Lt General Eric Fiel retired as the Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) in September of 2014. AFSCO is an Air Force Major Command and the Air Component of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). General Fiel held a variety of command positions at the Squadron, Group, Wing, and NAF level, as well as several Joint SOF positions at SOCOM to include the J-8, the Chief of Staff, and the Vice Commander. He has significant experience in combat leadership positions in joint contingency operations in the Balkans as well as being forward deployed multiple times as a Joint Task Force Commander for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. We love that he retired in our community and is willing to serve with our amazing mission.

Matt was killed in action, April 9, 2013, while serving our country in the Pachir Wa Agam district, Afghanistan, when his AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed. Also killed was Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jarett M. Yoder, 26, of Mohnton, PA. Matt was awarded the bronze star (posthumously) for his actions of saving a ground unit that had come under fire and was awarded the Aviation Mission Survivability Officer Award for 2013 by the AAAA for his life saving mission planning. Matthew served a total of 16 years, the last 7 as an Apache Pilot and also as an instructor pilot at the 1st Bn., 104th Avn. Regt., 28th CAB. He excelled at sports, was a talented guitarist, and was a graduate of Indiana University Pennsylvania with a BA in Criminology. All gave some, some gave all.

I love this Ruffner family, and every day is Memorial Day for them, and all Gold star families like them. Always remember their sacrifice and comfort those families every day

“We are staying in room #7 and grateful for all that the Fisher House provides for us. From a safe, warm, comfortable room to great food, well supplied in the freezer and pantry, Judy, Robert, and Don are so warm loving and welcome us with open arms. Here for a few days and grateful for all they do to provide us with a place to stay while getting tests and pre-op appointments. Thanks!” 

We have one big community of giving, organizations and people working TOGETHER to bless others. VITAS Healthcare is a sponsor of our Fisher House at Eglin, Brieanne rom Vitas is a VOLUNTEER for Fisher House and I am a VOLUNTEER for Vitas making memory bears for Marla. See how we are all connected? Today our friends at Bluewater Fitness (Nora supports Fisher House – yay) and Vitas are hosting an event to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and caregivers. I will spin a little today for my friends, for my mom who passed away from Alzheimer’s and for my new friend Liz, whom I met last week who is the sole caregiver of a 90 year old veteran with Alzheimers. See how we are all connected?

Congratulations Judyann Schneider!  Judyann now she serves as the Guest Services Representative. She has been with our Fisher House since 2016. Her favorite part of working at the Fisher House is meeting all the selfless people that serve our country.

Judyann is happily married to her husband Tom, and has five adult children that have blessed her with 7 grandchildren She loves caring for her pets, which include three dogs, three cats, and one bunny

It takes a village of support and caregivers internally and a kind, thoughtful generous team of volunteers, donors and medical personnel externally to complete this mission.  We are grateful for the hands and hearts who work, serve and make a difference in the lives of our military families.  Unsung heroes….

Chere’ York is new to the Eglin Fisher House. She is responsible for ensuring guest rooms are ready for their stay, and the common areas of the house. Chere’ but looks forward to a long and happy future here. She fits right in with the team to create a great work family, doing what they all enjoy!  She has been married for 5 years to her husband Trevor York. They share two girls together, Coralyn age 8 and Hayden age 2. They live with 3 additional 4 legged companions.

Chere’ and Trevor stay busy with the dogs, the kids, running a small family owned business called All Out Woodworks and working for the Air Force. In their spare time, Chere’ and her husband love playing darts and taking trips local mud parks to occasionally to ride their ATV’s.

We love the team at our Fisher House who welcome our guests and take care of them every single day.

Robert Campbell recently became the Fisher House Manager. Robert is retired after serving in the US Air Force for 23 years as a Services Specialist. Along with 30 plus years of hospitality experience that he brings to the Fisher House, he is very passionate about making customers feel at home. His loves being able to interact with the guests and lend a listening ear.

Robert is married to love of his life, Marilia, who he met while stationed at Lajes Air Base, Portugal. They have 2 daughters and are blessed with 3 grandsons of which is a pair of twins. Their three grandsons keep both of them very busy. He enjoys watching college football, especially his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Welcome Robert!

Recently retired U.S. Army Special Forces Officer with 28 years of service in a wide variety of command and staff positions from platoon through Combatant Command level. Worked throughout Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Central Asia and the Pacific Rim. Education background includes Undergrad and Post-Graduate degrees. Rob is currently a Senior Program Analyst with the Technology Integration Support Center – a MAG Aerospace company that directly supports Air Force Special Operations Command and the SOF community at large. P.S. Rob was at the table when Arnold Fisher made the decision to bring the Intrepid Spirit Center to Eglin and was instrumental in highlighting the immediate need for our war fighters in the treatment of brain injuries, and invisible wounds.  We love having former members of the Red Empire, 7th SFG overseeing the care of our wonderful mission, serving military and veteran families during their time of medical need. 

Our latest newsletter here.  https://conta.cc/3txNjSq

New year’s resolution to give more? 33 Volunteers needed for February 12 at BrunchFest, an inaugural event at HarborWalk Village in Destin. Your volunteerism earns dollars for our Fisher House at Eglin. Sign up here. https://conta.cc/3KciVmq