AF bestows 2007 NPSA to Hurlburt civilian Published Oct. 6, 2006 By Jamie Haig Contract writer 16 SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla -- James Hartwell, 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron, was named the Air Force representative for the 2007 National Public Service Award Sept. 11. It's an honor Mr. Hartwell, earned through his accomplishments at work and in his personal life. As an operational test engineer with the 605th for more than eight years, his work has had an impact on homeland defense security systems and Air Force tactical communications systems. He has also worked as a liaison between Air Combat Command and the Air National Guard flying units on a program that provides the President of the United States constant communications capability. In his off-duty hours, Mr. Hartwell keeps busy with community activities. "It's just the way I was raised - to help people," said Mr. Hartwell. As a City of Fort Walton Beach councilman, Mr. Hartwell was instrumental in annexing 42 acres of land to be developed into affordable workforce housing. He also drafted legislation to protect children who use the city library computers from internet pornography and online predators. He had city facilities opened to shelter homeless people during inclement weather. But the caring and giving doesn't stop with his councilman duties. Mr. Hartwell has been a Boy Scouts of America scout master since 1974. "I've been scout master to scouts who achieved Eagle Scout, and it's neat to have them come back to me and see what they've become," said Mr. Hartwell. He was also awarded the BSA Honor Medal for risking his life to save three men from a rolled-over vehicle on Hwy. 98 just before a ruptured gas tank exploded. Additionally, Mr. Hartwell and his church were involved with hurricane relief along the Gulf Coast last year. He and more than 500 church members were on hand every weekend for three months helping with whatever was needed. "We did everything from roofing, to cutting trees and moving out furniture, to delivering medical supplies and food," said Mr. Hartwell. Another community service he provided was training more than 500 women and girls in self-defense classes. "It's important that girls and women know how to defend themselves," he said. "This isn't marital arts, it's how to think and act smart in situations." As a Native American, Mr. Hartwell was the Hurlburt Field Native American Heritage committee chairman in past years, managing events that attracted more than 5,000 people. He's served five times as chairman for "Children's Day" at the Thunderbird Inter-tribal Council Pow-Wow, held at the Mullet Festival grounds every November. This event is the largest continuous pow-wow event in the Air Force. Mr. Hartwell and the 605th TES have also been friends of the Gulf Breeze Zoo, assisting with rebuilding cages, cleaning up and assisting after the hurricanes last year. "Jim is a completely selfless is everything he does, professionally and personally," said his supervisor Susana McKee, 605th TES. "We knew when we were writing this package that he would win. He does it all."