Official Business: Lost In Service (Paperback or Softback)

Hilariously Outrageous?

This might be a very serious account of the capable, routine performance of public function by seasoned career bureaucrats. But it isn't. It's the lampooning misadventure of recent engineering graduate Bill Rossy, who only wants to succeed in his first job, pay off his education debt and start forming a career. Instead, corporate tyranny and highly irregular, probably illegal, government practices send the tyro around the world on a wild chase of covertly bogus duty and self-preservation. Follow the young subordinate as he drifts out to sea in Maryland, is threatened by carnivorous donkeys in the South Atlantic, escapes an attack of dump dogs in the ruins of ancient Greece, survives a port bombing in Korea and dances for chicken in th Philippines. Let him guide you on a bizarre journey through the lows of post-college poverty to the highs of inexplicably lucrative public service. Enjoy the trip.

Bill Runyan is originally from Pennsylvania, where he spent his formative and educative years. Upon graduation from Bucknell University's engineering school, Mr. Runyan was fortunate to be confronted with several comparable opportunities, of which each was a path to a different life. Literally dartboarding a selection, he began an excursion leading to a stint in the mashhouse world of large corporate employment, a quarter million miles of travel around the world with federal civil service, a foray into the crockpot of local politics as a county engineer and nearly four years volunteer service in Peace Corps. This varied career has provided experience in working with others, working alone and living on three gallons of water a day. It also developed a macro view based on respect for others, respect for the natural milieu and optimism for the future. After residing in several different locales and cultures, Mr. Runyan doesn't make the distinction of a favorite place to be, believing everyplace has unique and memorable qualities to offer anyone taking the time to learn them. He is currently in Newland, North Carolina, in the middle of Appalachia high country, enjoying the retirement pleasures of fly fishing, golf, blue grass music and, finally, writing. And, always, the special privilege of life with Jayne and the never ending quest to coordinate live connections with three distant daughters and eight grandchildren. Peace.