Lakenheath SNCO among 12 Outstanding Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Dobrydney
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  When Senior Master Sgt. Steven Higgins of the 48th Communications Squadron found out he was one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, his reaction was as one would expect.

"It was a shock, considering how many truly outstanding Airmen we have in our Air Force," said the 25-year Air Force veteran, who has spent four of those years at RAF Lakenheath in multiple duty positions. Currently he is the superintendent of wing inspections.

Sergeant Higgins cited many things that have led him to his first Air Force-level recognition, among them supervisors who recognized potential and allowed him to learn from his mistakes, as well as having the humility to recognize the contributions of those he works with.

"I rely heavily on my Airmen, staffs and techs," said Sergeant Higgins. "My job is to take all that expertise and put it together. This award is representative of what a lot of people did."

Before he was an Airman, Sergeant Higgins spent a brief time in the Army. While he said the cultures of the two services are quite different, the habits he built as a soldier kept him in good stead once he put on the Air Force uniform.

"Nobody had to tell me to shine my boots or keep my uniform sharp," he said. "Long before I knew what 'Excellence in All We Do' was, I took a great deal of pride in what I was."

Going back even further, Sergeant Higgins cited his mother as an important influence in his life.

"She instilled in me early on that regardless of what you do, whether you're a garbage man or shine shoes, you be the best at it and don't worry about what people say or what accolades you get," said Sergeant Higgins.

Those who work with Sergeant Higgins say he is more than just an outstanding Airman.

"[Sergeant Higgins] could win the 12 Most Outstanding Mentors as well, because that's really his specialty ... leading, coaching and taking care of Airmen," said Lt. Col. Sean Murphy, 48th CS commander.

"He is an outstanding asset to the Air Force and is certainly deserving of this prestigious award. His Airmen from the 48th Communications Squadron are certainly very proud," Colonel Murphy added.

Since joining the Air Force, Sergeant Higgins said that many things have changed for the better.

"The young men and young women who serve are a lot different," he said. "They're a lot smarter and more inquisitive. It's important that those of us in leadership teach them and mentor them."

For young Airmen who aspire to do great things and perhaps one day be recognized as Sergeant Higgins has, he had two pieces of advice.

"Every job in the Air Force is important, otherwise we wouldn't have them. Learn your job and take care of your people, everything else will take care of itself."