The Patriot Magazine Volume 3 Issue 2 by Fisher House Foundation

2012 Volume 3 • Issue 2

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION, INC. TM

hotels FOR heroes Fisher House's newest program

LET'S PLAY BALL! A special fundraiser with the New York Mets

THREE TIMES support from Jay Leno Auto auction goes big

www.fisherhouse.org

MAKING YOUR WAY HOME

About Fisher House Foundation, Inc. The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military families in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation builds and donates “comfort homes,” on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times—during hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. There is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House program serves about 17,000 families, and has made available over 4 million days of lodging to nearly 160,000 families since the program originated in 1990. By law, there is no charge for any family to stay at a Fisher House operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs; Fisher House Foundation uses donations to reimburse the individual Fisher Houses operated by the Army, Navy and Air Force. No family pays to stay at any Fisher House! In addition to constructing new houses, Fisher House Foundation continues to support existing Fisher Houses and help individual military families in need. The Foundation is also proud to administer and sponsor Scholarships for

Military Children, Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship, the Hero Miles program, the Hotels for Heroes program, Team Fisher House, and cosponsor the Newman’s Own Awards program and the Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program. By contributing to Fisher House Foundation or any individual Fisher House facility, you can make a difference in the lives of America’s service members, retirees, veterans and their families when they need help the most. Fisher House Foundation and individual Fisher Houses depend on public donations to continue our important work. If you designate your contribution for a specific purpose or Fisher House, 100 percent of your donation will be allocated for that purpose. Furthermore, Fisher House Foundation never discloses the names of its donors to any other individuals or organizations, and does not solicit contributions by direct mail or telephone. Once constructed, each Fisher House is given to the U.S. government as a gift. Military service secretaries and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the homes. Fisher House Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, builds new houses, assists in coordinating private support and encourages public support for the homes. Donations to Fisher House Foundation and/or individual Fisher House facilities are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. Fisher House Foundation has earned the highest rating (four stars) from Charity Navigator, an independent nonprofit evaluator. Fisher House Foundation has also received an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy.

Social Media Support

Hotels for Heroes

Guest FamilyProfile— The Galeazzi Family

A Day in the Life Photo Contest

Wedding Donations

Volunteer of the Year

Hero Miles: Warrior Games

Three Times the Support from Jay Leno

9th Annual Golf Classic

Mets Game at Citi Field

USAA’s Annual Bowling Tournament

Camp LeJeune Fisher House

Making Your Way Home

Team Fisher House

Radio Round-Up

Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship

House Round-Up

Dedications

Future Fisher Houses in Action

Down Range

Fisher House Directory

Fisher House Foundation The patriot Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher Editor Cindy Campbell ASSOCIATE Editor Ashley Estill layout and art direction ds+f www.dsfriends.com Address all correspondence to: The Patriot Fisher House Foundation 111 Rockville Pike Suite 420 Rockville, Maryland 20850

Cover photo provided by Craig Orsini. www.orsinistudio.com

Phone: 301 294 8560 Fax: 301 294 8562 Email: info@fisherhouse.org www.fisherhouse.org

Letter from Ken Fisher Fisher House Foundation by the

Numbers

$192 Million Savings for Families in Lodging and Transportation Cost Ken and Tammy Fisher

4 Million

Dear Friends,

Days of Lodging Offered

As we move to the end of 2012, I can’t help but reflect on the many blessings that have come our way. First among them is your generous support. We simply could not have the impact we do, if it weren’t for your generosity. Thank you.

160 Thousand

I need to recognize our community fundraisers. People who volunteer their time and talent to reach out to their community to support the Foundation, their local Fisher House, or to bring a Fisher House to their community. There is no limit to the enthusiasm they have for honoring those who serve – our military service men and women, and the families who serve by their side.

Families Served

The statistics in this graphic date from 1991— Fisher House Foundation inception.

We are also blessed to have an amazing staff that stay focused on the mission at hand. One example is our Hero Miles staffs who manage a program hitting the milestone of having provided airline travel valued at $50 million. Americans across the country have donated more than a billion miles to make that possible. Those billion miles translate to more than 31,000 tickets to bring family to their loved one’s bedside or enable wounded warriors to participate in valuable programs with their families. Our Hero Miles staff was just named a Community Hero by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). It’s well-earned recognition for some very special people who love what they do, and feel privileged to serve our military heroes and their families. As we near year’s end, I wish each of you the blessings of the season and a Happy and Healthy New Year. With heartfelt gratitude,

The Patriot is an award-winning publication: 2012 Hermes Gold Award 2012 American Graphic Design Award

Ken Fisher Chairman, Fisher House Foundation The Patriot • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • 2012

Social Media Support Facebook Feedback

Twitter Love

www.Facebook.com/FisherHouse

Twitter.com/FisherHouseFdtn

Here's a great way communities are saying 'thanks' to our military members receiving medical treatment — The Fisher House Foundation's Hotels for Heroes and Hero Miles allow people to donate hotel points and airline miles to service members and visiting friends and family. Thank you to Fisher House and those who have donated to help families be together during trying times. Hope you'll help spread the word to anyone who may be eligible.

Jay Leno’s Garage @LenosGarage

—D eanie Dempsey, spouse of General Martin E. Dempsey, USA, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Fisher House is incredibly awesome! Cannot say enough about how wonderful the Foundation is. Our families were treated with so much comfort and they gave us a place to stay with a full kitchen, accommodations and asked for nothing in return. They offer families of Vets who are ill a place to stay, within walking distance of the hospital. I don't know what we would have done when my brother was in the VA hospital and so ill. Fisher House came to our rescue and offered us the comfort of home we needed so we could be with him during his final stages of cancer. Hats off to Fisher House! — Kathie Connolly-Stout Thank you Fisher House. I was in Chicago twice for pre-surgery and surgery needs in May. My family and I were given the opportunity to stay at the Fisher House located at Edward Hines VA Hospital. Fisher House is like staying at a luxury hotel. Very nice. They also provided some food which also eased the burden of buying all your food. If you ever have the opportunity, take it. The Fisher House was very accommodating and like staying with family or someone you know. Everyone was kind and courteous. — John “JohnnyB” Bacher Thank you Fisher House for offering a bed for us at two o'clock in the morning and a home for us while our son was being treated for his burns at BAMC Fisher House. You are forever etched in our hearts and soul, and we are exhilarated to be able to fundraise for a Fisher House to be built in our state of Connecticut. Thank you for being there for us in our time of need. I am one thankful mom. Thank you. — Alison Gopoian

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Honored to be able to help the @FisherHouseFdtn. Thanks to Bill & the others that donated. #FIAT500 @GoodingCompany http://youtu.be/tBaEsSc8OlE Duane Myers @PreppyDude The Fisher House Foundation is a wonderful organization. I stayed at one while getting radiation treatment @FisherHouseFdtn Ken Fisher @KenFisherFHF As Gen. Schwartz retires today, we thank him & his wife for all they have done for the @usairforce & their staunch support of Fisher House.

st ewe of n e th r a m use g o pr er ho n fish datio n fou

Off the heels of Fisher House Foundation’s successful program, “Hero Miles,” Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, both from Maryland, teamed up with the Foundation and major hotel corporations to launch, “Hotels for Heroes,” a program that allows American citizens to donate their hotel reward points to help benefit military families. The program is comprised of individual hotel companies whose travellers donate their hotel points to assist service members and their families. Specifically, Fisher House Foundation provides free hotel rooms to wounded, injured, and ill military men and women who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center and to attend authorized events. Senator Cardin and Congressman Ruppersberger, joined Foundation President David Coker in announcing the program at J.W. Marriott in Washington, D.C. this past July. We are proud to have the support of AmericInn, Best Western, Choice Hotels, LaQuinta Inn and Suites, Marriott Rewards, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Wyndham. If you are in a position to donate hotel points, please visit www.fisherhouse.org and click on Hotels for Heroes under the “Programs” section. Your points can go a long way towards putting our heroes’ worries to rest.

Inset pho tos

by Ashle y

Estill

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guest family

profile Captain Gregory Galeazzi Story by Ashley Estill Photos courtesy of the Galeazzi family

Name: Galeazzi Family House: Brooke Army Medical Center – San Antonio, TX Home State: Connecticut Military Branch: ARmy

Greg with his girlfriend Summer. Greg during his tour.

With family all over the East Coast, having Hero Miles provide flights and Fisher House provide two rooms, the Galeazzi’s could focus on Greg. Assigned to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division, Captain Gregory Galeazzi was on dismounted patrol in the Kandahar Province in Afghanistan on May 26, 2011 when he became seriously injured in an IED blast. His wounds resulted in the loss of both legs above the knee and critically damaging his right arm.

