Dr. John Blevins, an alumnus of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, has received the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal, or Sammie, considered the highest honor for career federal employees.
Currently chief engineer for the NASA Space Launch System program, Blevins earned a master’s degree in 1993 and a doctorate in mechanical and aerospace engineering from UAH in 1998. Blevins has served the U.S. space program for 26 years since coming to work at Marshall Space Flight Center.
“I’d like to congratulate John Blevins at Marshall on being named a 2025 Service to America Medal honoree,” said Janet Petro, NASA acting administrator. “John, as chief engineer for the Space Launch System rocket, played a key role in the Artemis I mission and is helping us prepare for Artemis II. These awards recognize the highest levels of public service, and John’s work reflects the dedication and excellence that define our NASA team.”
Blevins is an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a licensed professional engineer. He also is an experienced pilot with airline transport pilot and flight instructor ratings.