," an elite, highly decorated unit that flew Cobra helicopters and had a 60-70% casualty rate. Quietly, Hank states that this was a life changing experience. "Apocalypse Now" is a well known movie that actually portrayed his unit. (Hank was personally shot down on three separate occasions) Among the various awards Hank has received, are the Distinguished Flying Cross on four occasions, the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal of Valour, and two Purple Hearts. In 1972 Hank left the Army and headed to Southern Rhodesia, where he got a commission in the Air Force to fly helicopters, but then, he was recruited as part of the Selous Scouts, an elite special forces unit. Returning to CA. after two years, Hank enrolled at Cal. State Univ. to get a bachelor's degree in International Relations and a minor in Economics. Later he went to work in the insurance industry as an investigator in the Arson and Fraud Division. The father of five children, Hank is currently married to Carol (Love) Rice, a Texas native. Hank moved from Portland to Corbett in 1996. It is here that he is able to be retired and enjoy a relaxed home and lifestyle. At age 40 Hank was able to find both of his birth parents (it took over a year) and is at peace that it was a positive experience for everyone, including seven half siblings. One of these days, there may even be a book that comes out of Hank's many life experiences. It is a thought that has crossed his mind more than once.