“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.”
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.
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 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.
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!
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……
April 12, 2018
“Thank you so much for being here while my son is in ICU due to health serious issues. He is special needs and can’t communicate so I can’t tell you how much this place means to me. Having a place to come and rest, wash clothes at night and a place to lay my head – I never worried I was bringing any kind of unclean things to him. Thank you for being there.”
Think of our future leaders…..and know that the Girl Scouts of FL Panhandle, Troop 747 are civic minded and care about their military community. They made the cutest goody bags for the house guests, toured the home yesterday and surprised us with a $500 donation from their cookie proceeds. So grateful!
Mosquito Joe in Niceville is making outside fun again and blessing our military families at the same time. They hosted a fundraiser for our Fisher House on Eglin and raised $380. Share their awesome mojo and tell them YOU also support our guests! Mosquito Joe of NW Florida Sara and Marc in front of the founders The Fishers!