Tish Stropes: Director Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles program and Steve Galeazzi: Brother of wounded warrior Greg Galeazzi

“Tish has been such a rock for the entire family since day one. It was incredible to have that support and know we didn’t have to go through any of that alone. Knowing the Fisher House organization and great people like Tish are there to support Greg and his family made a world of difference.”

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Greg was sent to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas to begin the long road to recovery. Despite his injuries, setbacks and obvious frustrations that accompany being a wounded warrior, there were five words that struck me when reading about Greg’s progress on his website: “Thanks for keeping me moving.” – Army Captain Gregory Galeazzi In several of Greg’s posts to loved ones updating them on his status, he repeatedly thanks his readers for keeping him moving. Thanking

everyone for the words and prayers of encouragement through a difficult journey that far too many men and women face. The humility and poise shown during this challenge speaks volumes about the man Greg is. To show how far Greg has come, we start with that day in May 2011. “I got home and had a message that someone from the Army called and right away I knew, this couldn’t be good,” recalled Greg’s older sister Eva. “The next couple of hours were filled with chaos, despair and panic.” Eva tracked down her traveling parents, Paul and Joan, so they could speak with the Army; Eva’s husband Patrick left work in Manhattan and picked up Greg’s brother Steve at the train station and headed to their home outside New York City.

Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for The Rumble 2012

“We come from a large, tight-knit family where we support each other.” The youngest of seven children, Greg had no shortage of family ready to support him. His family and girlfriend Summer just needed questions answered first to make a plan.

With family all over the East Coast, having Hero Miles provide flights and Fisher House provide two rooms, the Galeazzi’s could focus on Greg.

Steve and Pat were connected with Tish Stropes, Director of Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles program.

Steve, who was working for Deloitte at the time, made the decision to permanently make the move to San Antonio to be near Greg during his recovery. There wasn’t a doubt in Steve’s mind that he would be there for his baby brother.

The Galeazzi family found out that Greg was on his way to Germany, then to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. “All within a span of 24 to 36 hours, Greg was on his way to BAMC and thanks to the efforts of Tish and others, Steve and I were sleeping in a bed at the Fisher House when Greg arrived,” said Pat. “Our initial focus was getting to Greg,” said Eva. “We just wanted to see him, be there for him and take it from there. Once we heard about the Fisher House, it occurred to me, ‘Oh yeah, we’re going to need a place to stay.’ You aren’t even thinking about those other things…thank God there is someone to help.”

“I brought up the idea to Deloitte and from the onset they were more than supportive,” said Steve. “They went above and beyond to support not only me, but Greg and the rest of my family as well.” Steve relocated to Deloitte’s San Antonio office, and remains there while Greg continues to heal. “We come from a large, tight-knit family where we support each other,” said Steve. “The rest of my siblings have been great in doing what they can from afar to make sure nobody is doing too much or getting burnt out.” Through it all, Greg’s mom Joan, has remained by her son to support him as well. The “unsung hero,” she has risen to the occasion and pushed herself outside of her comfort zone when she had to. She has learned new things, met new people and never budged in her commitment to taking care of Greg. Slowly Greg continues to recover. Yes, there have been setbacks; yes, it’s a slow process and yes, things happen you can’t expect. Despite all of this, Greg is better than he was six months ago. He is heading in the right direction and throughout everything, he has his family to support him. The entire family takes turns coming to visit and support Greg and Joan. They all are involved in his progress and making those life-adjustments that come with having a wounded warrior in your family. Simple things people take for granted are being figured out to make Greg’s life easier.

DEBATE 2012 Television heavyweights Jon Stewart and Bill O'Reilly battled it out during "The Rumble in the Air-Conditioned Auditorium," with the ideological opponents debating each other on current issues. Taking place at George Washington University in Washington D.C., these talk show hosts sparred for a while, of course encouraging the other to join the opposite side. Stewart and O'Reilly did find common ground when it came time to supporting our troops. The sold-out crowd paid upwards of $100 to attend the Rumble, and half of the net profits are being designated for several charitable causes chosen by Stewart and O'Reilly, one including Fisher House Foundation. Thank you Jon Stewart and Bill O'Reilly for your support!

“Fisher House and Hero Miles programs are organizations that ‘get it,’” said Steve. “They understand that even seemingly basic arrangements can become a headache when you're navigating the stress and heavy emotions of an injured loved one. Alleviating those burdens allows families such as ours to focus on their wounded service member and provide them the comfort and support that lays the foundation to recovery. Over time, these organizations become a trusted member of the family and an instrumental part of the healing process, and I couldn't be more thankful for their tireless efforts on our behalf.”

Only two short months after Greg's initial injury, he is pictured here, smiling and spending time with his three nephews. The Patriot • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • 2012

CAMP LEJEUNE / NC “He was injured in Afghanistan,” said Genesis Elias, wife of Cpl. Ritchie Elias, with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. “I came to see him and the Naval Hospital let us know we could stay here at the Fisher House. I set up an appointment and they took us right in.” Cpl. Elias was wounded on deployment after surviving a blast from an enemy grenade. Now, at the Fisher House aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the Elias’ have spent a few weeks at the Fisher House, taking advantage of the top-of-the-line accommodations.

STORY AND PHOTO BY CPL. DAMANY S. COLEMAN, MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE GLOBE

Anywhere else, the family could have expected to pay hundreds of dollars per night, adding to the complications and potentially slowing down the emotional and physical healing processes. “If this house wasn’t here, we would be at a hotel or I just wouldn’t be here with him at all,” said Ritchie. “We’re comfortable, they check up on us, we’re able to cook and shop and we don’t have to tip-toe around. It feels just like home.” The first Fisher House was opened in June 1990 near the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, Md. The creation of the Fisher House was in response to a need for temporary housing for families who shadowed their injured service member from one treatment facility to the next, due to costly hotel rates in the area. “It’s clearly a place where service members would come for anything from training injuries to cancer diagnosis,” said Josie Callahan, manager for the MCB Camp Lejeune Fisher House. “But, Bethesda is right next to the Washington, D.C., metropolis, where lodging can be very expensive. The government per diem rate is well over $200, so families are looking at $250 to $300 a night to stay in the area. It was obviously a place where such an entity like the Fisher House was needed.”

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ONE OF THE KEY THINGS ABOUT THE FISHER HOUSE IS THAT THERE IS ALWAYS A COMPASSIONATE, EMPATHETIC STAFF ON BOARD, ... WE LIVE HERE, WE’RE A PART OF THE COMMUNITY ... Josie Callahan / Manager MCB Camp Lejeune Fisher House

Aside from expensive lodging, some of those families had already traveled once to their service member’s side, just to find out they would need additional care elsewhere. Zachary Fisher, part owner of a real estate company that built some of the most esteemed office buildings in New York, was approached in 1990 by Pauline Trost, the wife of Retired Adm. Carlisle Trost, who was the Chief of Naval Operations at the time. She expressed the need for temporary lodging facilities for families at major military medical centers. The Fishers agreed to aid them, and built the first 25 Fisher Houses with their own money and staff. “(The service member) is twice removed from where he once was and everything that he knows,” Callahan. “And in some cases, the families are following them to these places where they know no one or nothing of the area. On top of that, it goes into not having familiarity with military, which adds more confusion.” Altogether, the houses have made nearly three million days of lodging available to family members since the program originated. The Fisher House Foundation has created a total of 57 Fisher houses throughout the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska and two in Germany at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. These comfort homes serve more than 17,000 families annually. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful of times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. The Fisher House aboard the base features 12 plush, inviting bedrooms; a large dining room with a massive kitchen to match; a family room with an high-definition television; a laundry room fitted with two sets of front-load washer and dryers and a spacious patio.

Some of the rooms can be joined together to accommodate larger families. Also, every room in the facility has been suited to accommodate special needs families, such as residents in wheel chairs or elderly. The kitchen has lockable storage space and Sub-Zero refrigerators. Outback by the patio, is a trail which leads directly to the hospital. Fisher House residents have been donated a pair of golf carts to use as a shuttle between the Wounded Warrior Barracks, the house and the hospital, where they have priority parking. Working at the Fisher House, Callahan said she has witnessed firsthand how families from all walks of life use the Fisher House facility as common ground to communicate and bond. Families speak about many different subjects, including sharing stories about their own son’s or daughter’s deployments and unit information or even what sports teams they root for on television. “You hear a combination of conversations going on,” said Callahan. “They can only talk about military matters so much without causing more stress. I’ve heard lots of those conversations and they are just to see what the common ground is between the families to find out where they come from and what they’re here for.” Callahan added that even the staff at the Fisher House gets involved to add extra aid for them.

