Seven AFMC civilians receive Presidential Rank Award

Published May 7, 2010
By Chandra Lloyd
Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Seven Air Force Materiel Command senior civilians received the prestigious Presidential Rank Award at the Women and Military Service for American Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery April 30.

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:

Distinguished Senior Professional

Dr. Siva S. Banda is a member of the scientific and professional cadre of senior executives. Currently, he is Senior Scientist, Control Theory at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Meritorious Senior Executive

Gerald L. Freisthler, a member of the SES, is currently the Executive Director of Engineering at the Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

John J. Over III, a member of the SES, is currently the Executive Director at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker AFB, Okla.

Meritorious Senior Professional

Theodore G. Fecke, a member of the SES, is currently Technical Advisor of Propulsion, Engineering Directorate at the Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Dr. Brian M. Kent is a member of the scientific and professional cadre of senior executives. He is currently Chief Scientist, Sensors Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Dr. Richard W. Linderman is a member of the scientific and professional cadre of senior executives. He is currently Chief Scientist, Information Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, N.Y.

Curtis A. Rowland, a Defense Intelligence Senior Leader, is Senior Intelligence Engineer, Data Exploitation Directorate at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.