Air Commando Financial Managers Recognized Published June 8, 2012 By Mike Martin Air Force Special Operations Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Air Force Special Operations Command's financial management office sustains a level of performance and success that places them at the top of the Department of Defense and Air Force. For nine straight years HQ AFSOC has been recognized as the number one financial management organization in U.S. Special Operations Command, and Air Commandos have won 84 of 131 USSOCOM comptroller awards in the time span. In 2011, AFSOC's financial manager won nine out of 14 USSOCOM level awards and added three runner-up recognitions. FM's achievements continue to grow with the selection of the AFSOC director of financial management, Bill Rone, for one of the federal government's most prestigious civilian honors, the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award. Rone accepted the award from Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley May 14. The Presidential Meritorious Rank Award is limited each year to only 5 percent of the Air Force's senior executives, which make up less than one of every 500 of the Air Force's civilian workforce. "I am very fortunate to lead an AFSOC headquarters organization and major command function that produces results sufficient to allow me to be recognized in the top 5 percent of all Air Force senior executives," Rone said. The nomination procedure involved extensive justification and documented results. Rone said the process was meticulous and took huge efforts from several people at AFSOC headquarters to complete. "It is an honor and humbling to be one of the eight Air Force senior executives selected for this award," Rone said. "Most importantly, this means an Air Commando was selected for a high-level leadership award." Rone is quick to point out the success of his office is a team effort, which takes a lot of hard work from the group. "My team and I keep Air Commandos funded in the fight and adequately funded on home station as they recover and reload for the next deployment," he said. "That mission success and a very aggressive and successful force development program have earned my office and me personally a lot of recognition." Adding to the leadership success, AFSOC deputy director of financial management, Annette Beard was recently selected for the American Society of Military Comptrollers 2011 Meritorious Achievement Award for Comptroller/Deputy Comptroller at the major command headquarters or higher level. Beard's Meritorious Achievement Award is also very competitive. Every major command headquarters or higher in the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard can submit a nominee for the award. She accepted the prestigious DOD-level award at the ASMC Professional Development Institute, attended by over 3,500 DOD financial managers, June 1. "I'm just proud to represent Air Commandos," Beard said. "When you think about the size of AFSOC, or for that matter, all of U.S. Special Operations Command, special operations is a tiny slice of the DOD, but special operators make huge contributions in today's fight and in various crises around the world." Beard said the awards reflect the professional and dedicated work done by the men and women in her office and across the command. "I am very privileged to work with and lead a team whose top priority is supporting Air Commandos and our joint special operations teammates," Beard said. "Our job in financial management is to resource the mission and to do it right." Rone has some advice for those trying to duplicate their accomplishments. "Success comes in many forms. Enjoy every experience and work hard to reach your potential," he said. "Frequently ask yourself if you are proud of what you are doing and if you're doing it your best." The Presidential Meritorious Rank Award is the fifteenth major award Rone has received in his 40-year career.