Lt. Col. Richard Bryan Mulanax

[ironputts]

June 5, 2024

Lt. Col. Richard Bryan Mulanax
National Headquarters

Dr. Richard "Rich" Bryan Mulanax (USAF Major Ret.) passed away unexpectedly on November 30th , 2023 in Civitavecchia, Italy, at the age of 75, immediately following a much-enjoyed Mediterranean Cruise.

He was born in Pasadena, California and took great pride in singing the Beach Boys song about one of his favorite cities any time he was given the opportunity.

Rich grew up as an "Air Force brat" and traveled the world, starting at a young age. He was a graduate of Kaiserslautern American High School where he developed a love of learning (and teaching), that lasted a lifetime.

He studied political science at George Washington University but moved to California after his freshman year and graduated from the University of California Riverside with honors. While in California (which he always considered home), he joined Civil Air Patrol, and was a 50-year member. Rich started Law School at UCLA but decided that being a lawyer just wasn't for him, so he earned his MA in African Area Studies from UCLA in 1972.

Rich served in the US Air Force for 20 years, his final assignments were as an Assistant Professor of History at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado and Chief of the Africa Branch at the USAF Special Operations School at Hurlburt Field, which prepared him for his transition to academia and his teaching career.He also served as USAF Project Officer for five CAP Oklahoma Wing and Texas Wing Cadet Encampments at Sheppard AFB, and USAF Base Project Officer for CAP at Sheppard AFB, Texas and Zweibruecken AFB, Germany.

While stationed at Sheppard AFB, he met a USAF nurse, Jacqueline "Jackie" Reade Mulanax, and they were married five months after they met. Their daughter Jennifer "Jenny" "Pumpkin" Mulanax was born at Incirlik AFB in Turkey and their son Sean "Tiger" Mulanax was born at Landstuhl Army Hospital in Germany. His wife, friends, and children knew him as an organizer, sci-fi aficionado, and walking encyclopedia. He earned an additional Masters of Public Administration and a Masters of Science in International Relations from Troy University and a PhD in American Diplomatic History from Florida State University. In 1995, he began teaching at Indian River State College, and retired as a Professor in 2015.

Rich was dedicated to the service of his country. During his career and after retirement, he consistently served the Civil Air Patrol, where he earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was National Historian Emeritus. He received awards that are too numerous to list.

Rich is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jackie, son Sean, daughter Jennifer, granddaughter Anastasia Trotter, grandsons Alexander Trotter and Reid Mulanax, brothers Aurthur Mulanax, Jr and Michael Mulanax, his West Highland White Terrier Fiona and Scottish Fold cat Haggis.

Northeast Region:

Sad news:

It is with a heavy heart I announce Lt Col Richard "Rich" B. Mulanax, PhD, National Historian Emeritus, unexpectedly died this morning while on vacation in Italy. He was 75.
Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this loss and the process of bringing him home. Details of any services will be disseminated as they are scheduled.

Lt Col Mulanax had retired as a Major after 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, having served in various roles including as a Professor of History and Chief of the Africa Branch at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Among his most proud accomplishments was earning his PhD in History at Florida State University. He was a proud Seminole. In his post-Air Force years, he was a Professor of History and Political Science, instructing African Studies and other social sciences at Indian River State College at Fort Pierce, Florida from 1995 through his retirement in 2015.

Lt Col Mulanax joined CAP as a cadet in California in September 1967. He was very proud to be a 50yr member and Cadet Alumnus. His roles the last ten years included service as Southeast Region Historian, a Division Chief on the National History Staff, and ultimately National Historian. Lt Col Mulanax took leadership of the National History Program in March 2018, and he led the program through September 2021 when he was appointed National Historian Emeritus. He was a colleague, a friend, and a professional. He will be missed.