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)

Okaloosa Gas District is a natural gas utility that services around 50,000 residential and commercial customers in the Northwest Florida area. Okaloosa Gas District is a returning sponsor for the Helping Heroes Gala. Okaloosa Gas supports Fisher House and our mission, and we could not be more grateful for their support.

Okaloosa Gas District

thrIVe Wellness is the Emerald Coast’s premier IV Hydration Therapy and Wellness Center. Their medically licensed staff provides the most innovative and effective ways to achieve your optimum health and wellness goals. We are so grateful for thrIVe Welness sponsoring the Helping Heroes Gala this year!

Home – (thrivefwb.com)

The Boeing Company develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries.  As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. The Boeing Company will once again bless our Fisher House by sponsoring our Helping Heroes Gal again. Thank you, Boeing Company!

Boeing: The Boeing Company Official Website

Crane Aerospace & Electronics delivers innovative design and manufacturing engineering capabilities for rugged commercial aviation, defense and space applications. Crane Aerospace is sponsoring this year’s Helping Heroes Gala and helping our Fisher House continue our mission of keeping families together!

https://www.craneae.com/

Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that is yet again sponsoring the Helping Heroes Black Tie “is back” Gala! Fisher House is thankful that they give back and help support our mission so well! Thank you, Lockheed Martin!

Lockheed Martin Corporation | Lockheed Martin