JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Senior
Airman Ramel Hicks, 628th Medical Group health services manager and command
support staff administrator, received the First Sergeants Council Diamond Sharp
Award here, Dec. 6, 2017.
The
Diamond Sharp Award is presented to an Airman who demonstrates superior
leadership skills, professional appearance, attitude and performance.
“When
first sergeants look for an Airman for this award, the whole Airman concept is assessed,”
said Tech. Sgt. Robert Niter, 628th MDG interim first sergeant. “They look at
how they perform at their job, what they do for their own development and if
they volunteer.”
Hicks
received the award for filling various NCO in charge duties and
responsibilities over the course of a month while maintaining a 100 percent on-time
completion rate for 628th Air Base Wing tasks. He also works with the 628th
Military Personnel Section to ensure all 628th MDG members are assigned to the
correct personnel accounting symbol code, possess accurate duty information and
are in-processed properly.
“Receiving
this award shows how people pay attention to what you’re doing and how you are
applying yourself,” said Hicks. “It feels good to be recognized for all of the
things I do.”
Hicks
is involved in the oversight of the Drug Demand Reduction program, which
manages the no-notice drug screenings. Additionally, he fills in as the
secretary for the 628th MDG commander, maintaining the communication between
the 628th MDG and outside agencies on or off base. He also arranges all
briefings and meetings with clinical staff and interacts with squadron
leadership and wing executives.
“He
is someone I want others to look up to so they can strive to achieve what he is
able to do,” said Niter. “Hicks demonstrates a higher degree of leadership
skill than you normally see in Airmen.”
On
top of all of his work duties and responsibilities, Hicks maintains a 4.0 GPA
at Park University. He has completed his seven-level career development courses
and is two classes shy of attaining his Community College of the Air Force
degree.
“One of the biggest
things I’ve learned is you have to learn to be as much of a follower as well as
a leader,” said Hicks. “You need to learn how to perfect your job the best you
can and set the example. People will start looking up to you and you need to deliver
the right message.”