COCOA, FL, November 24, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Col. Raymond H. Hawkins, MDiv, with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Mr. Hawkins celebrates many years' experience in his professional network and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. 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.

Col. Hawkins has distinguished himself through a five-decade career marked by leadership, service and innovation in military chaplaincy, pastoral care and organizational development. His most recent role as staff, wing and command chaplain with the U.S. Air Force spanned over 15 years, culminating in his retirement. During this tenure, Col. Hawkins provided spiritual guidance and support to service members and their families, earning recognition for his commitment to the well-being of diverse military communities.

Following his Air Force service, Col. Hawkins co-founded and served as the director of Occupational Chaplains of America for over a decade. Alongside two fellow Fulbright colonels, he established the organization to provide comprehensive chaplaincy services across the U.S. and internationally. The founders implemented a rank system to reflect experience levels among chaplains, with new members starting as second lieutenants or lieutenants and the founders holding the rank of colonel. Under Col. Hawkins' supervision, the ministry expanded from eight ministers to more than 350 chaplains worldwide, encompassing police and fire chaplaincy, industrial and corporate chaplaincy and hospital, hospice and emergency medical services chaplaincy. He personally trained approximately 80 ministers in hospital and hospice care, emphasizing rigorous screening to ensure high standards and mitigate risks. Col. Hawkins also co-led training seminars at International Church national conferences for two decades, mentoring prospective chaplains both domestically and abroad.

Col. Hawkins' expertise extended to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where he served as a VA chaplain for one year. In this capacity at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, he ministered to individuals from Indonesian, Polynesian and Micronesian backgrounds. He dedicated himself to understanding their unique cultures and religions to provide appropriate spiritual care. During his time at the VA Hospital in Hawaii, Col. Hawkins conducted numerous funerals and was instrumental in establishing a Sunday morning worship service and a Wednesday night Bible study at the encouragement of the head chaplain.

At Suncoast Hospice in Florida, Col. Hawkins was an end-of-life spiritual care chaplain for about 10 years. He later continued this work as a Bristol Hospice chaplain in Hawaii for two years. In both roles, Col. Hawkins provided compassionate support to patients and families navigating challenging circumstances.

Earlier in his career, Col. Hawkins founded Calvary United Pentecostal Church in Dunn, North Carolina, where he excelled as a pastor for more than five years. He subsequently led Pentecostal Lighthouse in Dunedin, Florida, from November 2005 to November 2015. His leadership fostered growth within these congregations while advancing community outreach initiatives.

Col. Hawkins's military journey began with service in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1971 to 1979, rising from private (E-1) to staff sergeant (E-6). He received two meritorious promotions, as well as two meritorious masts, recognizing his exemplary conduct. After transitioning from enlisted ranks, Col. Hawkins was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1989 and advanced through first lieutenant, captain and major before retiring from active duty in 2005.

Throughout his career, Col. Hawkins has been an active member of several professional and civic organizations, including the Military Chaplains Association, the Military Officers Association of America, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. He is also affiliated with Judicial Watch and The Pentecostals of Cocoa, Florida.

Col. Hawkins' academic achievements have been foundational to his professional success. He received an associate's degree in business administration from Johnston College, a bachelor's degree in humanities and theology from Campbell University, a second bachelor's degree in clinical counseling and applied psychology with an emphasis on clinical pastoral education from the U.S. Air Force, and a Master of Divinity in pastoral care and evangelism from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to his formal education, Col. Hawkins has obtained several professional certifications that have enhanced his capabilities, such as U.S. Air Force clinical pastoral education certification, U.S. Air Force middle management supervisor school certification for majors, and U.S. Air Force suicide awareness and prevention certification.

Maintaining extensive civic engagement, Col. Hawkins has been involved as a monthly donor or supporter of Compassion International, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Military Chaplains Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and, among others, the Military Officers Association of America. Volunteer roles have included serving as an honorary chaplain, guest speaker at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii and as a volunteer chaplain and guest speaker at Fort DeRussy Army Chapel, among numerous other community-based ministries.

Col. Hawkins is an accomplished author with the publication "Abounding In Glory! Get a Glimpse of God's Glory" released in 2025. Notably, for two decades, he co-led national training seminars for International Church conferences alongside William Dillon, who wrote the foreword for his book.

In recognition of his military background, Col. Hawkins was decorated with two Meritorious Service Medals and three Commendation Medals and several others. He also received recognition as Company Grade Officer of the Quarter at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi and received the Chief Master Sergeant Outstanding Performance Coin and several other awards at McChord Air Force Base in Washington for creating two Benchmark Airmen Cafes.

Col. Hawkins is working toward establishing a nonprofit organization called Community Assistance and Resources for Enhancement, or CARE, to support those in need. Thus far, his legacy has been defined by unwavering dedication to faith, service, mentorship, cross-cultural understanding, organizational leadership, community engagement, and a servant's heart, recognized by all those whose lives he has touched throughout his distinguished career.

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