WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Six Air Force Materiel Command senior civilians received the prestigious Presidential Rank Award at a ceremony April 22, 2011. The awards were presented by Under Secretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Philip Breedlove.
Each year the president awards the ranks of Distinguished Executive or Meritorious Executive to a select group of senior civilians who have demonstrated strength, integrity, industry and a commitment to public service.
There are two categories of rank awards for Senior Executive Service members, Distinguished and Meritorious Executive. Only 1 percent of career SES members are awarded Distinguished Executive for achieving extraordinary results. The Meritorious Executive is awarded for sustained accomplishments, with only 5 percent of career SESes being awarded in this category.
The Distinguished and Meritorious Senior Professional rank was amended in 2001 to extend eligibility to certain senior career employees who have maintained a record of exceptional professional, technical, and scientific achievement that has been recognized on a national or international level.
Specific categories and AFMC recipients include:
2010 Meritorious Executives
> Michael A. Gill, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Director of Contracting, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
> Dr. David M. Jerome, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is Director, Sensors Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
> Richard W. Lombardi, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is Executive Director, Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.
> John J. Thrasher, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is Director, Air Force Materiel Command Law Office, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
2010 Meritorious Senior Professionals
> Dr. Ravinder Chona, a member of the scientific and professional cadre of senior executives, is Senior Scientist for Structural Integrity, Air Vehicles Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
> Dr. James M. Larsen, a member of the scientific and professional cadre of senior executives, is a Senior Scientist for Structural Materials Life Prediction, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.