Skip to main content

Author: Joe Public

The Ruffner Family contribute $5,000 as a suite sponsor in honor of their son, Matt, Chief Warrant Officer 3.

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Articles.


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.

Words from Guests March 22, 2018

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in not needed.

“Fisher House is awesome. It was amazing to have this beautiful place to stay. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher will never know the people they touched. From the time we walked in the door until 4 days later when we left, all you could do was feel the love of residents and staff. Everyone had a reason for being here and we shared our fears and hope of recovery. Thank you for providing a loving environment during a trying time.”

Words from Guests February 12, 2018

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Articles.

My daughter and son-in-law had a scheduled C-section on Monday.  I wanted to be close and packed my bag with the thought that I would sleep in labor and delivery waiting room.  My son-in-law contacted the Fisher House and secured me a room and what a blessing the Fisher House has been.  It has been so convenient!  My oldest daughter and granddaughter came down from South Caroline and it was nice to bring my granddaughter over for a break.  We enjoyed the board games, corn hole and the library, snacked while playing.  The house is amazing, down to every detail!  I had the pleasure to spend time with the staff; Marc, Don and Judy were so welcoming!  This would be a wonderful place to volunteer or work!  Thanks again for helping me be comfortable welcoming my granddaughter!

Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion Post 356 Raise the Bar and $6,755

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Event Photos.

February 18 was a big day for the Auxiliary and the Sons of Post 356 in Lynn Haven.  They hosted a dinner, a silent auction, live auction, cake walk and raffle to raise awareness and funds for our house on Eglin AFB.  Major sponsors included our friends at Gulf Power and Drewberry Engineers Inc.  This group works tirelessly all year long for many charities and this event is their largest.  Next year is being planned now!

For more photos, click here.

Better Homes and Gardens Emerald Coast hosts employee lunch, gathers donations for Fisher House

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Event Photos.

Guess what happens when a group of dedicated real estate professionals adopt a cause? A TON of good things… Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Emerald Coast, led by Cherie’ C Himes hosted an employee lunch and gathered A TON of donations for our guests…..this is the 2nd year and it keeps getting bigger and better! We will need a box truck next year! Those attending included their awesome team, board member for Fisher House, Bruce A Nunnally CPA, and staff of Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®. Do business with businesses who gives back……

Better Homes and Gardens gives back

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Event Photos.

At the Fisher House Benefit Cookout, 6 BHGRE Emerald Coast Agents competed for top honors as the ‘Soup Chef’ for 2018. Clark Turnipseed, Broker took home the 1st Place finish with his ‘Taco Chick’ soup recipe! Congratulations Clark!

Words from our Guests – February 9, 2018

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Articles.

“I am so grateful to be able to stay here.  My niece was injured really bad in a car accident and family needed to be here.  I jumped on a plane with no clue where I would sleep when I arrived.  God opened all doors and made a way, then Fisher House did the rest.  Thank you so much and may God bless you all.”