21 Air Force civilians receive 2008 Presidential Rank Award Published Jan. 7, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Gina Vaccaro Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Twenty-one Air Force senior executives and senior professionals received the 2008 Presidential Rank Award for sustained achievement in government service. President George W. Bush announced the recipients at the Pentagon Sep. 30, 2008, and Air Force officials will honor the award recipients at a ceremony April 17. "Air Force leadership is proud to be so well represented," said Cheryl Medlin, the former Air Force PRA coordinator at the Pentagon. "These Airmen have made a significant contribution to positively impact the government on a sustained basis. This award is a testament to their leadership and dedication." The 2008 Air Force recipients of the Distinguished Presidential Rank award are: -- Kenneth K. Dumm -- Dr. Donald B. Paul -- Barbara A. Westgate -- Patricia J. Zarodkiewicz The 2008 Air Force recipients of the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive/Senior Professional are: -- David C. Bond -- Charles G. Carpenter -- Alok Das -- Robert Edward Dawes -- Joseph de Penne Rouge -- Robert E. Duignan -- David H. Eskins -- Martha J. Evans -- Dr. Barry L. Farmer -- Jay H. Jordan -- Martin M. Mazick -- Joseph M. McDade, Jr. -- Patsy J. Reeves -- Joe Sciabica -- Dr. Larry B. Simpson -- Barbara Jo White-Olson -- Patricia M. Young The awards, administered by the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, are presented annually and are open to all government agencies. Each agency can nominate up to 9 percent of the career senior executive service employees and senior professionals. The president of the United States reviews the recommendations and picks the award winners. Only 5 percent of the SES and equivalents, which make up approximately .03 percent of the total civilian federal workforce, may be awarded the meritorious-level rank award. Only 1 percent may be awarded the distinguished-level award. Recipients in both categories receive a framed certificate signed by the president, a lapel pin, and a lump-sum bonus of either 35 percent or 20 percent of their basic pay, respectively. The PRA has the largest pay bonus associated with an award for the federal government. "The Presidential Rank Awards are the most prestigious awards that are given at the senior executive and equivalent level," said Peruena Johnson, the Air Force PRA coordinator at the Pentagon. "They recognize and celebrate our very best career executives and professionals." The April 17 Air Force ceremony and reception will be conducted at the Women in Service to America Memorial in Washington D.C., and will be hosted by the secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff. "The reception is not only a celebration for the award recipients, it is a way to honor the loved ones who have been there to encourage, support, and sacrifice so (the award recipients) could go above and beyond," Ms. Johnson said. For more information about the Presidential Rank Awards, a full list of this year's winners, or information on how to nominate an employee, visit the OPM Web site at http://www.opm.gov/. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page