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Author: Joe Public

Words from Guests, October 19

“The Brumit’s love the Fisher House Foundation!!! During the past three years since Tim’s Spinal Cord Injury we have stayed at Fisher Houses across the country for long periods of time and have had nothing less than incredible experiences! Without them I am not sure we would have been able to stay near Tim during many of his 14 Major Surgeries or have the peace we felt staying among other families going through their own hard times. The staff are always leaning forward and there to help if you need them and a step back when you want to be alone. Want a reputable, worthwhile Charity to give to? Fisher House Foundation is one of the few at the very top!!!”

How you impact lives – September 20, 2018

“I am not sure where to begin, but I am completely appreciative of the support of the Fisher House. This month has been unimaginable in both good and bad ways. The Fisher House did more than provide a place for me to stay. The option of staying possibly, more than likely, contributed to saving my life. So thank you for providing a safe place for me to stay and providing other necessities as well. I enjoyed meeting all staff and guests. I send what you gave to me, warm hugs and good vibes. Thank you so much.”

How you impact lives – September 10, 2018

“This Fisher House is the best.  Staff is so helpful and caring. so blessed with all the assistance, love, concern shown to my daughter and myself while she had surgery.  Thank you is heartfelt – thank you! “

Altar’d State #standoutforgood raises $1764.51

As part of their #standoutforgood Altar’d State hosted a give back Monday benefiting our Fisher House on Eglin. They presented $1764.51!!! – shop local, the store is stocked with awesome products and friendly faces who make our community better.

Words from our guests – August 2018

“I came here due to an accident by my daughter on I-10. I so greatly appreciate the facilities and help you have provided for me and my daughter after she got out of the hospital.  God bless all who helped establish this organization to aid and assist the great military of this country.”

2018 Niceville Valparaiso Civic Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

Lt. General Gordon “Gordy” Fornell, USAF Retired, nominated By Van Fuller, Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, is well known in Northwest Florida and is widely respected for the significant contributions he makes to the Niceville Valparaiso area. His vast military experience and knowledge is matched only by his credibility, influence, and ability to bring people together for a common good.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, General Fornell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University in 1958 and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, in 1978. While at Michigan State University he was a member of the 1957 Big Ten Conference championship swim team.

General Fornell has a wide range of operational and test experience. He has flown over 50 types of aircraft, logged over 7,000 hours of fly time, wears parachute wings and is a Certified Level III program manager.

He has received numerous decorations and awards including: Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster; Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters; Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster; Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters; and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He also wears the Basic Parachutist and the Missile Crew Member Badges.

General Fornell served in senior acquisition leadership positions in Air Force Systems Command and Air Force Materiel Command which included two commands; one as Commander, Armament Division at Eglin from 1985-1987 and second as Commander, Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom from 1988-1993. These organizations developed and acquired all non-nuclear munitions and communications, command and control, and intelligence systems for the Air Force.

He retired in 1993 as a three-star general and after traveling to almost every corner of the world he settled with his wife, Barbara, in Bluewater Bay. He currently serves as Chairman of the Mid Bay Bridge Authority and the Air Force Armament Museum Foundation. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Board and serves as the Vice Commodore of the Eglin Yacht Club.
He is an active member of Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, Emerald Coast Military Affairs Council, Enterprise Florida, Defense Support Initiative of the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council, University of West Florida President’s Council, a life-time member of the Air Force Association, and adviser to Florida’s Great Northwest.
General Fornell has led 5 visits to Washington, DC advocating for military personnel, families and veterans in Northwest Florida. He is also the founder of the Gate-to-Gate Run at Eglin Air Force, a 33 year old Memorial Day Weekend tradition where runners place flowers at the Veterans’ Memorial along the route in honor of those who served.

Here is a link to the complete article.

Eglin Fisher House gets new furniture

New Furniture Arrived in July, thanks to our generous community. It is so lovely and our guests are so worthy of the best love and care!  Awesome photography courtesy of Marc Ambrose.  

Lady Boss Market donates $500 to Fisher House on Eglin

Lady Boss Market presented their proceeds from this year’s event, $500 WOW! Thanks, Kellie, April and Jenn! They shared this inaugural event was such a success, they will host another one in 2019! Woo hoo! Myra Arnold and Don Peckham were also on hand to receive the BIG CHECK.

Bear Bait Ultra donates $3,000 to Eglin Fisher House

So what’s a Bear Bait Ultras you ask? An old school, low key and well-organized ultra and trail experience for our runners that benefits the Emerald Coast Fisher House. We are grateful for their continued support of our mission while hosting a great ultra! Dan presents this year’s proceeds to Jerry Williams and Bryan Creager. 2019 is happening, get signed up before they fill up!

Just get it done – “absolutely stellar stuff”

Sharing words from one of our non-medical attendants regarding our care of one of our guests…..who agrees that the trend to accept mediocre and applaud exceptional needs to change?

“It’s been a pleasure to know you as well; you get it done and I respect that. No one seems to just get it done anymore. This experience has been amazing and has given me a whole new perspective on Fisher house and what you guys do (which I’ll admit I’ve never had first-hand experience with). Absolutely stellar stuff. I’m very comfortable leaving (my guest) here knowing this will be the right place for her to recover and you guys have her back. ”

Always have someone’s back and make a difference in some small way every day……