After spending his early drum corps years with the Kenhorst Green Hornets, Ron Gehris spent three years in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam. He joined the Reading Buccaneers in 1971 and served in various positions until 1993. He was color guard captain and instructor, winning numerous color guard titles in competition. He took over as business manager in 1976, then served as corps president twice, from 1979 to 1985 and from 1987 to 1991. When the Bucs won the Drum Corps Associates (DCA) title twice under his direction, he was named the DCA director of the year both times. He is also a member of the Reading Buccaneers Hall of Fame.