Staff Renner Obituary (1980 - 2004)

READFIELD - Staff Sgt. David Sean Renner, 24, went to be with his Lord on Aug. 4, 2004, at Vandenburg Air Force Base, California. He was born in Brunswick on Feb. 11, 1980, the son of Raymond C. and Vivian M. (Cote) Renner. David played the violin in the Augusta Symphony Orchestra from 1991 until 1998, when he graduated from Maranacook Community High School, where he lettered in cross-country and track. As a young child, he enjoyed hiking, fishing and camping, and was highly active with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 650. On Feb. 1, 1998, he received the prestigious Eagle Scout award. At the age of 18, he completed his first solo instrumented flight on a BE19 Beechcraft Sport. After graduating high school, David entered the Air Force, and after completing basic military training at Lackland AFB, Texas, he went to Fort Gordon, Ga. for technical training in the satellite wideband career field. Upon graduating as a satellite wideband apprentice, David was transferred to Warner Robins AFB and assigned to the 51st Combat Communications Squadron. During his assignment, he expertly performed his duties that ultimately contributed to the squadron garnering the ACC Unit Maintenance Effectiveness Award. Additionally, he dedicated his off-duty hours to continue his service with the Boy Scouts of America as the assistant scoutmaster for Warner Robins Boy Scout Troop 22. On May 22, 2000, Airman Renner was accepted to the Air Force Academy Preparatory School through the LEAD program. Like every challenge he was faced with, he charged it and graduated on May 15, 2001. During his first year at the USAF Academy, he decided to return to active duty and was assigned to the 576th Flight Test Squadron as an instrumentation apprentice with the Minuteman Ground team. He was appointed as the primary work center Hazardous Communication monitor and quickly rose to the challenge. In January 2003, David was recognized as the 20th Air Force and Air Force Space Command maintenance Technical and Compliance inspection Professional Performer for his flawless program. In early 2003, he won Airman of the Quarter from Jan. 1 to March 3, 2003 for the 576th Flight Test Squadron, 595th Space Group and the Space Warfare Center. In August 2003, David was selected to attend Airman Leadership School and graduated four weeks later. He continued to accept more challenges and was appointed to team chief and two months later, to instructor. As a team chief, he led his teams through numerous operational directives and job packages, which resulted in two successful nationally significant Force Development Evaluation flight tests. He served in the positions of an assistant and monitor control operator, most recently on the highly successful Glory Trip 184GM. He also volunteered for the Red Cross and was the chapter CPR instructor. Airman Renner's decorations included the Air Force Commendation Medal and Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organization Excellence Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and Air Force Training Ribbon. David was predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Mary Jane Cote. He is survived by his maternal grandfather, Leo O. Cote, of Auburn, and his paternal grandparents, William F. and Elizabeth H. Renner, of Sun City, Fla.; his parents, Raymond and Vivian, of Readfield; his brother and sister, Timothy M. Renner, of Laytonville, Calif., and Hilarie E. Renner, of Fort Bragg, Calif. A graveside service will be held for David at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, with the Rev. Glenn Peterson officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Kennebec County Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, contributions in David's memory may be made to the Boy Scout Troop 650, P.O. Box 99, Readfield, ME 04355. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta.