PACAF Airman recognized for safety achievements

  • Published
  • By Josh Aycock
  • Air Force Safety Center

On September 9, the National Safety Council awarded the Rising Star of Safety award to Master Sgt. Jeremy Nixon, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces occupational safety manager, for his continued dedication to safety and contributions to the Air Force safety community.

Nixon’s dedication to safety initiatives was the driving factor to receiving the award. Nixon managed a mishap prevention program consisting of 45,000 personnel and $99 billion in assets that resulted in three consecutive years of mishap reductions. Further, his efforts ensured over 1,200 mishap investigations were properly conducted, defining root causes and corrective actions.

“It is great honor to be recognized as one of the NSC Rising Stars of Safety.  NSC is one of the premiere safety organizations in the world,” said Nixon. “There are a lot of smart and driven safety professionals throughout the industry who impress all the time with their technical knowledge and enthusiasm.  It is difficult to stand out amongst such terrific people.  The only reason I was able to stand out is through the daily assistance of my friends, family, co-workers, and mentors.” 

The National Safety Council developed the Rising Stars of Safety to help highlight up-and-coming safety professional. Winners show leadership in safety, and bring new ideas to existing problems at their organizations.

"National Safety Council award winners don't just aim to check off a box for safety. These leaders understand that they must prioritize safety at every level of decision making,” said Lorraine Martin, President and CEO of the National Safety Council. “We are proud to honor each of our nominees and our incredible winners, all of whom are committed to working alongside NSC to eliminate preventable deaths in our lifetime."

The National Safety Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, NSC advances this mission by collaborating with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact.

This is the tenth consecutive year that an Airman has been recognized and awarded the Rising Star of Safety award by the NSC.  Previous award winners are:

2010:  Natalie Turner, U.S. Air Force – Royal Air Force Mildenhall

2011:  Justin Carwile, 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

2012:  Anthony Blodgett, 52nd Fighter Wing Safety Office

2013:  Joshua Franklin, Eleventh Air Force

2014:  Calvin Grade, 730th Air Mobility Squadron

2015:  Michael Hawkins, U.S. Air Force Academy

2016:  Ross Weatherford, 66th Air Base Group

2017:  Biagi Borrero, Air Combat Command

2018:  Justin Musall, 735th Air Mobility Squadron