Academy NCO earns national safety award Published Aug. 5, 2015 By Ashlie Steel U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo -- The National Safety Council will recognize an Air Force Academy NCO in September in Atlanta, Georgia for his efforts to promote safety across the installation and across the Air Force. Tech. Sgt. Mike Hawkins, NCOIC of the Academy's Safety Office, received the Council's Rising Stars of safety award in June, an award recognizing safety experts worldwide. "More than 160 outstanding safety professionals were submitted for this award," he said. "Winning this award and having the privilege to represent the Air Force safety community is honoring and humbling." Cliff Tebbe, deputy director of the Academy's Safety Office, said Hawkins' promotion of safety cannot be underestimated. "Safety is every Airman's responsibility and Mike plays a crucial role in promoting this attitude by advising commanders and supervisors and teaching and mentoring Airmen in all aspects of safety. We have a crucial mission and Mike greatly adds to our success." Hawkins is one of three active duty Airmen to earn the NSC award. He's also one of 12 Airmen worldwide to be selected to develop safety training courses for supervisors. "There are not many careers where your mission is to prevent suffering and loss of Air Force assets," he said. "The root causes of mishaps we uncover may very well lead to saving a life," Hawkins enlisted in the Air Force in 2002 and has been assigned to the Academy since 2013. He said he owes much of his success to his wife, Rebecca, and his young sons, Nathan and Devon. "Everything I do, whether it's my job, my certifications or furthering my education -- it's all done with my family in mind." The Air Force has selected Hawkins for promotion to master sergeant.