The Camp Lejeune Fisher House also provides for the troops by having such a unique location, where Marines and sailors from an injured troops’ parent command can visit while he receives treatment at the Naval Hospital or even takes residence in the nearby Wounded Warrior Barracks. “It’s exceptional being able to provide this service for service members,” said Callahan. “Both my father and step-father have served in the Marine Corps. I also have a brother and brother-in-law in the Army. For me, the decision to join the service wasn’t the right tone, but it doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate what they do and the sacrifices they make. To be able to serve in my own capacity in such a beautiful facility, I feel very fortunate.” Callahan added that, like all Fisher Houses, the Camp Lejeune Fisher House does all it can to take care of both service members and their families. “Every situation is different,” said Callahan. “Someone may stay with us for a week for a basic surgery and go back to their unit on limited duty, ‘hooking and jabbing’ and doing great things. For others, it may meangoing to another military or civilian treatment facility for continued care No Fisher House in the country takes reservations so it’s all on a day to day basis, but we certainly do our best.”

“One of the key things about the Fisher House is that there is always a compassionate, empathetic staff on board,” said Callahan. “We live here, we’re a part of the community and even some of my staff are military spouses themselves. We all have some sort of tie to the military community in one capacity or another.”

IF THIS HOUSE WASN’T HERE, WE WOULD BE AT A HOTEL OR I JUST WOULDN’T BE HERE WITH HIM AT ALL ... WE’RE COMFORTABLE, THEY CHECK UP ON US, WE’RE ABLE TO COOK AND SHOP AND WE DON’T HAVE TO TIP-TOE AROUND. IT FEELS JUST LIKE HOME. Genesis Elias / Wife of Cpl. Ritchie Elias

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THE 1ST ANNUAL

VOLUNTEER OF THE Overall Winner !

VETERANS AFFAIRS Volunteer of the Year

Mike O’Dell (Pictured at left with Tampa Fisher House

Gillian Gonzalez (Pictured, Gillian is presented

Manager Paula Welenc and Foundation President David Coker.)

her award from Foundation Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher.)

James A. Haley Veterans Hospital Fisher House

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Fisher House

Tampa, FL

Vietnam Veteran Mike O’Dell informed Tampa Fisher House manager Paula Welenc that he wanted to volunteer, “so I can show our wounded warriors, whether active or Veteran, that they’ll never be treated like returning Vietnam Veterans were.” In two years, Mike has more than fulfilled his promise to Paula and her families. A full-time student who also runs his own company, it wouldn’t seem like Mike would have enough time to volunteer. Well, 484 hours later, he's proven it's possible. In addition to being a phenomenal spokesman for Tampa’s Fisher House, Mike has helped organize any and all donations to the Fisher House, establishing procedures for easy identification of donations, and set up mobile shelving units in the off-site storage unit. Spending so many hours inside the Fisher House, Mike is incredibly knowledgeable about why Fisher Houses exist, how they operate and who they serve.

NAVY / MARINE CORPS Volunteer of the Year

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Bethesda, MD

Gillian Gonzalez’s volunteerism and involvement began with Fisher House in 1994 at the Fisher House at Travis Air Force Base in California. Active duty at the time, she was also a dedicated volunteer. She has watched the Fisher House program grow, and remains passionate about supporting the mission. A spouse of a retired Lieutenant Commander of the Navy, she has put in over 1,000 hours of volunteer time. She came on board at the Bethesda Fisher Houses when there were only two houses and has watched them grow into five homes for military families. Gillian has served as volunteer coordinator, helped out with office work, written articles for the Fisher House magazine, made repairs, assembled furniture, greeted guests and always has an ear to listen to guests in need. She relates to the challenges made by military spouses and always offers a compassionate shoulder.

THE YEAR AWARDS Fisher House Foundation has spent over 20 years serving our military men and women and their families. Of course we couldn’t continue to serve these tremendous families without the invaluable help from our managers and countless volunteers who help serve our mission. This year the Foundation decided to pay tribute to a few of these selfless volunteers. We are proud to announce a winner from each branch of service and one overall winner. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who helps support Fisher House.

AIR FORCE Volunteer of the Year

Staff Sergeant Anthony Wainwright Wilford Hall Fisher Houses San Antonio, TX

Staff Sergeant Wainwright is an Active duty Air Force member assigned to the 59th Medical Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Ever since he first reached out to the Wilford Hall Fisher House in February of 2011, his selfless dedication in supporting and promoting the Fisher House mission has made him a pivotal mainstay of the volunteer program. Throughout the past year SSgt. Wainwright has led volunteers on projects, contributed 238 hours, coordinated participation from 47 base units and fielded over 125 volunteers to ensure ongoing and short-term Fisher House mission support requirements were achieved. Also an avid spokesman for the Lackland Fisher House, SSgt. Wainwright continues to recruit volunteers, creating a steady flow of help as a result of his advocacy. He embodies the spirit of volunteerism represented by the Fisher House Foundation.

ARMY Volunteer of the Year

Herb Schmeling Madigan Fisher House at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Seattle, WA

Herb Schmeling has been volunteering with the JBLM Fisher House since 2001 and has volunteered close to 800 hours. A retired CSM, Herb Schmeling is a 30-year Veteran of the United States Army. The Fisher House program is both near and dear in his heart. During his final tour of duty at Fort Lewis, two of his soldiers were separately severely injured in training accidents and the families of those soldiers both experienced extended stays at the Fisher House while their sons recovered. To Herb, the Fisher House program directly contributed to the recovery of both soldiers by allowing their families to be a part of the rehabilitation process. Since retirement in 2001, Herb has been an active volunteer for the Fisher House. He organizes holiday parties for the children and residents, secures donations from the community, and works with groups who want to help the Fisher House. Herb is a huge asset to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Fisher House.

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From Jay Leno Fisher House Foundation has received overwhelming support from The Tonight Show host Jay Leno. The car enthusiast has yet again donated one of his vehicles to benefit Fisher House Foundation. Most recently, Leno donated his 2012 Fiat 500 Prima Edizione at the Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction, which sold for $350,000 to Bill Munday. An enthusiastic crowd added another $250,000, bringing the total raised to $600,000 for the Foundation. Jay Leno was joined by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno for the momentous occasion. This generosity is on top of Leno’s last vehicle donation, his “Lil Tug” tractor that generated $535,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in January. If that wasn’t enough, Jay Leno also donated a once-in-a-lifetime tour of his private garage and tickets for The Tonight Show to the Foundation’s annual Golf Classic, raising an additional $140,000 for Fisher House Foundation. “I was not in the service so I like to feel that I can do my part by auctioning off a car,” Leno said.

Thank you Jay, we are humbled and honored!

Photo by Alejandro Rodriguez. Copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. 10

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Hero Miles: Warrior Games 2012 “Because a family’s love is the best medicine.” This common

phrase has become the motto of Fisher House Foundation, proving that sometimes medicine is not enough, and that having family nearby can help cure anything. Not limited to service members recovering around the world, Fisher House Foundation brought families to the 2012 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to help cheer on their loved ones during these Paralympic games.

Maria “Mama Ramos” Ramos Navy Mom “This has been an incredible experience because it’s the camaraderie and I saw that when my son first got to the Navy hospital. You feel it, it’s all the teams together, all rooting for each other; everyone is rooting together.”

Maurillia Simpson UK Team “This was my first Warrior Games and being here was very inspirational, very emotional and for me personally, it shows that I’ve got support. No matter what I’m going through, no matter what low days I may feel, I know there is support for me as a wounded service person all over the world because I’m not alone.”

For one week in May, hundreds of wounded, ill and injured men and women from all branches in the military, including our friends in the United Kingdom, competed in Olympic-style games. These games included sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, track and field, archery, shooting, swimming and cycling. In addition to being a proud sponsor of the Warrior Games, Fisher House helped bring families to the inspirational games. Every athlete participating in the games was offered two round-trip airline tickets to Colorado Springs; round-trip transportation to all the games; lodging; meal tickets and access to a hospitality lounge during the week-long games. Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles program provided over 300 flights for families and veteran athletes this year alone. Service members participating in the Warrior Games have sustained both visible and invisible injuries, and are living proof at the resiliency and determination that exists in those who defend our freedom. To make their experience even better, Fisher House Foundation, in partnership with Bob Woodruff Foundation, Semper Fi Fund, Army Homefront Fund, Armed Services YMCA, USO Family and Warrior Care, Ameritox and Hope for the Warriors, took the lead in bringing in families to support their loved ones and their growing list of achievements. Wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters and parents flooded the games with a spirit that is unmatched by anything else. For athletes to see their family in the crowd was amazing, and just what they needed and deserve. “As an athlete this is something that has brought me out of the darkest places,” said USMC Staff Sgt. Matthew Benack. “If it wasn’t for the Fisher House and the donations that they receive from others, my family wouldn’t be able to be out here and share this with me. It helped my family understand the importance of the games for me, but also for the other injured service members.”

