361st TRS student earns ACE award

Airman 1st Class Daniel Hawkins, a South Carolina native and 361st Training Squadron aerospace propulsion apprentice went above and beyond during his training.

Hawkins completed his training course with a score of 100% on all progress checks and block tests, earning himself the ACE award.

Duty title: Aerospace propulsion

Hometown: Pelion, South Carolina

Time in Service: 5 months

Why I joined: I joined because I wanted to serve my country as well as receive education benefits to attend college.

Family: Son of Lisa Hawkins and the late Michael Hawkins. Brother of Zachary Hawkins and Kayla Jeffcoat.

Hobbies: I like to play soccer, basketball and video games

Favorite aspect of the job: My favorite aspect of the job is the sense of purpose it gives me as well as the challenges that come with it.

Most memorable Air Force experience: When our instructor convinced Airman Payne to do an echo check on an engine by screaming at the top of his lungs into the fan inlet.

How do you make responsible choices: I trust my instincts and always hold myself to a high standard

Instructor comment: “This is a significant award and it is very rare to achieve. Airman 1st Class Hawkins is the second ACE Award recipient I have had in over three years. A1C Hawkins is a very intelligent Airman. His actions are very deliberate and well thought out.  He holds himself to a higher level of standards than what we normally see here and his actions show it. A1C Hawkins is an individual that lives by the motto ‘lead by example’. His instructors may not always hear him, but when searching for a leader; his actions are what we need them to be.” - Staff Sgt. Matthew Hansen, 361st Training Squadron aerospace ground propulsion instructor