— LISTEE'S SPOTLIGHT —

Col. Raymond H. Hawkins is a retired chaplain who dedicated his career to providing pastoral care to others through the United States Air Force, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and to hospice patients in Florida and Hawaii. A 24-year Air Force veteran, he served to the rank of Major before his retirement in 2005, and received two meritorious promotions and numerous awards for his service. Among his accomplishments as an Air Force chaplain were building a youth group at Keesler Air Force Base, becoming a beloved member of the community and staying for a year longer than anticipated. While a VA chaplain, he provided sensitive, culturally competent care to Indonesian, Polynesian, and Micronesian diaspora communities at Tripler Army Medical Center. 

Following his military retirement, Mr. Hawkins spent more than ten years as a pastor and hospice chaplain. He established the Occupational Chaplains of America in 2004 in order to nurture the next generation of spiritual care professionals. In the coming years, he looks forward to continuing to support others through the creation of a 501(c)(3) organization, Community Assistance and Resources for Enhancement (CARE).