[1] He attended Eastern Michigan University, where he graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

[1][4] Hawkins enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a Second lieutenant from 1967.

[1] He was sent to Vietnam, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart,[1] receiving injuries which left him paraplegic.

[1] After being discharged, Hawkins attended Wayne State University Law School, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree.

[1] Hawkins worked with lawyer, author and politician Tom Harkin.