NICEVILLE, Fla. — An active-duty U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel has recognized an Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office employee for helping military families navigate the challenges of relocating to Northwest Florida, according to the Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office.
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The recognition came in a letter sent to the Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office, where the officer praised customer service agent Hiedi Jacobs and other staff members for assisting military families with out-of-state title transfers, vehicle registrations, and other administrative requirements associated with military moves.
The letter is dated May 7, 2026. The officer’s name was redacted by the Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office before the letter was released to the media.
The lieutenant colonel said frequent military relocations can make routine tasks stressful and time-consuming for service members and their families. The officer credited the office’s staff with helping ease that burden and allowing military personnel to remain focused on their missions.
“While I am grateful for the department as a whole, I want to specifically commend Hiedi Jacobs,” the lieutenant colonel wrote.
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“Her consistent professionalism, profound empathy, and steadfast assistance have been extraordinary. She represents the absolute best of your organization and is a true credit to the State of Florida!”
The letter was sent from the Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force in Washington, D.C. It thanked the tax collector’s office for supporting Florida’s military members and their families during relocation and registration processes.
The Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office said it processes thousands of military-related transactions each year due to nearby military installations, including Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. The agency said staff members receive training to understand the unique challenges associated with military moves.
“Our community is at its best when we lift up and support the people who move here to protect us,” said Okaloosa County Tax Collector Ben Anderson.
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“Hiedi brings a deep sense of community and heart to her job every single day. This kind acknowledgment from a local Lieutenant Colonel reminds us all that public service is really about taking care of our neighbors and making Okaloosa County a welcoming place to call home,” Mr Anderson said.
The tax collector’s office said the recognition reflects the ongoing relationship between local government agencies and the military community that calls Okaloosa County home.
