LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Norm Jacobson, 37th Training Wing manager of the Equal Employment Opportunity program, recently was awarded the Air Force Distinguished EEO Award (Complaint System Category) for 2008.
Mr. Jacobson "distinguished himself by demonstrating exceptional ability in the area of resolving EEO complaints of discrimination and participating in the fair and timely resolution of complaints as the Lackland EEO and Alternative Dispute Resolution manager during the period Oct. 1, 2006, to Sept. 30, 2007," reads the citation accompanying the award.
Crediting his staff of four civilian and three military members, Mr. Jacobson said that while his name is on the award, "I couldn't do it without them. The folks on this staff work very, very hard to resolve any complaint that comes into this office."
"During his first six weeks as EEO manager," the citation reads, "Mr. Jacobson and his staff resolved (63 percent) of the contacts and informal complaints received. By facilitating resolutions in 22 informal EEO complaints, Mr. Jacobson and his staff saved the Air Force more than $350,000 in extrapolated litigation costs."
Brig. Gen. Len Patrick, 37th TRW commander, lauded Mr. Jacobson and the EEO staff for being the best in the Air Force in resolving workplace complaints before they escalate to court fights. "It's more evidence that Lackland is the best place to live and work in the Air Force."
The 37th TRW and Mr. Jacobson were honored last year at the Pentagon for winning the 2006 General Counsel Alternative Dispute Resolution Award for Workplace Disputes among large organizations.
Mr. Jacobson assisted the move of Military Equal Opportunity personnel into the EEO office in the 37th TRW headquarters building and managed the seamless integration of EEO and MEO duties when the offices merged Oct. 1.