Author: Joe Public

The reason for the Fisher House…..brought to this family by a generous community who love our military like we do.  Saying thank you in a tangible and meaningful way.

“My daughter was suddenly hospitalized at Eglin AFB last week and I drove from Jacksonville to be with her for an undetermined number of days. I started in a hotel room, but one of the nurses at the Eglin hospital told me about Fisher House, which I knew nothing about. What an absolutely incredible and pleasant surprise! From the moment I walked in and met Robert, to the moment I left, Fisher House was nothing but a God-sent blessing for me. It allowed me to focus my time and attention on my daughter and not worry about the logistics of my stay. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the love and grace of Fisher House. Merry Christmas!”

We are blessed with many big hearts in the community who share our mission in various ways.  Thanks to

Barbara Day for this one. Check out her blog here, we are featured!  Thanks, Barbara!

Home

“This is my third visit to this most amazing facility and the hospitality is unmatched by any other like facility I have ever visited. The support of their amazing staff is unlimited, I just feel so much better, both mentally and physically. As I depart after being here since late April 2022, I cannot do justice to the staff and facility due to my limited ability to express in words how much I have improved, just since I first arrived. Thanks to all of you for the wonderful service which you provide to our veterans and our families. May the good Lord bless of you.” USMC (Ret) A three war, 100% combat disabled Veteran.”

#keepingfamiliestogether

Please join the Destin Woman’s Club for their annual “Glitz & Glamour” Fashion Show and Luncheon on Friday, November 4, 2022, at the Louisiana Lagniappe in Destin.  Proceeds will benefit Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and the DWC Family Assistance Fund, which serves to aid and assist the needy in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

The doors of the Louisiana Lagniappe will open at 10:45am for the Silent Auction and Cash Bar. Tickets $70 (non-refundable) and include complimentary Valet Parking.

Come enjoy fashions from Simply Elegant, Men’s Wearhouse, Tommy Bahamas, Talbot’s, Today’s, and Boca. Tickets available online starting September 5th at www.destinwomansclub.org or by calling Sylvia Vazquez (850)865-02284

Upon arrival our guests will be treated to a sensational display of Silent Auction items for which to bid. Tickets will be on sale for a chance to win our ever-popular Wine Wagon which features a minimum of 30 handpicked bottles for the discerning palate, and the “Belle of the Ball” Celebration Cart! The Celebration Cart is a one of a kind on the Emerald Coast and filled with all things to help anyone celebrate in style.

To get an exclusive sneak-peak of the Silent Auction items, Specialty Wines, and awesome Celebration Cart items, follow us on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/destinwomansclub/

Don’t miss your chance to attend one of the Emerald Coast’s most exciting events for fall. This year’s entertainment once again will be provided by Professional Musician and DJ, Chuck Lawson. Seats for this spectacular event are limited, so get your ticket today as it is sure to be a sell out once again.

DWC would like to thank our Sponsors for our Fashion Show; Destin Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Have Travel Memories Vacations by David & JoDell Haverfield, Betsy Sells Avon,

Roger & Sarah Baker, Steve & Patti B Burcham, BancorpSouth Bank, Om Relaxation Spa, Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology, Denise & Michael Moreland, Prescott Architects by Jeff & Mabel Prescott,

Diane & Walter Neuman, McNeese Title, Sylvia & Alan Vazquez,Traci & Michael McQuillen, Matthews & Jones, LLP, First Florida Bank, Myrtie Blue, Linda & Stephen Hodges, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Ted & Sandra Williams, Boca Boutique & Galeri, Linda Bryan, “Making a Lasting Impression”, Coldwell Banker Realty, Izabela Basler, Publix Super Markets, Inc. – Your support for all our endeavors is greatly appreciated.

First things first, NEVER FORGET.  This is most definitely a Patriot’s Day event – a morning of contemplation and commemoration.  But also one of celebration… celebration of the indomitable American spirit and the knowledge that we live in the greatest country on this earth.

The Patriot’s Run & Paddle is a collaboration between RUN/SUP and the Rotorhead 30A Running Company.  As customary with the Patriot’s Run & Paddle, there will be three distinct events offered on race morning.  For more information and to sign up, click here. 

The  Fisher House at Eglin AFB, FL and its  local support organization Fisher House of the Emerald Coast (FHEC) lost a great friend recently with the sudden passing of Major General Robert W. “Chedbob” Chedister USAF-retired. Chedbob, as he was known to literally everyone, was the Program Executive Officer for Weapons and Commander of the Air Armament Center at Eglin in 2006 when he, after being inspired by his wife Trecia, started the wheels turning for Eglin to receive Fisher House #48. I well remember the dinner he set up with me and several other members of our local community at the Eglin Air Base Wing Commander’s home where he and Trecia laid out their vision for the Eglin Fisher House, how it would complement the Eglin Hospital, and how it would support active duty, retired and family members while they sought medical care at the Eglin Hospital and in the local area. I had the honor of chairing the first FHEC board of directors and walked the property across from the Eglin Hospital with Chedbob and Fisher House Foundation CEO Dave Coker when they put a flag in the ground and said “We are building the Eglin Fisher House RIGHT HERE!”

After his retirement from the Air Force, Chedbob and Trecia remained huge supporters of FHEC with Trecia serving multiple terms on our board of directors over the years. Since opening in 2010, the Eglin Fisher House has assisted thousands. Chedbob served our nation by helping to protect it from our enemies and his legacy of service will live on thanks to his and Trecia’s efforts to get #48 built and opened on Eglin AFB. He was a  great friend and he is deeply missed.

His obituary is here.  A celebration of life is scheduled for Friday, July 29.

Tony Hughes was the first President of the newly formed organization in 2007, serving for two years and remained on the board until 2014.  His involvement continues today as a Community Ambassador.

When the Chedisters relocated from Laurel Hill to South Carolina last year, Trec shared some index cards she developed during the planning phase and also a picture of the group meeting.  We are so honored to have this family a part of our early days to bring the Fisher House to the Eglin community.

Trec Chedister

Trec and Chedbob Chedister

When our friends from Serco were in town, they gave us a donation to go towards the Helping Heroes Black Tie “is back” Gala! Serco works to continually shape markets and public services for the better. Serco also works to help support our mission for our Fisher House! We love their faithful support!

https://www.serco.com/

The Emerald Coast Regional Mustang Club is sponsoring the Helping Heroes Black Tie “is back” Gala. Be sure to check out their website to see when meetings are held as well as car shows! Thank you, Emerald Coast Mustang Club, for your sponsorship this year!

Emerald Coast Regional Mustang Club (ecrmc.net)

Eglin Federal Credit Union (EFCU) is returning as a sponsor for this year’s Helping Heroes Gala. EFCU is a loyal supporter of Fisher House and our mission. We appreciate their support and loyalty in helping us continue to keep families together. Thank you EFCU for your profound support.

Eglin Federal Credit Union (eglinfcu.org)