“Forging Tomorrow: The Legacy of Service and Leadership within Air Force Materiel Command”

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Over the span of more than 40 years, Ronald R. Ratton’s vocation has been characterized by dedication, service, and a fervor for both legal matters and the military. His path has traversed various continents, positions, and significant career milestones, providing profound insights into leadership, persistence, and steadfast dedication to the mission of the Department of the Air Force.

Ratton’s exemplary performance was acknowledged in December 2024, when he received the distinguished Meritorious Presidential Rank Award, reflecting his outstanding, sustained leadership and invaluable contributions to the Air Force.

Chosen by the President of the United States, Presidential Rank Awards are bestowed upon senior civilian executives as recognition for their steadfast integrity and long-standing achievements in delivering exceptional service to the citizens of the United States.

In a statement from the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall remarked, “Recipients of this award have consistently exhibited an extraordinary combination of initiative, professionalism, and commitment as they have advanced our Air Force and Space Force in safeguarding our nation from all threats.”

“I am extraordinarily grateful and honored to receive this award,” Ratton expressed. “This truly is a team accolade, and I have been fortunate to work with remarkable teammates in the Air Force Materiel Command Legal Office. They do the essential work and deserve all the recognition.”

Ratton is slated to retire in February 2025, offering a reflection on his tenure in uniform, his contributions to the Senior Executive Service, and the professional and personal milestones that arose throughout his journey.

A spark for service

Since February 2014, Ratton has acted as the command counsel for Headquarters AFMC, but his military journey commenced in 1981 when he first walked through the gates of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

“I was quite eager to join the military after completing high school,” Ratton reminisces.

Upon graduating from USAFA in 1985, Ratton was commissioned as an intelligence officer—a role he valued deeply. However, his passion for law began to solidify early in his career, and he recognized that was the field he wished to pursue.

“I genuinely aspired to attend law school and was fortunate to be chosen for the Funded Legal Education Program after five years of service,” Ratton noted.

This became the pivotal moment that enabled him to meld two of his greatest interests: the military profession and the law.

A wealth of experience

Ratton dedicated 29 years to active duty, accumulating a trove of memories, many of which significantly influenced his personal and professional development. His experience as a uniformed judge advocate stands out as particularly fulfilling, allowing him to work alongside “incredible colleagues and mentors” while addressing a diverse range of tasks from legal support to litigation.

Ratton’s international assignments were another significant aspect, with he and his family enjoying overseas posts at Royal Air Force Fairford in the United Kingdom, the U.S. Embassy in Rome, and Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Ratton cherishes those experiences, stressing how these positions not only molded his career but also expanded his perspective and deepened his appreciation for global service.

“It imparted a lot of wisdom to me,” Ratton remarked. “I learned the significance of maintaining a positive outlook and setting a professional standard in behavior, appearance, and approach to tasks.”

Following his tenure as staff judge advocate for the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency and later as the AFISRA vice commander, he concluded his military service as the staff judge advocate for Headquarters, Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

A strategic transition in service

After years in military service, Ratton contemplated the next chapter of his career. His time at AFMC while on active duty instilled in him a deep appreciation for its mission and culture. Subsequently, this experience prompted him to seek a role in the Senior Executive Service in 2014, shortly following his retirement from active duty.

“Having previously worked at AFMC, I wholeheartedly embraced the mission and culture,” Ratton explains. “When an SES position became available, I opted to take a chance and apply.”

The transition from military service to the civilian realm was seamless, as his service equipped him with the leadership abilities necessary to excel in the SES capacity.

“I was fortunate that my military experience prepared me for increased responsibilities as a member of the SES cadre,” Ratton affirmed.

Empowering others and leading with integrity

Ratton’s leadership approach is governed by a fundamental belief in empowering those around him.

“Leaders ought to enable others by eliminating barriers, supplying resources and training, conveying clear intent, and appropriately delegating,” he stated.

His leadership philosophy was significantly shaped by his second position as the staff judge advocate at Yokota Air Base, Japan, where he learned to delegate, uplift, and leverage the diverse skills of his team. Additionally, his experiences at AFISRA reinforced the principles of servant leadership, mission-oriented focus, and empathy.

Throughout his career, Ratton encountered numerous challenges, yet he attributes his capacity to navigate these obstacles to one essential trait: self-awareness.

“The greatest hurdles I have faced have often been self-imposed,” Ratton confesses. “The solution has been to cultivate self-awareness to identify my weaknesses and devise strategies to counteract them.”

This method of self-reflection and ongoing improvement is a fundamental aspect of his leadership style.

Mentorship: An essential element for growth

Ratton’s career has greatly benefited from the priceless mentorship he has received from commanders, peers, and JAG Corps leaders. Over the years, he believes he was indeed fortunate to collaborate with leaders who shaped his development as a leader, including former AFMC commanders, Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski and Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, as well as the current commander, Gen. Duke Z. Richardson. He acknowledges that their guidance, coupled with the support from his team at AFMC, has been crucial to his progress.

“I’m thankful to them and my colleagues on the headquarters staff for mentoring, challenging, and guiding me to become a more effective leader,” Ratton expressed.

Reflecting on his experiences, Ratton notes that the most fulfilling aspect of his current role at AFMC is the people he works with.

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“I have numerous exceptional colleagues on the headquarters team, and I truly respect and value the remarkable professionals I collaborate with daily in the AFMC Legal Office,” Ratton stated. “Collaborating with such skilled associates remains a source of pride and inspiration for me, particularly as I reflect on my career.”

As he contemplates his forthcoming retirement, Ratton expresses his aspiration for the legacy he intends to establish and highlights the significance of teamwork and empowerment in leadership.

“I wish to be recalled as someone who was enjoyable to work alongside, and as a supportive colleague who enabled and elevated others,” Ratton mentioned.

For young Airmen looking to emulate his journey, Ratton provides straightforward counsel: Seize the opportunities required to attain training, education, and experience necessary for success. He believes this guidance is relevant irrespective of the selected career path.

“Ultimately, there is no solitary route to pursue. Commitment, honesty, and the capacity to collaborate effectively are vital for achieving success,” Ratton shared.

Gazing into the future

After many years of exemplary service both in and out of uniform, Ratton is prepared to enjoy a well-earned respite to concentrate on life beyond the workplace.

“I’m going to heed my own advice and take a hiatus from work for at least a few months,” Ratton remarked. “My spouse, Julie, and I aspire to embark on a long-awaited journey to Europe, and I intend to spend quality time with family while initiating various projects in our new residence.”

In considering the significance of a healthy work/life equilibrium, Ratton admits that although his work has been rewarding, his family is the foundation of his success.

“Throughout my career, I have advocated for the necessity of finding balance, yet I haven’t always succeeded and likely dedicated too much time to work at the cost of what truly matters… family,” Ratton reflected. “Fortunately, I have a wonderful wife of 38 years who compensated for my deficiencies.”

Establishing a legacy

As Ratton envisions the next chapter of his life, his legacy of service, guidance, and leadership is sure to create a lasting influence on the Air Force. His career has exemplified commitment, and his devotion to the mission, his teammates, and the core values of the Air Force will persist in inspiring future generations of leaders.

For Ratton, it’s not solely about the missions achieved, but the individuals empowered throughout the journey. And that could be considered his most significant accomplishment.

“I have faith in the Air Force,” Ratton asserted. “It is an organization that upholds its core values, provided me with remarkable opportunities, and helped me become a better individual.”