Paul Gill’s life of service began at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he joined the Air Force ROTC program and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1967. After completing pilot training, Paul was deployed to Vietnam as an O-2 pilot. There, he not only flew critical missions but also became an instructor and evaluation pilot. His dedication to duty continued beyond Vietnam, with a distinguished career in the Strategic Air Command as an instructor pilot, staff officer, squadron commander, and, ultimately, as Commander of March Air Force Base during the first Gulf War.

Over his Air Force career, Paul logged over 4,000 flying hours—800 of them in combat. He is a decorated veteran, honored with the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and eight Air Medals. 

Following his retirement from the military, Paul continued to lead and serve his community in various professional roles: as Moreno Valley’s Community Development Director, an administrator for Riverside Dental Group, and Assistant Superintendent of Business Services in several school districts. He currently serves as Director of Client Relations for Ruhnau Clarke Architects.

Yet perhaps Paul’s most impactful role has been as a steadfast partner to Mary Anne, whose legacy of compassion and advocacy helped shape what NORA is today.

Mary Anne and Paul met in 1965 at Duquesne University and married in 1967. Together, they raised four children, often apart as Paul served in Vietnam, Thailand, and across the globe. Mary Anne balanced raising their family with tireless service to the community. In 1991, she became an active supporter of the Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center (now NORA) and joined the Board of Directors, where she served for nearly 30 years—many of them as Board President. Her unwavering dedication helped expand services and shape the vision of an organization committed to healing, justice, and hope.

Mary Anne’s tireless dedication to the community and survivors, combined with Paul’s many gifts and talents, shine through in their timeless and loving partnership. Together, they have built not only a life of shared purpose but also a legacy of generosity and compassion. Their treasured friendship with Channel 4’s Colleen Williams led her to serve as co-auctioneer for NORA’s Annual Dinner & Auction Gala, helping raise vital funds for more than 25 years.

Together, Paul and Mary Anne Gill have exemplified a deep commitment to service—both to our nation and to the local families NORA serves. Their legacy continues to inspire us to advocate, to nurture, and to build a future free from violence.