Furniture arrives at Eglin Fisher House
For a birthday celebration, our generous community came together for a party, and brought two new rooms of furniture for our Eglin Fisher House. Our home opened in 2010, and continues to serve our military families, providing a comfort home during a medical event so they may be together. Where there is hope, there is healing. #loveisgoodmedicine
“Thank you fisher house and all those who organize, for your generosity, all of us who are affected by a need, we have the fortune and blessing of the help you provide us with such good heart and good will. God bless you.”
Room 111 – October 26. “Dear Marc, Donnie and Judy, Thanks so much for allowing us to stay here at the Fisher House. We appreciate all your collective kindness, it’s wonderful to have this facility available so close to this hospital.” Meet Donnie, aka Don Peckham, asst manager since our house opened in 2010. He and I had matching TEAM Fisher House shirts today!
“I am not sure where to begin, but I am completely appreciative of the support of the Fisher House. This month has been unimaginable in both good and bad ways. The Fisher House did more than provide a place for me to stay. The option of staying possibly, more than likely, contributed to saving my life. So thank you for providing a safe place for me to stay and providing other necessities as well. I enjoyed meeting all staff and guests. I send what you gave to me, warm hugs and good vibes. Thank you so much.”
“I came here due to an accident by my daughter on I-10. I so greatly appreciate the facilities and help you have provided for me and my daughter after she got out of the hospital. God bless all who helped establish this organization to aid and assist the great military of this country.”
Lt. General Gordon “Gordy” Fornell, USAF Retired, nominated By Van Fuller, Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, is well known in Northwest Florida and is widely respected for the significant contributions he makes to the Niceville Valparaiso area. His vast military experience and knowledge is matched only by his credibility, influence, and ability to bring people together for a common good.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, General Fornell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University in 1958 and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, in 1978. While at Michigan State University he was a member of the 1957 Big Ten Conference championship swim team.
General Fornell has a wide range of operational and test experience. He has flown over 50 types of aircraft, logged over 7,000 hours of fly time, wears parachute wings and is a Certified Level III program manager.
He has received numerous decorations and awards including: Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster; Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters; Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster; Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters; and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He also wears the Basic Parachutist and the Missile Crew Member Badges.
General Fornell served in senior acquisition leadership positions in Air Force Systems Command and Air Force Materiel Command which included two commands; one as Commander, Armament Division at Eglin from 1985-1987 and second as Commander, Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom from 1988-1993. These organizations developed and acquired all non-nuclear munitions and communications, command and control, and intelligence systems for the Air Force.
He retired in 1993 as a three-star general and after traveling to almost every corner of the world he settled with his wife, Barbara, in Bluewater Bay. He currently serves as Chairman of the Mid Bay Bridge Authority and the Air Force Armament Museum Foundation. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Board and serves as the Vice Commodore of the Eglin Yacht Club.
He is an active member of Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, Emerald Coast Military Affairs Council, Enterprise Florida, Defense Support Initiative of the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council, University of West Florida President’s Council, a life-time member of the Air Force Association, and adviser to Florida’s Great Northwest.
General Fornell has led 5 visits to Washington, DC advocating for military personnel, families and veterans in Northwest Florida. He is also the founder of the Gate-to-Gate Run at Eglin Air Force, a 33 year old Memorial Day Weekend tradition where runners place flowers at the Veterans’ Memorial along the route in honor of those who served.
New Furniture Arrived in July, thanks to our generous community. It is so lovely and our guests are so worthy of the best love and care! Awesome photography courtesy of Marc Ambrose. 
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.”
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!”