To donate miles or find out more about our Hero Miles program, please visit: www.fisherhouse.org/programs/hero-miles

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Brianna Keilar, CNN White House Correspondent, poses with Fisher House Foundation trustee, Dale Beatty.

Photos by Ashley Estill

2012

The 9th Annual Fisher House Golf Classic was held on Monday, May 7. This successful tournament raised $1 million in support of Fisher House. This year all proceeds will be designated for the Fisher House at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia.

Thank you to all of our wonderful partners!

Joseph L. Bowser, Staff Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, gets ready to swing for Fisher House. 12

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(From Left to Right) Nick Clark, Saul Bosquez and Greg Reynolds, members of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, pose for a photo with legendary New York Mets outfielder Darryl Strawberry at a charity softball game at Citi Field to benefit Fisher House Foundation.

Mets’ Fans Support Fisher House

On a perfect summer day, Mets fans had the opportunity to play softball at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. Citibank and the New York Mets made it possible for baseball fans to play ball on their favorite field while benefitting military service members and their families. A special fundraiser offered fans this unique opportunity, with proceeds going to Fisher House Foundation. To support such a generous endeavor, players were joined by four members of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, and legendary Mets’ players Darryl Strawberry and Dwight “Doc” Gooden. Every player and their families were treated to — of course — ballpark hot dogs, pretzels and refreshments during the game and a special dinner post game.

Photo by Ashley Estill The Patriot • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • 2012

USAA Bowlathon USAA Bank, employees and retirees gathered together to support Fisher House Foundation by hosting their annual Bowlathon. After a couple days of bowling, the employee teams at USAA raised over $237,000 for Fisher House Foundation, which was matched by a corporate donation from USAA. "I am humbled by the commitment, teamwork and generosity of everyone at USAA," said Ken Fisher, CEO and Chairman of the Fisher House Foundation. “It's inspiring to see how the intangibles that are such a part of the USAA corporate culture are making possible this Fisher House, a tangible symbol of our support for the military.”

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VA Boston Healthcare System Fisher House “Time to Go” Photo by Craig Orsini

Day in the

Life 2012

PHOTO CONTEST

VA Boston Healthcare System Fisher House “Holding Hands” Photo by Craig Orsini

The old adage of “a picture is worth a thousand words” is never truer when you see these photos. Fisher House managers are the eyes into the world of Fisher House families. During our annual “Day in the Life” photo contest, managers submitted photos from their guests to share with the world what a “day in the life” of a Fisher House family is like. Here we share with you the winners and some other favorites.

D VA Palo Alto Health Care System Fisher House “Biking with Grandma” Photo by Curt Campbell

F ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS: A: Rachael Fernandez B: Curt Campbell C: Quinn Kiger-Good D: Darwin Eschbach E: Becky Wood F: Karen Casey

FACEBOOK WINNER

“People’s Choice”

Madigan Healthcare System Fisher House “Mama giving her little girl some love” Photo by Jodi Land The Patriot • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • 2012 The Patriot • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • 2012

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COVER STORY

MAKING YOUR WAY HOME Story / Ashley Estill Photos / Craig Orsini

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isher House volunteers come from all walks of life. Military, civilian, young, older — it’s a mix of kind, caring and loving people who give their hearts and souls to help support Fisher House families. But sometimes you find a volunteer who has a very unique and profound story. Army Sgt. Ryan O’Malley, is one of those stories. Ryan and his wife, Army Sgt. Aracely Gonzalez-O’Malley were both deployed to Afghanistan at the same time. They thought this would be best in order to be together, at least in spirit, overseas. Ryan and Aracely left their young son in the capable hands of her sister while they both deployed. On October 12, 2011, Aracely, while serving in the northern Afghanistan city of Mazari-Sharif with the 270th Integrated Theater Signal Battalion, 516th Signal Brigade, 211th Signal Command, suffered a brain aneurysm. She was immediately medevac’d to Germany for emergency care. “I was in Kandahar, Afghanistan when I got the news that my wife had a brain aneurysm,” Ryan explains. “I left as soon as possible because my wife was being medevac’d to Hamburg Medical Center in Germany where they specialize in neurosurgery.”

Ryan arrived in Germany and was greeted by the caring team at the Landstuhl Fisher House; located a short distance from the hospital in Hamburg. Shortly after Ryan arrived, his mother-in-law and brother-inlaw arrived. For nine days Ryan and his family stayed at the Fisher House. The entire family was with Aracely every day. “Every other day was good news, then terrible news. It was too much for me to handle,” Ryan said. “My mom, aunt, sister-in-law, father-in-law joined us and Fisher House took all of them in. They even provided me with clothes since I came with a backpack from Afghanistan.” “Fisher House took all that stress away from being in a different place so we could focus on what was important,” Ryan said. “My wife passed away October 21 and we went back stateside.” After his wife passed away, Ryan requested a compassionate reassignment from Afghanistan in order to take care of his son, Sean, age two. He requested the Boston area since this is where his parents live and he would need their support. He needed to be home, close to his family. The Army transferred him to the Boston Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), a command that processes incoming recruits for the military. Ryan felt comforted to be assigned to such a supportive command. His co-workers at MEPS surrounded him with love and support. He needed to be with his son, now more than ever. “Sean keeps me going. Little ones are really something,” he said. “I’ve been so lucky with Sean.”

Fisher House took all that stress away from being in a different place so we could focus on what was important.

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Ryan’s son Sean has found a second family at the Boston Fisher House. Everyone knows Sean and looks forward to seeing the energetic little boy they adore so much. The staff at MEPS Boston started volunteering at the Boston Fisher House right after opening the Fisher House. They often prepare meals for the families and participate in other support activities that help the families staying at the Fisher House. Ryan began volunteering as soon as he reported to MEPS. He was excited to hear that the command’s volunteer partnership was with the local Fisher House. Since Ryan and Sean have been in Boston, they have been busy. In addition to work and daycare, Ryan gives back to the local Fisher House since they provided him with such a safe haven so far from home. He enjoys his visits to the Fisher House and after his enlistment ends he intends to stay in Boston and will continue to volunteer. “Fisher House is so important to me because they took care of me,” he said. “These families are going through such horrible times and to not have to worry about anything was great. They took that stress away from you so you could focus on family.”

It’s nice to talk to the other families since they’re going through pain just like you. The bond is like therapy. It made such a difference to have my family with me.

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MAKING YOUR WAY HOME

“I didn’t even know there was a Fisher House in Boston. I spent seven years in the military and didn’t even know what a Fisher House was until I stayed in one,” Ryan explained. “It’s really a Foundation I believe in. I’ve seen how much good it does.” Ryan’s son Sean has found a second family at the Boston Fisher House. Everyone knows Sean and looks forward to seeing the energetic little boy they adore so much. And while Sean is meeting new family and friends, Ryan tries to explain what happened to his Mom. Ryan tells Sean about his mother’s military experience, how important she was. She died while serving our country. “Not many people have a Mom with a Bronze Star. I have her pictures up and he kisses her picture goodnight every night,” Ryan said. “I tell him he’s lucky because his Mom is an angel in heaven looking out for us.” “Fisher House really did make you feel comfortable,” he said. “It’s nice to talk

to the other families since they’re going through pain just like you. The bond is like therapy. It made such a difference to have my family with me. I can’t imagine going through that by myself.” The Boston Fisher House staff thanks Ryan for his continued volunteerism. They are honored to have him part of the Boston Fisher House family... and Sean, too.

Gifts of Love & Support from Brides & Grooms

Photo by Stephen Gosling

Fisher House Foundation has been supported by some beautiful brides and handsome grooms this wedding season. In lieu of traditional wedding gifts, these selfless couples opted to have guests make donations to their favorite charities. For two couples, they encouraged their wedding guests to donate to Fisher House in honor of their special day.

