Technical Sergeant Paul McWhirter III, sound and recording engineer, was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Florida State University in 1999, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. In 2003, he graduated with a degree in Recording Arts from Full Sail University.
TSgt McWhirter entered the Air Force in 2005 and was assigned to the Band of the Air Force Reserve at Robins AFB, Georgia. He served as the Front of House (FOH) engineer for Concert Band, Full Spectrum Jazz Band, and the rock band, Reserve Generation. He also served as the assistant recording engineer on numerous projects, including the Holiday Notes From Home Christmas Specials from 2005-2009 and Band CD packages. TSgt McWhirter was chosen as the lead audio engineer for the Patriotic World Tour 2006 featuring Restless Heart and Lee Greenwood and the Operation Season's Greetings Tour from 2006-2009 featuring Jamie O'Neal, John Popper, Melina Leon, and Kid Rock. In 2007, he deployed with the rock band, Live Round, and performed shows throughout Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries in Southwest Asia.
TSgt McWhirter successfully auditioned for the United States Air Force Academy Band in February, 2010, and arrived on station at Peterson AFB, Colorado, in August. He is currently the FOH engineer for the Concert Band and the Falconaires, and also assists in the recording studio and multi-media.
TSgt McWhirter's military decorations include the Air Force Commendation medal, the Air Force Organizational Excellence medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service medals.