“I wanted to take a moment and thank you and your organization from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness and help during a very difficult and stressful time is so appreciated by me and my brother. We are 6 hours away from our mother and being able to visit her and have a place to lay our head took one stress away that we were beyond worried about. Both rooms were absolutely beautiful, the entire facility was beautiful and we were taken care of like rock stars.”
Words from our guest:
“Don, you have really blessed us with your fun filled and thoughtful decorations in our room. With the health issues I am facing, our anniversary has taken second place so it’s been really wonderful to have you surprise us with flowers and decorations for Valentines Day for our 51st. We’re going to take 6 of the little hearts and mail one of them to each of our children so they can feel the blessing of Fisher House at Eglin and the thoughtfulness of Donnie and the wonderful staff here. Thank you all for your kindness!” USN Jacksonville, FL
John Stephens is a Fisher House Assistant Manager, and started in his position in 2018. His favorite part of the job is assisting military families in their time of need.
John is happily married to Christy. They have six children, and one grandchild. He enjoys camping, reading, and spending time with his family. His biggest hobbies are watching sports and traveling.
John retired after serving in the US Air Force for over 21 years as a Health Services Manager. His last role as an active duty member was filling in as manager at the Eglin Fisher House, which is where his passion for the job came from.
From Mia Hughes, Executive Director: “Tony and I are so blessed to call many of our nations defenders family….we attended the celebration last Friday of a 26 year career serving our country, the Espinoza team, Colonel Ed Espinoza, his wife Carolyn and their awesome son. Carolyn Ellis Espinoza is a community ambassador with our Fisher House, giving countless hours to our mission on Eglin and in the community, for many years now. She always answers the call and always says yes. What a dynamic and awesome family and it was touching to be in the audience Friday, feeling the love that pours over this family. So glad they will be joining us in the community as Ed embarks on his next great adventure.”
Cookies and kindness happens the first Wednesday of each month = today’s dose of YUM. Appreciate our Phantom cookie baker who dropped these iced blue sugar cookies off and Sweet Choice Bakery LLC for the cupcakes!
You know how something can give you a goosebump(s) on your arm and cause you to stop and think? We picked up the mail yesterday and received a package from a previous guest. They paid it forward, blessing our home and future families with a generous monetary donation AND a box of night lights. I love how this circle of life keeps going. #keepingfamiliestogether today’s goal, bless someone randomly. #itwillblessyoutoo
Donnie Peckham is a Fisher House Assistant Manager and has been in his position since the Eglin Fisher House opened in 2010. His favorite part about his position is being able to joke with the guests and get their minds off of what they’re going through.
Donnie is married to his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, who he met while growing up in Robertsdale, AL. They are both avid Alabama Crimson Tide fans, churchgoers, and have six adult children.
Donnie retired after serving in the US Air Force for 26 years in security forces and communications capacities. His passion for the Fisher House began when he stayed at one in Landstuhl, Germany.
“Thank you all for what you do. I was so scared when I checked in but it was an incredible blessing to stay here while I supported my brother to become hopefully more on the road to full recovery. The love and care for all will never be forgotten.
Please watch over my brother, quietly and I hope to see you one day with a smile to match that of a full recovery for my brother. Thank you to all the people that support your great work.”