For nearly a decade, EXOS has supported U.S. special operations forces with tactical training programs. Working with special operations personnel, EXOS has helped hundreds of service members return from devastating injuries through the Accelerated Return to Duty program.   More about EXOS here.

Our Fisher House on Eglin supports these warriors and this program in partnership with SOF Missions and Portofino Island Resort for their temporary lodging during this treatment.

In February, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Inc hosted a caregiver spotlight event at the Air Force Armament Museum featuring Jennifer Nelson, military spouse of wounded warrior Capt. Nate Nelson, USAF, Ret. Family members and professional caregivers were invited and honored for their role in offering hope and healing, courtesy of the White-Wilson Community Foundation Inc. As event plans were finalized, an unrelated inquiry from the Villagomez family was received regarding volunteer opportunities for a teenage military dependent stationed with her family at Eglin AFB.  After a little conversation about ways to help, it was discovered that Floralyn, the daughter, was a gifted artist and the idea for her to create a token of appreciation for Jennifer speaking about her experience was born. Jennifer’s husband Nate, who suffered a spinal cord injury from a rocket blast in Afghanistan when Jennifer was 6 months pregnant, has no movement below his chest and limited use of his hands. Jennifer stayed at two Fisher Houses during Nate’s recovery and their daughter, Eva was born while in the comfort of one of those Fisher Houses.

A few inspirational photos were shared and the final result was this family portrait, unveiled to the Nelson family.  Engaging volunteers in meaningful ways is important and connecting these two military families contributes to the ripple effect, talking points emphasized during the evening regarding the ripple of Nate’s injury forward to the artful blessing by Floralyn.  See all photos here.

Photos courtesy of Carolina Miah Photograhy, isn’t she awesome?  @carolinaQphotography

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meal program at our Eglin Fisher House has been suspended.  Consider purchasing gift cards, which can be emailed to director@fisherhouseemeraldcoast.org or sent to P.O. Box 2007, Eglin AFB, FL  32542.

Families will continue staying with us and your support in this new way is greatly appreciated.  We look forward to resuming all homemade goodness as soon as safely possible.

Provide a catered meal for families currently staying at the house. In light of recent recommendations, house staff are able to receive pre-packaged, store bought meals at the door. We have 12 suites in the home and guest numbers vary depending on occupancy. Reserve your day here.

Please call Fisher House staff at 850.883.2865 the day before your day to confirm number of guests. For those without base access, please let staff know ahead so they can assist. Thank you for caring for our military families during a medical event, keeping them together for hope and healing.

Who’s getting ready for the Soaring Twenties celebrating our Eglin Fisher House turning 10 this year, #10n20? We are, that’s who! Just received word that our friends Monty Watson, and the team at Lockheed Martin are raising their sponsorship for the October 22 event from Gold last year to SWANKY at $5,000. They love our military like we do! The ticket link is active now…..don’t wait. Buy now. 

Who loves our caregivers in the community like we do? Dynamic Software Solutions just joined as a Bronze Sponsor for our event in February. Learn more about this LOCAL veteran-owned small business located in Niceville here. http://www.ds2.com

Lockheed Martin’s Director Monty Watson’s father, Danney Marvin Watson who was born on December 8, 1941, passed away on January 14, 2020. In his memory, donations will be accepted to Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Inc. in his memory. Monty and his wife Lynn are long-term supporters of the Emerald Coast Fisher House and wanted a personal way to honor his dad by helping care for special operators with AFSOC, and all our nations defenders and their families through the comfort home at Eglin.

Donations may be made by mail, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Inc., PO Box 2007, Eglin AFB, FL 32542 or online here. Please note in memory of Mr. Watson so that a note may be shared with Monty and Lynn. Thank you for honoring Mr. Watson through this lovely act of kindness.

The Fisher House at Eglin opened in 2010 and provide a home away from home for approximately 1,000 guests each year, keeping them together for hope and healing. Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Inc, is an independent non-profit organization under 501 (c)(3) of the IRS regulations. EIN, 26-0283970.

The White-Wilson Community Foundation believes that caregivers play a pivotal role in improving the health and wellness of others and that their big job should never go unnoticed. We are excited to partner with the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast to celebrate, strengthen and renew our community’s caregivers.

Thanks to the generosity of The White-Wilson Community Foundation, Inc., 50 caregivers in our community will join us for a new event on February 13th, as we celebrate THEM with our All You Need is Love and a Teammate event featuring Jennifer Nelson, Elizabeth Dole Caregiver Fellow.  For more information on tickets, please click here.