Photo by Emily Damico

Army Captain Allie Weiskopf + Marine Corps Major Russ Pool

Col. Mike Farrar, USAF, Ret. + Barbara Lapini

For Allie and Russ, Fisher House is no stranger. They have been actively supporting the Foundation and Team Fisher House for years. On Allie’s second date with Russ, she even took him to a Fisher House dedication ceremony. “Blessed to have found each other,” Allie and Russ have together been on six deployments and have over 25 years in the military combined. In honor of their wedding, they asked guests to make donations to their favorite charities, Fisher House Foundation and Semper Fi Fund. The couple raised thousands of dollars for Fisher House in support of other military families. And instead of a traditional favor for guests, Allie and Russ made a challenge coin with their initials and the logo of each charity…along with a promise to make a donation as well to thank guests for their support. +

Mike always knew what type of work Fisher House Foundation did. Although he didn’t have any personal friends that needed the Foundation’s services, he was never “one or two degrees of separation for someone that did.” So when Mike got engaged to Barb, they decided it was a good fit to have their wedding guests donate to Fisher House Foundation rather than purchasing traditional wedding gifts. “Fisher House has a great reputation and we decided that it would be a good opportunity to give back and show our kids what is really important,” Mike said. They realized how many families would need help and put Fisher House on top of their list. The couple married in Tennessee, Mike’s hometown, and since a Fisher House broke ground recently in Murfreesboro, it was indeed a good match +

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Team

Fisher house

Birthday Parties, Air Guitar Contests and Spin Classes: Team Fisher House Volunteers Get Creative Stories by Andrea Useem Training for a race, whether it’s the Army Ten-Miler or the Marine Corps Marathon, requires commitment, grit and a willingness to exchange lazy weekend mornings for long runs. Team Fisher House volunteers add fundraising to this intense schedule, and this year some volunteers have gone above and beyond in finding creative ways to not only raise

money but spread the word about Fisher House’s important mission. Runner/volunteer Kim Reed, for example, organized a “Rock the Pier” event in Baltimore’s inner harbor, which featured everything from stand-up comedy to face-painting to an air-guitar competition. Here we profile two more of these creative fundraisers in depth.

Spinning for Military Families

A Superfecta Runner

When Abby Sweitzer was training for her first Marine Corps Marathon back in 2006, she carried a phone in her pocket on every long, hot run, hoping that her then-boyfriend, Marine Reservist Justin Bales, might call her from Iraq. Today Justin is home, the pair are married, and both are training for the Marine Corps Marathon with Team Fisher House. Working together, they hatched an idea for a unique fundraising event in their native New York City.

Regis Canny is a man who can’t stop coming up with great ideas to support Fisher House.

“A whole spin craze is happening here in New York, so we decided to put together a class,” said Abby. She and Justin found two instructors and a studio willing to donate space, and the class quickly filled up, with each participant required to donate to reserve a bike. Abby said that in New York City, which is home to many fitness enthusiasts but not many military personnel, she and Justin feel they have a special mission to educate others about Fisher House. “People without military experience usually don’t know that when Soldiers or Marines are injured, families have to pay their own expenses of traveling to be close by,” she said. “Once people learn where government support ends and organizations like Fisher House pick up, they want to help.”

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A retired Air Force Colonel, Regis first heard about Fisher House’s mission for military families on a Washington D.C.-area talk radio station. In 2004, he won a $500 raffle at a company Christmas party, and as he walked up to accept the prize, the needs of military families came to mind. “I grabbed the microphone and said I was giving the money to Fisher House. My wife said she had never seen prize money spent so fast,” recalls Regis with a chuckle. After becoming a marathoner at age 55, Regis started running regularly for Team Fisher House. Like other Team Fisher House fundraisers, he sent emails to friends and family to raise money. But last year Regis went a step further, turning his 60th birthday party into a fundraiser. “In the invitation, we asked for donations to Team Fisher House instead of birthday gifts. Last year Regis also became the first Team Fisher House member to complete the “Superfecta,” running in all four military races — The Army Ten Miler, the Navy Nautical 10 Miler, the Air Force Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon — and raising nearly $5,000 in the process.

Andy Kronschnabel Becomes Highest GROSSING Team Fisher House Fundraiser Andy Kronschnabel’s fundraising efforts have earned him the title of Highest Team Fisher House Fundraiser, with a total of $34,500 raised to support our military service men and women and their families. Here is a copy of the thank you letter he sent to his supporters, explaining how he found Fisher House and his desire to support our military.

Andy’s Letter I first learned of the Fisher House from my cousins, Samantha and Natalie Kronschnabel, who serve in the Marine Corps and have completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. While I didn’t serve myself, I have always desired to find a way to express my sincere gratitude to them and to all that nobly serve in our armed forces. The opportunity to do so presented itself when I decided to tackle Ironman Wisconsin long distance triathlon in September 2012

— I knew it would be the perfect conduit to attempt to make a small contribution. My cousins recommended Fisher House as an organization that has made a major positive difference in their lives and the lives of those with whom they served. When I did a bit more research about it, the decision to support Fisher House was a no brainer. In addition to the great service Fisher House provides and the countless lives it touches, the fact that such a large percentage of revenues go directly back into the effort sealed the deal for me. In my experience that is a unique and differentiating characteristic of Fisher House. With respect to the actual fundraising, I can honestly say that it was very easy. The donors I encountered either already knew the organization or quickly became excited about it. The money literally came flying in, which is a true testament to the extremely high caliber of not only the Fisher House, but those that it serves. The folks I approached for donations were genuinely excited to be a part of helping such a tremendous organization and our goal amount was surpassed in very short order. As for the race, we had a beautiful autumn Midwest day to take on a pretty tough Ironman Wisconsin course. It was definitely an awesome experience made even better by knowing I had support from all the folks who contributed to the effort.

It was a true privilege for me to be able to race and raise money on behalf the Fisher House. Thank you Fisher House and a heartfelt thank you to those that serve the USA in our armed forces.

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RADIO round-up ”The Gift” Host Greg Jarrett

Congratulations to one of our own

Fisher House Christmas Show 2012 Story by Randall Bloomquist

Thank you to Randall for all your hard work and dedication for our Foundation! We would like to wish a special congratulations to Foundation radio consultant Randall Bloomquist’s Bloomquist Media on winning a 2012 Bronze Anvil award from the Public Relations Society of America. Randall and Fisher House were awarded in the audio programs category for the Christmas special, “The Gift,” heard on 85 radio stations nationwide.

Christmas makes us think of jingling bells, boisterous carols and Santa’s jolly laugh. But there’s a new sound of the season: the uplifting stories of Fisher House. In what is becoming a holiday tradition, radio stations across the country will again air “The Gift,” a three-hour Christmas program celebrating our military men and women and their families, hosted by Greg Jarrett. “Our fighting men and women and their loved ones continue to make incredible sacrifices to keep us safe and free,” said Fisher House Foundation Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher. “It’s only right that in the season of giving we take time to recognize their gift to the nation. Radio’s intimacy makes it the perfect medium to tell these stories.” This second edition of “The Gift” will again feature interviews with wounded warriors who have rebuilt their lives with the help of their families and Fisher House. The program will also spotlight those who support Fisher House with their time or money, including some outstanding volunteers from the 58 Fisher Houses. These powerful stories give listeners a clear sense of Fisher House’s mission and the importance of supporting its efforts. The 2011 edition of “The Gift” achieved that goal. In the wake of its broadcast on 85 news/talk radio stations over the Christmas holiday, the Foundation saw an increase in donations. What’s more, several volunteers stepped forward around the country after hearing “The Gift.” This year’s edition of “The Gift” is expected to air on upwards of 100 radio stations and Sirius/XM satellite radio. Check the Fisher House website for a complete listing of the stations that will broadcast the show.

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Legacy Scholarship The “Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship” program allows children whose parents have become disabled or died through their service to this nation to obtain a scholarship. This program provides grants for dependent unmarried children under the age of 23 to continue their

Recipient

Josh Hamilton

education at a U.S. post-secondary institution of high learning. Having just completed the second year of awarding scholarships, Fisher House Foundation sat down with one recipient to describe his journey in the application process and continuing his education.

Scholarships are funded in part by proceeds from President Obama's childrens’ book , “Of Thee I Sing, A Letter to My Daughters.”

Story and Photo by Ashley Estill As I walked up to meet Josh Hamilton, I knew he was indeed the scholarship recipient I was looking for. Wearing his Princeton colors, he was quiet, polite and calm, yet had an intelligent confidence about him. We met at West Springfield High School in Springfield, Virginia, his alma mater. From what Josh tells me, West Springfield was where he called home and excelled at nearly everything he did in high school. A member of the National Honor Society, an AP scholar, member of the band, Latin Club and Eagle Scouts, Josh is a shining example of humility and excellence. The first recipient of the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship I had the privilege to meet, he walked me through his journey from high school to college. Josh’s dad, heard about the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship through a colleague and decided to tell his son. Josh applied last year and received a scholarship and applied this year; this will be his second year he has received a much deserved scholarship. “It’s definitely a great opportunity,” Josh said. “It’s a good way to remember people and the scholarship really helped me a lot.”

