Wright-Patt civilian recognized as DoD Distinguished National Civilian of the Year

  • Published
  • By Laura McGowan
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
10/13/2015 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Today the Department of Defense recognized Lynda Rutledge, Program Executive Officer for Agile Combat Support, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, as the DoD Distinguished National Civilian of the Year.

Rutledge distinguished herself through extraordinary service as Deputy Program Executive Officer, Fighters and Bombers.  Under her leadership, she successfully oversaw and managed the largest modernization and sustainment programs (valued at more than $105B) such as the B-1, B-2, B-52, F-16, F-15, F-22, A-10, and Light Air Support for the Afghan Air Force and special projects and associated combat systems.  When necessary, she also represented the 2-Star PEO in his absence.

During her distinguished 26-year career as an Acquisition Program Manager, Rutledge has impacted many aircraft and weapons programs.  Specifically, she was responsible for delivering much needed Joint Direct Attack Munitions for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the Air Force and the Navy during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Rutledge's expertise proved crucial to strategically meeting and exceeding goals by establishing processes that met or exceeded the DoD's ability to invest in new mission systems and sustainment which was beneficial to all services and 72 foreign military sales countries.

When asked what advice she would give other civilians rising through the ranks of civil service, she said, "Make it your #1 priority to [give] positive contributions to the mission."