“I wanted to take a moment and thank you and your organization from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness and help during a very difficult and stressful time is so appreciated by me and my brother. We are 6 hours away from our mother and being able to visit her and have a place to lay our head took one stress away that we were beyond worried about. Both rooms were absolutely beautiful, the entire facility was beautiful and we were taken care of like rock stars.”
Words from our guest:
“Don, you have really blessed us with your fun filled and thoughtful decorations in our room. With the health issues I am facing, our anniversary has taken second place so it’s been really wonderful to have you surprise us with flowers and decorations for Valentines Day for our 51st. We’re going to take 6 of the little hearts and mail one of them to each of our children so they can feel the blessing of Fisher House at Eglin and the thoughtfulness of Donnie and the wonderful staff here. Thank you all for your kindness!” USN Jacksonville, FL
John Stephens is a Fisher House Assistant Manager, and started in his position in 2018. His favorite part of the job is assisting military families in their time of need.
John is happily married to Christy. They have six children, and one grandchild. He enjoys camping, reading, and spending time with his family. His biggest hobbies are watching sports and traveling.
John retired after serving in the US Air Force for over 21 years as a Health Services Manager. His last role as an active duty member was filling in as manager at the Eglin Fisher House, which is where his passion for the job came from.
From Mia Hughes, Executive Director: “Tony and I are so blessed to call many of our nations defenders family….we attended the celebration last Friday of a 26 year career serving our country, the Espinoza team, Colonel Ed Espinoza, his wife Carolyn and their awesome son. Carolyn Ellis Espinoza is a community ambassador with our Fisher House, giving countless hours to our mission on Eglin and in the community, for many years now. She always answers the call and always says yes. What a dynamic and awesome family and it was touching to be in the audience Friday, feeling the love that pours over this family. So glad they will be joining us in the community as Ed embarks on his next great adventure.”
From Rich Veale, February 10, 2019
“As many of you know, I am finishing up my Externship for my certification as a Chef. Over the past 4 weeks, I have put in over 115 hours in. I split time between Lolo’s Cakes & Sweets and the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. Last week as we made the first of 2 trips to the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, I asked one of the residents what he’d like us to fix. He explained that his wife had some digestive issues and asked if I could make something on the softer side so she could eat. She had only eaten yogurt and protein shakes over the past few days. Upon his request, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, baby carrots with an agave glaze. He was surprised when we brought it in. He thanked me and I had to leave for another appointment. Yesterday when I got to Lolo’s Cakes & Sweets, Priscilla handed me a card. It was from the couple that was at the Fisher House. They both thanked me for volunteering as a Chef at the Fisher House and went on to say that the food was great and the carrots were, “to die for”. Knowing that God has given me the power to make a positive impact on someone’s life is a blessing. Volunteer where your heart takes you. To the staff and administration of the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, thank you for giving me this opportunity to share time with your residents. To my wife, Priscilla, thank you for encouraging me. To all 4 of my boys, thank you for your support, I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Eddie, and the WOSSE 19–002 raised $540 as part of their class and donated to our Fisher House at Eglin AFB. Eddie advocated to donate locally and met Jim Fisher, our board member on Saturday to make the presentation. We are grateful for the many who support while serving too! What a great photo of our nation’s defenders. Jim and Eddie are shown below all smiles for their affection for our mission.
Cookies and kindness happens the first Wednesday of each month = today’s dose of YUM. Appreciate our Phantom cookie baker who dropped these iced blue sugar cookies off and Sweet Choice Bakery LLC for the cupcakes!
You know how something can give you a goosebump(s) on your arm and cause you to stop and think? We picked up the mail yesterday and received a package from a previous guest. They paid it forward, blessing our home and future families with a generous monetary donation AND a box of night lights. I love how this circle of life keeps going. #keepingfamiliestogether today’s goal, bless someone randomly. #itwillblessyoutoo