An intelligent and poised individual, Josh already has his proverbial “10-year-plan” in the works. He will continue his education at Princeton, likely becoming a chemistry or biology major, setting him up as a pre-med student. Since Josh was a little boy, it has always been his dream to be a doctor in the Army. He’s well on his way to realizing his dream especially with the help of the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship. Having traveled the world at such a young age because his dad was in the military, Josh feels that he is more than prepared for whatever is next. “I’m just a more well-rounded person,” he explains. “I looked up to my Dad and I’m a better person because of it.” To find out more about the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship, or any of the other opportunities for students, visit www.fisherhouse.org or www.militaryscholar.org.

Josh is entering his sophomore year at Princeton University. In addition to taking a full course-load, Josh is a member of Princeton’s ROTC — he also received a scholarship from the Army ROTC for tuition. While his Army ROTC scholarship was originally planned for another university, he visited Princeton and changed his mind. “I went to visit Princeton, and I thought ‘Wow.’ I just fell in love with it immediately,” Josh said. “It was a gut feeling.”

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house round-up The Patriot always loves to check in and see what our Fisher Houses have been up to. Here we outline a few highlights from houses around the country and in Landstuhl, Germany. CALIFORNIA

DAVID GRANT USAF MEDICAL CENTER Travis Air Force Base, CA Travis Fisher House guests opened their hearts to a cute little orange kitten wandering the grounds. The cat was near death, very skinny and had an infected eye. The sad looking cat tugged at their heartstrings, so they fed and watched out for him until Nissa Stephenson, a local cat lover, could take the kitten to the feral cat program, where he was neutered and treated for his wounds. The guests named him Phoenix because he had been through quite a trial, and now had “arisen from the ashes” with some help. It was discovered that Phoenix is gentle and quite friendly, purring his appreciation upon being rescued; his friendly disposition will earn him a forever home. Little Phoenix really touched the hearts of the Travis Fisher House guests, and through their care and compassion will now have a happy cat life, with a loving family.

F LO R I DA

JAMES A. HALEY VETERANS HOSPITAL Tampa, FL The Tampa Fisher House was delighted to launch the spring and summer seasons with a charming “Spring Tea” hosted by several ladies involved in the MacDill Air Force Base community. The event kicked off with a fun-filled invitation to decorate a floppy straw hat, complete with pretty spring flowers, which certainly added an air of elegance to the afternoon. Several of their family members were accompanied by their hospitalized husbands, one of whom playfully joined in the “Parade of Beautiful Hats” by wearing a man’s straw fedora, which he opted not to decorate with daisies or pansies! After receiving such wonderful feedback from those who attended, this event will now be an annual tradition.

Miami VA healthcare system Miami, FL Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez and the 2012 World Champion Miami HEAT’s mascot Burnie visited the Miami VA Fisher House and served guests dinner prepared by chefs from local Miami restaurant The Capital Grille. Mayor Gimenez donated the dinner, which was his “winnings” from a friendly bet with the mayor of Oklahoma City during the NBA finals. The Miami HEAT Charitable Fund also showed their support to Veterans and their families with a $50,000 donation presented to the Miami VA Fisher House during the NBA playoffs.

west palm beach va Medical Center West Palm Beach, FL Friends of Fisher House saluted Veterans from WWII during an event for the Palm Beach Fisher House in July. Among those WWII Veterans honored included Jerold Klein, who won the Silver Star for heroism and also serves as the treasurer for the Friends of Fisher House. This event also recognized Arnold Fisher, Vice Chairman of Fisher House Foundation, for his dedication to members of the Armed Services and their families.

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mmm ... GYROS GEORGIA

CHARLIE NORWOOD VA MEDICAL CENTER Augusta, GA

Photo by

Jim Lo rraine

Gary Sinise stopped by Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in July and made his way to the Fisher House. Here he poses with manager Anne Arnold before visiting with families.

Kronos Foods continues to support Fisher House Foundation, and also the Hines Fisher House. In honor of their “Free Gyros Day,” one of their annual fundraisers for Fisher House, they sent manager Holly Wright several t-shirts and coupons. Holly organized a field trip for a group of staff, volunteers and guests to visit their local Kronos provider and enjoy some gyros of course!

Dwight d. eisenhower army MEDICAL CENTER Fort Gordon, GA Girls Scout Troop 20711 provided several cases of girls scout cookies for Fisher House families to enjoy. Each of the girl scouts were presented with an Army Fisher House lapel pin for their continual support of the Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center Fisher House at Fort Gordon.

ILLINOIS

Hines VA Hospital Hines, IL

H AWA I I

TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER Honolulu, HI

The Cook County Sheriff’s Training program under the guidance of Sergeant Bonnie Busching has been volunteering with the Hines VA Fisher House for over a year. The cadets make dinner, play bingo with the families and help out in any way they can. Some of the Fisher House guests attended their graduation ceremony to say ‘thank you’ for their support.

In memory of fallen service members, the Tripler Fisher House collected more than a thousand pairs of boots for their 2012 Hero and Remembrance Run, Walk or Roll in August. Each pair of boots represented a fallen service member and lined the path of the run. This was the first year Tripler Fisher House and manager Theresa Johnson, organized an event like this, they plan on making this event an annual occurrence.

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house round-up MARYLAND

Malcolm Grow Medical Center Andrews AFB, MD

M I N N E S O TA

Minneapolis VA Health Care System

Patient Michele Fetz and her husband, MSgt. Tim Fetz, USAF, Ret., have been residing at Fisher House, Joint Base Andrews for several months while Michele has undergone a bone marrow transplant. Their son, TSgt. Greg Fetz, had not seen his mother since she left home in Warner Robins, Georgia for treatment. Greg is with the 165th Airlift Wing and is preparing to deploy to Kuwait. With the help of Fisher House Foundation, the Andrews AFB Fisher House was able to bring him to Andrews for a surprise visit so he could see his mother before he deploys. It was an emotional and beautiful reunion, and not a dry eye in the house. Michele was positively glowing after seeing her son.

Minneapolis, MN

KENTUCKY

BLANCHFIELD ARMY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Fort Campbell, KY Thousands of special guests visit Fisher Houses. One special family at the Fort Campbell Fisher House were Garry and Tina King. The Kings stayed for a few months while caring for their son’s fiancé, who was officially their daughter-in-law by the time they left. The newly weds started their new life with the help of the Fisher House family.

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Karen Turner, the mother of an injured Veteran came with her 14-year-old son Caleb Davis in July from Chicago, IL. Karen’s son, Todd Turner, transferred to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center from a hospital in the Chicago area for continuation of care and rehabilitation of injuries sustained in a car accident in May. Unfortunately, circumstances like this affect every member of a family and Caleb is no exception. He was ready to start a new chapter of his life, his first year of high school when this tragedy occurred. Karen, knowing she was needed by both sons decided to enroll Caleb in the Minneapolis Public School system, Roosevelt High School. Caleb has jumped into the new experience at his new school and joined the soccer team. Karen stated how much it has meant to have a Fisher House available for her and her son so life can continue as normally as possible and she can be near them both.

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda, MD Fisher Houses are incredibly lucky to have such wonderful volunteers. A photographer caught three of Bethesda’s volunteers busy working to make sure things are organized for families. These ladies are always generous of their time and dedicated to supporting the Fisher House mission.

OHIO

Cincinnati VAMC Cincinnati, OH In Canton, Ohio, a corn roaster fundraiser was held at the Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff with proceeds benefiting the Cincinnati Fisher House. This event was led by Bryan Bowman and the Alpha Dogs Bike Riders.

NORTH CAROLINA

Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, NC

MISSOURI

St. Louis VA Medical Center

The Fisher House at Camp Lejeune had a sweet surprise after Jacksonville shop Sweet Coffee and Ice Cream served up a very generous donation. One Saturday manager Josie Callahan joined Washington Redskins kicker Mark Mosely Sr. at Sweet Coffee and Ice Cream to help support the day long event. With a personal connection to support the military, the newly opened shop was more than happy to donate to their local house.

St. Louis, MO The St. Louis Fisher House recently celebrated their second birthday. Since the opening of the St. Louis Fisher House they have had the pleasure of serving over 850 families. The house has recently started a vegetable, herb and fruit garden that families can pick from and tend to. They will be revamping the garden, making it a raised bed garden and also adding blackberries, raspberries and cherries to the mix. There are a lot of fun things happening and growing at the St. Louis Fisher House.

