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CMSgt Paul Runyan retires after 30 years of service

  • Published
  • By TSgt Keisha Gwin-Goodin
Scott AFB, IL --  On April 9, 2010, members of the USAF Band of Mid-America honored their band manager and fellow musician, CMSgt Paul Runyan. A crowd of nearly one hundred gathered at the Scott Club to honor Chief Runyan's 30 year career and bid farewell to an Airman transitioning to life as a civilian.

With a few exceptions such as the singing of the national anthem, the prayer, and presentation of medals and letters, the ceremony was completely unique and like none other. The mixture of personal and professional testimonies on the chief's career reflected a man who succeeded not only in serving his country but also his fellow airmen.
Throughout the ceremony, the mood transitioned from thunderous laughter to solemn silence as the crowd listened to remarks by the master of ceremonies, SMSgt Steven Thulon and the commander, Major Daniel Price. One of the most memorable portions of the ceremony was the 10 minute reflection video. The video consisted of early photographs of the chief, many of which were in black and white. One was of the chief and his wife Robyn's 1980 entry into the Air Force. There were refurbished VHS videos of many of the chief's early concerts, clips of building renovations he oversaw, and his final band concert.

One of the most unique highlights of the retirement was that every group within the band of Mid-America performed a musical segment at some point during the ceremony. Their dedications to the chief, thanking him for the amazing sacrifices he has made for our country, could not have been better expressed; especially to a musician. Starlifter, the band's pop music ensemble, closed out their set with the timeless, America the Beautiful, a tribute to the chief and his tremendous dedication to our nation. Shades of Blue, the jazz ensemble, played Come Rain, Come Shine as a tribute to the 35 year marriage of the chief and his wife Robyn, and the lost time they have endured throughout his career. Hot Brass, the band's diverse pop-brass quintet, performed Letters From War, to remember those who have served and are still serving our nation in the combat environment.

Perhaps the most unique portion of the program came when the chief delivered his speech. He extended thanks to his children and supportive wife for the numerous days they spent without him throughout his career. Additionally, he thanked his extended family for their continued support since leaving his South Dakota home three decades ago. He then offered personal and heartfelt thanks to all of the men and women whom he has served with, especially those who have rounded out the last few years of his career.
Finally, Midwest Winds, the bands woodwind quintet, capped off the ceremony with the playing of the Air Force Song as all in attendance clapped and sang along.
As attendees shook Chief Runyan's hand, thanked him for his service and wished him well, another unique facet of the ceremony waited at the end of the receiving line. A cake in the shape of a tuba case, the chief's instrument case, sat on a table. Complete with gold latches, the cake was adorned with the Air Force symbol and travel patches highlighting all locations the chief has been assigned.

The Band of Mid-America thanks Chief Runyan for his encouragement, leadership, friendship and most of all his dedication to our Air Force and its people.