COCOA, FL, August 14, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Colonel Raymond H. Hawkins, M.Div, CPE, OCA, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Colonel Hawkins has built a remarkable career spanning three decades in pastoral care, military chaplaincy and spiritual leadership. Now retired, he served as staff, wing and command chaplain with the United States Air Force, culminating a tenure of over two decades that concluded in 2005 with his retirement. Throughout his military service, he advanced from second lieutenant to first lieutenant and captain before attaining the rank of major. His commitment to service was recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal and the Chief Master Sergeant Challenge Coin from the Air Force for creating two Benchmark Airman Cafes!

Following his military retirement, Colonel Hawkins dedicated nearly a decade to Suncoast Hospice as a spiritual care chaplain. In this capacity, he provided compassionate support to patients and their families, drawing on his extensive experience in pastoral care and counseling. His work at Suncoast Hospice reflected his deep commitment to serving those facing life's most challenging moments.

After relocating to Hawaii, Colonel Hawkins continued his ministry by volunteering at Hickam Air Force Base, where he conducted more than 100 funerals in his first year. He also volunteered at Fort DeRussy Chapel, assisting with ministry and worship services. Subsequently, he joined the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as a staff chaplain for one year, where he led numerous funerals and established both a Sunday morning worship service and Wednesday night Bible study at the VA Hospital.

Colonel Hawkins further extended his impact as a chaplain with Bristol Hospice Hawaii for two years and at Tripler Army Medical Center for one year. At Tripler Army, he provided health care ministry to individuals from Indonesian, Polynesian and Micronesian communities. To efficiently serve these diverse populations, he devoted himself to understanding their unique cultures and religious traditions, ensuring culturally sensitive and respectful spiritual care.

In addition to his direct ministry roles, Colonel Hawkins co-founded Occupational Chaplains of America alongside two other experienced ministers in the early 2000s. As director and colonel of this national organization, he engaged in training, credentialing and licensing ministers for chaplaincy across various occupational settings. The organization's ongoing mission is to educate individuals about the true nature of chaplaincy and provide comprehensive support for those entering the field.

Earlier in his career, Colonel Hawkins was appointed youth director for the youth group at Keesler Air Force Base. When he assumed leadership, the group consisted of eight young people. Through dedicated mentorship and support for their ministries, he facilitated rapid growth; within three months, membership expanded to 58. When it was time for him to move on to another ministry assignment, the youth group advocated before the chaplain board for him to remain as their chaplain — a testament to his profound influence on their lives. The board granted their request, allowing him to continue for an additional year.

Before venturing onto his ministry and leadership path, Colonel Hawkins obtained a bachelor's degree from Campbell University — earning the Presidential Scholarship Award for outstanding student achievements in business administration — and an associate degree in business administration from Johnston College. Dedicated to the ideals of continuous learning, he went on to complete a Master of Divinity in pastoral care and evangelism from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Beyond his professional commitments, Colonel Hawkins is deeply engaged in civic activities as a regular donor to Compassion International and supporter of The Pentecostals of Cocoa. Also an accomplished author, he published the acclaimed novel "ABOUNDING IN GLORY!: Get a Glimpse of God's Glory" in 2025, contributing further to spiritual literature through theological discourse and the significant challenges he faced during his own childhood.

On a personal level, Colonel Hawkins is devoted to his family life with his wife and two children. Looking ahead, he is working to establish Community Assistance and Resources for Enhancement (CARE), a 501(c)(3) organization aimed at providing vital community support services. His past feats and future goals alike reflect his steadfast dedication to service, cross-cultural understanding and spiritual leadership across military, health care and community settings.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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