Wright-Patterson Medical Center Wright-Patterson AFB, OH The Hook family held a creative dinner party in July for the Fisher House at Wright-Patterson AFB. Guests were treated to a pizza party which included handmade Italian pizza crusts, various sauces, grilled vegetable and a large variety of other toppings. The pizzas were topped by the guests who attended and baked on a pizza stone. Everyone who attended enjoyed the delicious dinner and company.

youthful Albany, NY

SUPPORT

Samantha Morrison, a 12-year-old from Chappaqua, New York, chose to support the Fisher House in Albany, New York as her Bat Mitzvah project. Since the beginning of 2012, she has baked over 500 cookies, sent over 25 boxes of Girl Scout cookies and delivered large trays of rice crispy treats, white chip island cookies and many brownies to the Fisher House. Samantha has also volunteered at the Fisher House and has collected hundreds of dollars in donations and gift cards. She delivered 140 small teddy bears for the guests and Veterans staying at the house. Each bear comes with a small bag of Hershey’s Kisses and a personalized letter from Samantha. The letter is inscribed “Hi! I am a S.A.M. Bear (Saluting Awesome American Military Families) — Make a wish, hold me tight and hope it comes to life.” In July, Samantha was honored for her good deeds at a volunteer recognition luncheon, with Audrey Fisher and the Medical Center Director present. She is truly a Fisher House angel. The Patriot • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • 2012

house round-up TEXAS

WA S H I N G T O N

Brooke Army Medical Center San Antonio Military Medical Center

VA PUGET SOUND HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Seattle, WA

Fort Sam Houston, TX In July, the BAMC Fisher Houses held their first KinderTag or Children's Day for the children of Fisher House. They had 26 children in attendance and Donnabelle the clown who entertained with a show, face painting and songs. A resident did an outside candy drop while Shamu made a surprise visit. The families were very grateful that the Fisher House provided a day for the children to enjoy themselves.

GERMANY

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Fisher House jointly hosted a cookout for all care providers at Landstuhl in June, with American Logistics Association Europe and Defense Commissary Europe. About 1,000 friends joined the festivities. American Logistics Association Europe was kind enough to provide all the food and fixings while DeCA provided the cooks and servers. Thanks to all for a great event.

Known for always doing something festive for their guests, the managers at the VA Puget Sound Fisher House celebrated the Summer Olympics with their own games. Guests competed in beach ball volley, wind-up sumo wrestling, not-so-heavy weight lifting (guests were judged on the quality of their grimace), and a timed wheelchair race. Competitors and spectators gathered following the games for lunch. Pictured is Helen representing Great Britain who earned one medal, and Stanisha representing USA who snagged three medals.

VIRGINIA

Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth Portsmouth, VA The Salty Dawgs Motorcycle Riding Club of Virginia stopped by the Fisher House at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth to present a check. Manager Loretta Loveless and Cmdr. David Collins, Director of Admin for NMCP, accepted the gift, which was the result of a successful Poker Run earlier this year. The patriotic group not only makes monetary contributions, but stops by during the Holidays as well to cook and visit with families.

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seattle

SUPPORT Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA Bonneville Seattle Media Group honored Fisher House at Joint Base Lewis-McChord as one of their twelve Charity of the Month partners and recognized them at a Seattle Seahawks game. Manager Jodi Land was acknowledged at a reception, on the field prior to the game, and on the video scoreboard. The team also presented her with a “12th Man” flag signed by players and coaches.

DEDICATION

Fort Belvoir Fisher House Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Fort Belvoir, VA

Ft. Belvo ir,

In May, Fisher House Foundation welcomed the newest Fisher House at the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia. Vice Chief of Staff of the US Army, General Lloyd J. Austin III and Don Weinberg of the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation joined Fisher House Foundation Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher to dedicate the 10,000 sq. ft. comfort home. The newest home joins the network of Fisher Houses throughout the US and in Germany.

r, VA Ft. Belvoi

ill y Est Ashle y b s Photo

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Future Fisher Houses

in Action Gainesville, FL Gainesville Fisher House Foundation held their 3rd Annual Golf Classic and Night in Margaritaville Gala at the Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club in June. This event was preceded by a Friday fishing trip for celebrities and wounded warriors, out in the Gulf of Mexico. Saturday featured a golf clinic for the warriors hosted by volunteers and taught by Lt. Brian “SKI” Donarski, USA. Brian shares his motivation and love of the game of golf. He encourages others who are suffering from traumatic war-related injury to seek the therapy and calm of the game of golf.

Cleveland, OH Threatening skies and rumbles from above did nothing to deter the rumbling of some 350 motorcycles making their way from the far east side of Cleveland west to the Cleveland Browns Training Camp in Berea, Ohio, as the 2nd Annual Cleveland Browns Motorcycle Rally took the streets of Northeast. The beneficiary of this year’s ride was the Greater Cleveland Fisher House. Heading the charge across town on his own bike was Browns General Manager and Super Bowl winning coach Mike Holmgren. At the end of the rally, all riders were treated to a private closed practice session with the Browns.

West Haven, CT In August, the Friends of Fisher House Connecticut had a special concert performed in their honor. Rock group John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band were headliners while Latonya Farrell and the Bookman opened for the crowd.

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Gainesville, FL

Murfreesboro, TN

In September, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System Director Thomas Wisnieski and Congressman Cliff Stearns 6th Congressional District of Florida, joined Fisher House Foundation Vice President, Cindy Campbell, to break ground on a new 20-room Fisher House, the sixth in the state of Florida. Upon completion, the Fisher House will be gifted to the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center.

Ground was broken on a new 12-suite Fisher House, the first in the state of Tennessee, this September. Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Director Juan A. Morales was accompanied by Foundation President David Coker to celebrate the occasion. Reaching a new community is always an exciting time and once the house is completed, it will serve the families in Murfreesboro who need a “home away from home.”

Photo: Courtesy of Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee, WI

Murfreesboro, TN

During an August Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds game, the Brewers Community Foundation presented Fisher House with a check for $100,000 towards the future Fisher House at the Clement C. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. Presenting the check to Dan Buttery, President of the Milwaukee Fisher House efforts were Cecila Gore, Director for the Brewers Community Foundation; Meredith Malone with the Brewers Community Foundation; Ed Sedar, third base coach for the Brewers; Jonathan Lucroy, starting catcher for the Brewers; Joe Crawford, coaching assistant; and Kim Michalowski, VP of the Board of Directors for Fisher House WI. Thank you to the Brewers for their support!

At American Legion Post 15 in Lebanon, TN, Harriett Howard is pictured front and center holding her decorated shoe box which she passes around at every meeting or function she attends. Harriett has helped raise over $125,000 with her shoe box since the Tennessee Fisher House project began in 2007. She is a member of the WWII WAVES, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service.

The Patriot • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • 2012

Fisher House Directory

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Fisher House Foundation is building on its commitment to help military families

ALASKA

The following projects are currently under construction:

Tripler Army Medical Center Honolulu, HI

CALIFORNIA

Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital San Antonio, TX

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Chicago, IL

range QE Hospital Birmingham United Kingdom Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Gainesville, FL

VA Maine Health Care System Togus, ME

Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Murfreesboro, TN

VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System Omaha, NE

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Houston, TX (second house)

Womack Army Medical Center Ft. Bragg, NC (replacement house)

Future projects with an immediate recognized need:

New Mexico VA Health Care System Albuquerque, NM

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Tucson, AZ

Nellis Air Force Base Las Vegas, NV

Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Camp Pendleton, CA

Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center Cleveland, OH

VA Long Beach Healthcare System Long Beach, CA

Portland VA Medical Center Portland, OR

VA Palo Alto Health Care System Palo Alto, CA (second house)

VA Caribbean Healthcare System San Juan, PR

David Grant Air Force Medical Center Travis AFB, CA (second house)

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA

VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System Denver, CO (second house)

Madigan Healthcare System Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA (second house)

VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven, CT Orlando VA Medical Center Orlando, FL Ramstein, Germany

Korea

The Patriot • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • 2012

Clement C. Zablocki VA Medical Center Milwaukee, WI

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Hospital 4943 Zeamer Ave. 673 MDSS/SGS/FH Elmendorf AFB, AK 99506 (907) 222-1673 Manager: Jeff Temple jeffery.temple@elmendorf.af.mil

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Blvd. (10AF) Building 512 Los Angeles, CA 90073 (310) 268-4457 Fax: (310) 268-3449 Manager: Sharon Hudson sharon.hudson4@va.gov VA Palo Alto Health Care System 3801 Miranda Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94304 (650) 493-5000 x 60384 Fax: (650) 849-1269 Manager: Shelly Foutz-Lowe, LICSW shelly.foutz-Lowe@va.gov Naval Medical Center San Diego I, II 34800 Bob Wilson Dr., Building 46 San Diego, CA 92134-5000 (619) 532-9055 Fax: (619) 532-5216 Manager: Kristin Palmer kristin.palmer@med.navy.mil David Grant USAF Medical Center 100 Bodin Circle Travis AFB, CA 94535-1804 (707) 423-7550 Fax: (707) 423-7552 Manager: Charlene Hall charlene.hall.1@us.af.mil

COLORADO VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System 1954 Quentin St. Aurora, CO 80010 (303) 399-8020 x 2049 Fax: (303) 364-4882 Manager: Joy Weyna-King joy.weyna-king@va.gov

DELAWARE Fisher House for Families of the Fallen 220 Lajes St. Dover AFB, DE 19902 (302) 677-2402 POC: TSgt. Latersa Frazier latersa.frazier@us.af.mil

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Washington D.C. VA Medical Center 50 Irving St., NW Washington, D.C. 20422 (202) 745-2482 Manager: Kenneth E. Merritt kenneth.merritt@va.gov

* Please direct all correspondence to the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher House, along with the specific house address. For any correspondence questions, please contact the Fisher House manager directly at the desired location.

