WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — Four Air Force Materiel Command senior civilians were among those Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson recognized during the 2016 Presidential Rank Awards ceremony at the Pentagon July 14, 2017.

AFMC Presidential Rank Award recipients include the following:

Jeffrey C. Allen

Meritorious Senior Executive

Executive Director, Air Force Sustainment Center

Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.

Jorge F. Gonzalez

Meritorious Senior Executive

Director, Engineering and Technical Management and USAF Airworthiness Technical Authority, AFLCMC/EN-EZ

Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

Dr. Ravinder Chona

Meritorious Senior Level Professional

Senior Scientist for Structural Integrity, Aerospace Systems Directorate

Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

Dr. Stephen W. Schneider

Meritorious Senior Level Professional

Senior Scientist for Low Observables and Electronic Warfare, Sensors Directorate

Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

Dr. Todd A. Fore, former director of the Headquarters AFMC Manpower, Personnel and Services Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, was also a recipient of the award in the Meritorious Senior Executive category. He currently serves as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C.

The awards feature two categories: distinguished and meritorious. Nominations are evaluated by boards of private citizens and approved by the president. Only 5 percent, who make up approximately .03 percent of the total civilian federal workforce of Senior Executive Service employees may receive the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award. Only 1 percent can receive the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award.