Squadron honors legacy of logistics director

  • Published
  • By Susan A. Romano
  • AFTAC Public Affairs
PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Members of the 709th Support Squadron held a memorial service for their A-4 Director of Logistics, David A. Paynter, who passed away suddenly May 12.
 
Paynter, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, joined the Air Force Technical Applications Center in 2015 as a logistics flight manager.  In 2021, he became the deputy for the 709th SPTS, and in 2022 was promoted to the A-4 director position.
 
The squadron coordinated with Paynter’s family to organize a memorial service that honored his legacy as a colleague and friend. Jennifer Paynter, David’s wife of 35 years, was deeply moved by their compassion and attended the service alongside their sons, Sam, Luke, and Ben. Although their fourth son, Reese, was unable to attend, he shared heartfelt words about his father.
 
“My dad was genuinely interested in any pursuit I had – what I was studying, how I was progressing with my music, where I wanted to go with my career, etc.  He always provided me guidance and encouragement every step of the way.”
 
The service was held in the center’s Northrup Auditorium, with several people delivering eulogies, prayers, and words of comfort.
 
“David was a man who embodied traditional values, who looked you in the eye when he spoke, who listened with genuine interest, and whose word could be trusted,” said Col. John Beatty, AFTAC deputy commander.  “He spent so much of his life in service to others, and memorials such as this are as much a celebration of life and of what David gave to the world.  He is greatly missed.”
 
Lt. Col. Anthony Anderson, Paynter’s commander, echoed Beatty’s sentiment.
 
“Dave was a patriot in the truest sense of the word,” Anderson said.  “He dedicated his life to serving our nation, and he was a mentor to many, a confidant to some, and a friend to all.”
 
Paynter spent 21 years on active duty, and throughout that time he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology; a master’s degree in Business Management; attended Air Command and Staff College and Air War College at Air University at Maxwell AFB, Ala.  During his career, he earned a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, a Joint Service Achievement Medal, and several campaign medals for overseas operations.
 
After his retirement from active duty and prior to joining civil service, Paynter worked as a probation officer and parole officer for his home state of North Carolina.
 
“When David was on the job, I sometimes worried about his safety, but I knew he wouldn’t likely make enemies with anyone he was supervising because he was such a fair and honest man,” Jennifer said. 
 
As a federal civilian, he was recognized as Air Combat Command’s Senior Logistics Readiness Civilian of the Year in 2016, 2018, and 2020, and was the 18th Air Operations Support Group’s Civilian and Supervisor of the Year in 2014.
 
At the memorial service, Anderson posthumously presented the Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award for “distinguished performance, professional competence and ceaseless efforts” for Paynter’s dedication of his service to his country.
 
His son Sam delivered a touching eulogy that brought tears to many eyes in the audience.
 
“Since I was little, my dad was always like Superman to me,” Sam said.  “He still is today, and he always will be. The older I got, the more I came to understand and respect him.  As a kid, I thought he was invincible, that he knew everything. I recall asking him once if he knew everything, and he replied, ‘Only God knows everything.’  With his passing, the world is made poorer.  We’ve lost a well of wisdom, information, love and laughter. It breaks my heart that the world must now go on without him, but I’ll always be thankful for my father.”
 
His passing has left a hole in the hearts of all who worked with him.
 
“Mr. Paynter had an extraordinary gift of believing in people before they believed in themselves,” said Charles Hultgren, 709th SPTS logistics flight director, during his eulogy at the service.  “His guidance gave me confidence when I doubted my abilities, and his steady presence reminded me that growth happens one step at a time.  His impact will be felt for generations to come.”
 
The Paynter family relayed their sincere thanks to all the members of AFTAC who offered words of solace, sent flowers, and helped to have meals delivered during their most difficult chapter.  “Everyone has been so kind and thoughtful and supportive, and I know David would have approved,” Jennifer said. 
 
The memorial service concluded with heartfelt condolences from AFTAC personnel and shared memories of Dave’s enduring legacy. His wife once again expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support.
 
“He was the best man I have ever known, and no one could ever fill the void left by his absence,” Jennifer said, choking back tears.  “I am extremely grateful to have called him my partner in life for well over three decades, which was far too brief.  I was blessed.”