FLORIDA

KENTUCKY

NORTH CAROLINA

TEXAS (Continued)

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. Bay Pines, FL 33744 (727) 398-6661 Ext. 12099 Fax: (727) 319-1106 Manager: Rena Graves Rena.graves@va.gov

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital 650 Joel Dr. Fort Campbell, KY 42223 (270) 798-8330 Fax: (270) 798-8804 Manager: Wendy J. Carlston wendy.carlston@amedd.army.mil

Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune 4 Recovery Way Camp Lejeune, NC 28547 (910) 450-3885 Fax: (910) 450-3887 Manager: Josie Callahan josephine.f.callahan@usmc.mil

Eglin Air Force Hospital 350 Boatner Rd. Eglin AFB, FL 32542 (850) 883-2865 Manager: Ron Gribble ronald.gribble@eglin.af.mil

MARYLAND

Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center I, II, III San Antonio Military Medical Center 1445 Foster Ave., Building 3865 Lackland AFB, TX 78236 (210) 671-6037 Fax: (210) 671-6020 Manager: Ramona Lewis rlewis-fisherhouse@sbcglobal.net

James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 910-3000 Fax: (813) 910-3088 Manager: Paula Welenc paula.welenc@va.gov Miami VA Healthcare System 1201 NW 16th St. Miami, FL 33125 (305) 575-7260 Fax: (305) 575-7261 Manager: Carolyn Soucy carolyn.soucy@va.gov West Palm Beach VA Medical Center 7305 N. Military Trail—Route 136 West Palm Beach, FL 33410 (561) 422-5554 Fax: (561) 442-8793 Manager: Thompsi Hoff thompsi.hoff@va.gov

GEORGIA Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center One Freedom Way Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 729-5773 Manager: Anne Arnold anne.arnold@va.gov Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center Fisher House Rd., Building 280 Fort Gordon, GA 30905-5650 (706) 787-7100 Fax: (706) 787-5106 Manager: Francisco Cruz fheamc@aol.com

HAWAII Tripler Army Medical Center I, II 315 Krukowski Rd. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 433-1291 x 28 Fax: (808) 433-3619 Manager: Theresa Johnson theresa.johnson@amedd.army.mil

ILLINOIS Hines VA Hospital 5000 S Fifth Ave. Hines, IL 60141 (708) 202-7154 Fax: (708) 202-7155 Manager: Holly Wright holly.wright@va.gov

Malcolm Grow Medical Center 1076 West Perimeter Rd. Andrews AFB, MD 20762 (301) 981-1243 Fax: (301) 981-7629 Manager: Janet Grampp janet_grampp@msn.com Walter Reed National Military Medical Center I, II, III, IV, V 24 Stokes Rd. Bethesda, MD 20814-5002 (301) 295-5334 Fax: (301) 295-5632 Manager: Becky Wood bwood@fisherhousebethesda.org Walter Reed—Forest Glen 2460 Linden Lane Building 173 Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 295-7373 Fax (301) 295-8012 Manager: Maurice Borde wrfisher2a@aol.com

MASSACHUSETTS VA Boston Healthcare System 1400 VFW Pkwy. West Roxbury, MA 02132 (857) 203-4000 Manager: Elizabeth St. Pierre elizabeth.stpierre@va.gov

MINNESOTA Minneapolis VA Health Care System I, II 1 Veterans Dr. Minneapolis, MN 55417 (612) 467-5602 Fax: (612) 970-5864 Manager: Marge Oslund mary.oslund@va.gov

MISSISSIPPI Keesler AFB Medical Center 509 Fisher St. Keesler AFB, MS 39534-2599 (228) 377-8264 Fax: (228) 377-7691 Manager: Larry Vetter larry.vetter.1@us.af.mil

MISSOURI St. Louis VA Medical Center 1 Jefferson Barracks Rd. St. Louis, MO 63125 (314) 894-6145 Fax: (314) 894-6147 Manager: Rachael Fernandez rachael.fernandez@va.gov

NEW YORK Stratton VA Medical Center 113 Holland Ave. Albany, NY 12208 (518) 626-6919 Fax: (518) 626-5452 Manager: Jerry Jensen jerry.jensen@va.gov

Womack Army Medical Center 12 Bassett St. Fort Bragg, NC 28307-5000 (910) 432-1486 Fax: (910) 432-3825 Manager: Paula Gallero fhwamc@aol.com

OHIO Cincinnati VAMC 3200 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220 (513) 475-6571 Fax: (513) 487-6661 Manager: Karrie Hagan karrie.hagan@va.gov Wright-Patterson Medical Center I, II 417 Schlatter Dr. Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433 (937) 257-0855 Fax: (937) 656-2150 Manager: Karen Healea karen.healea@wpafb.af.mil

Pennsylvania VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive C, Bldg 33 Pittsburgh, PA 15240 (412) 360-2030 Manager: Michael Clark michael.clark3@va.gov

TEXAS VA North Texas Health Care System 4500 S. Lancaster Rd. Building 79 Dallas, TX 75216 (214) 857-2574 Fax: (214) 462-4923 Manager: Lydia Henderson lydia.henderson1@va.gov William Beaumont Army Medical Center Rodriguez St., Building 7360 El Paso, TX 79930 (915) 569-1860 Fax: (915) 569-1862 Manager: Harry Hicks fhwbamc@aol.com Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Fisher Ln., Building 36015 Fort Hood, TX 78254 (254) 286-7927 Fax: (254) 286-7929 Manager: Isaac Howard isaac.howard@amedd.army.mil Brooke Army Medical Center I, II, III, IV San Antonio Military Medical Center 3623 George C. Beach Dr. Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 (210) 916-6000 Fax: (210) 916-6488 Manager: Inge Godfrey fhbamc@aol.com

UTAH Salt Lake City VA Health Care System 690 S. Valdez Dr. Salt Lake City, UT 84148 (801) 588-5900 Manager: Quinn Kiger-Good quinn.kiger@va.gov

VIRGINIA Fort Belvoir Community Hospital 9201 Woodbury Rd Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060 (703) 805-5203 Manager: Roxannamaria Calderon BelvoirFisherHouse@gmail.com Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth 853 Fisher Dr., Building 287 Portsmouth, VA 23708 (757) 953-6889 Fax: (757) 953-7174 Manager: Loretta Loveless fishrhouse@msn.com McGuire Richmond VA Medical Center 1201 Broad Rock Blvd. Richmond, VA 23249 (804) 675-6639 Fax: (804) 675-5979 Manager: Wayne Walker wayne.walker@va.gov

WASHINGTON Madigan Healthcare System 9999 Wilson Ave. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433 (253) 964-9283 Fax: (253) 968-3619 Manager: Jodi Land fhmamc@aol.com VA Puget Sound Healthcare System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 768-5353 Fax: (206) 277-1415 Manager: Cecile Bagrow cecile.bagrow@va.gov

GERMANY Landstuhl Regional Medical Center I, II CMR 402, Box 669 APO, AE 09180 011-49-6371-6183311 Fax: 011-49-6371-866679 Manager: Vivian Wilson vivian.wilson@amedd.army.mil

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center 2002 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77030 (713) 794-8095 Fax: (713) 794-7194 Manager: Frank Kelley frank.kelley@med.va.gov The Patriot • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2 • 2012

Fisher House Foundation, Inc. 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420 Rockville, MD 20850-5000

We put a lot of heart into everything we do. And your support helps make it possible! For the past 20 years, the Fisher House program has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of military Families everywhere. We continue to build and donate Fisher Houses to military/VA medical centers, support existing houses, administer our Hero Miles program, help military families in need and provide scholarships to military children and spouses. At the very heart of our program, Fisher Houses offer a “home away from home,” a place where families can stay and support their loved ones — at no cost — while they receive specialized military hospital/VA medical care. These houses allow the patients and families to focus on what’s most important, the healing process. We encourage you to find out more about the Fisher House program by visiting us online at www.fisherhouse.org or by calling (888) 294-8560. Make a difference this year and donate:

Fisher House Foundation CFC Code: 11453