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!
March 23, 2018
“Unbelievably blessed to meet the staff who are awesome and very friendly and have the opportunity to stay here. Last night was the first night, I hadn’t slept in 4 days but slept so peacefully here. Everyone offers to pray for you although they are dealing with something as well. Extremely grateful! Day One”
April 11, 2018 – Still with us
“Praying for healing, peace and blessings to all those currently residing and future residents of the Fisher House. A special prayer goes up for the staff who are amazing. I can’t thank everyone enough for their kindness. God Bless and thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
“My grandson and I enjoyed staying and playing at the Fisher House. Thank you so much for your caring and sharing. It made us feel so special. We really appreciate everything. God bless!” March 20
Chuck and Diane Ruffner have joined as a suite sponsor in memory of their son, Matt who was killed in action, April 9, 2013 while serving our country in the Pachir Wa Agam district, Afghanistan, when his AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed. Also killed was Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jarett M. Yoder, 26, of Mohnton, Pa.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew P. Ruffner
11-18-1978 4-09-2013
Many honors have been bestowed upon Matt, honoring his service and love of country and flying Apaches. A painting by military artist Larry Selman hangs at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville, Pennsylvania honoring Matthew and his co-pilot CW2 Jarett Yoder on their final mission in Afghanistan.
He was awarded the Bronze Star (posthumously) for his actions of saving a ground unit that had come under fire, and was awarded the Aviation Mission Survivability Officer Award for 2013 by the AAAA for his life saving mission planning.
In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania a bridge has been named after Matt.
Matthew served a total of 16 years, the last 7 as an Apache Pilot and also as an instructor pilot. at the 1st Bn.,104th Avn. Regt., 28th CAB
He excelled at sports, was a talented guitarist and was a graduate of Indiana University Pennsylvania with a BA in Criminology. All gave some, some gave all.