Leading Through Service: Dan Rice Receives Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service

Dan Rice, Co-President of Thayer Leadership, was recently honored with the Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service for his extraordinary support and selfless service in Ukraine from March 2022 through March 2023. The public service award, presented by senior U.S. Army leadership, recognizes his steadfast commitment to supporting others during a period of profound need — an effort that began with a chance meeting at a restaurant in Florida in 2022.

Over the course of that year, Dan contributed to humanitarian and advisory efforts on the ground, demonstrating that leadership, in any situation, is ultimately measured by service and a people-always mindset. His actions reflected a willingness to step forward, take decisive initiative, and make a meaningful difference under demanding conditions.

His work builds on a lifetime of service as a decorated U.S. Army veteran, educator, and leadership practitioner. In Ukraine, he embodied the qualities he has long championed: selflessness, integrity, and the belief that effective leaders act with both courage and compassion. This is the second time Dan willingly stepped forward to lend his leadership experience to an uncertain and complex situation; the first being when he voluntarily returned to military service, joining the New York National Guard and deploying to Iraq as an Infantry Captain after previously serving four years on active duty in the U.S. Army, including a combat tour.

The Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service stands as a testament to Dan’s enduring commitment to core leadership principles and the impact one individual can have when guided by purpose and a sense of duty.

Award Citation: “For extraordinary courage and selfless actions in support of military operations in Ukraine from March 2022 to March 2023. Mr. Rice repeatedly entered active combat zones, accompanying Ukrainian forces under fire, while conducting critical battlefield assessments. His direct actions and personal courage in hazardous combat conditions materially strengthened Ukrainian defense capabilities and advanced United States strategic objectives. Mr. Rice’s valor and selfless service reflect great credit upon himself, United States Army Europe and Africa, and the United States Army.”