The Patriot Magazine Volume 5 Issue 1 by Fisher House Foundation

2014 VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION, INC. TM

HOLLYWOOD VIDEO FOR FISHER HOUSE

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS

VOLUNTEERING

AT A FISHER HOUSE

COVER STORY

THE YOUNG FAMILY

www.fisherhouse.org

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. Fisher Houses can be found at every major military medical center and several major VA hospitals 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 22,000 families annually, and has made available over 5.2 million days of lodging to more than 200,000 families since the program originated in 1990. 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 co-sponsor 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 program, 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.

Thank you so much to Don Schaaf & Friends in Washington, DC for your donated services in designing The Patriot.

Cover photo courtesy of Craig Orsini www.orsinistudio.com

Social Media Support

Bad Robot’s Holiday Gift / Polar Bear Plunge

Guest FamilyProfile— Fowler Family

Hotels for Heroes

Bill O’Reilly Supports Fisher House 7 Zumbathon

A Boise Army Wife Adapts to Life

CharityWorks: A Gala to Support Fisher House

In Lieu of Flowers

Tampa Volunteers

Walmart; Tis the Season of Giving

Cover Story: The Young Family

Journal Entries

Hero Miles

The Making of a Video

Newman’s Own / Kangaroo Express

Team Fisher House

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

LETTER FROM KEN FISHER Dear Friends, We continue to be privileged to support our nation’s wounded warriors, military, veterans and their families. This year is off to a great start with a groundbreaking held at Fort Bragg for the new Fisher House. We currently have a Fisher House under construction at the Gainesville, Florida VA Medical Center and a second Fisher House at Travis Air Force Base, California, and we will break ground this summer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We plan to start construction this Fall on many more houses across the country, so stay tuned to our website for updates.

Ken Fisher was recently awarded the Harry B. Helmsley Distinguished New Yorker Award

Fisher House Program by the

Numbers

$235 Million Savings for Families in Lodging and Transportation Cost

I want to take a minute to talk about last year’s government shutdown. Fisher House was honored to step in and offer assistance to the Department of Defense when they were unable to pay the death gratuity benefit to over 30 families dealing with the tragic loss of their loved one. This was a sad time in our nation’s history, but we saw a gap in America’s promise to these grieving families, and we humbly offered our assistance. Though a last minute effort in Congress resolved this crisis, we had such an outpouring of support from the public that we were able to grant $25,000 to each and every family who suffered a loss. A total of $750,000 in funds went to these grieving families, thanks to your support. Though we hope this lapse in honoring our nation’s heroes never happens again, you can rest assured that we stand ready whenever our military families need us. I would like to say a special thank you to President Obama, who visited with Fisher House families at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in November. It was an honor having you at the Fisher House. At the end of each year we calculate the savings and support that our Fisher Houses and our programs have provided since our inception. By the end of 2013 we had provided over 5.2 million nights of lodging, saving families $235,000,000. We also provided over 45,000 Hero Miles airline tickets. We are able to do this because of your generosity. Thank you for everything you do to support our mission. The remarkable statistics speak for themselves. You make a difference—a big difference. With heartfelt gratitude,

5.2 Million Days of Lodging Offered

Ken Fisher Chairman and CEO, Fisher House Foundation

Over

200 Thousand Families Served

Charity Ratings: A+

Fisher House Foundation works hard to be a good steward of the resources entrusted to us. It is a privilege to do the work we do, and we are proud to hold the highest ratings that can be awarded with the top national charity watch dog organizations.

Fisher Houses in Operation The statistics in this graphic are calculated since Fisher House program inception.

Fisher House Foundation has received an A+ from the American Institute of Philanthropy in their “Veterans and Military” category. Out of 46 charities rated, Fisher House Foundation is one of only three charities to receive their distinctive A+ rating. Charity Navigator awarded the Foundation their coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management for the tenth consecutive year. Only one percent of the charities they monitor have received at least ten consecutive four-star evaluations. THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT FACEBOOK FEEDBACK www.facebook.com/FisherHouse “I would like to thank the Fisher House Foundation a great deal! They were there for me and my wife in 2010 at Fort Hood, TX when our son PFC Barry Smith was killed. They supported us with help and a place to stay as we prepared to bring our son home. Thanks for being there!!” — Dan S. “There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to Jill Thompson and the staff at the Fisher House-Portsmouth VA for everything they did for me during my stay with them. My son was critically ill when he was airlifted to the Naval Medical Center three weeks ago. This beautiful facility provided an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that was much needed after spending many hours each day at the hospital. During my stay, volunteers provided several home cooked meals.... a welcomed break from the food court at the hospital. Thank you to all who volunteer for or donate to this remarkable organization. And thank you Fisher HousePortsmouth VA for being there for the military families in the time of need. God bless!”

TWITTER LOVE www.twitter.com/FisherHouseFdtn

— Debbie M.

@KenFisherFHF Thank you, Mr. Fisher, for all you do for our wounded warriors at the Fisher House. A grateful Gold Star Aunt.

“About 10 years ago, while on a deployment I was taken to the ER for internal bleeding. I had to have emergency surgery at El Paso, TX. Fisher House Foundation put both my family and I up until I was able to fly back to Ft. Bragg, NC. Recently reminded of this foundation this holiday. Thank you for taking care of this now veteran!” — Gina H. “I visited Arlington National Cemetery after running the Army 10 Miler in DC this morning and left the Fisher House coin I was fortunate enough to receive at my late husband’s grave. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to fundraise for your great organization during today’s awesome event!” — Captain Jenna G. Proud Gold Star wife of Captain Jonathan G.

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vader @garthrhassell Thank you Fisher House Seattle for allowing me to stay Feb-April. Everyone involved is amazing. Kendall Martin @kenannmartin Thank you for everything you did for my brother, his wife & our family during his recovery over 2013. #sograteful Mary Schillaci @LakeSchillaci

Bad Robot’s Holiday Gift J.J.

Abrams and his production company, Bad Robot, have again generously donated to the Fisher Houses during the Holidays. Each year Bad Robot donates a festive and unique gift to the families of the Fisher House and this year’s gift was their take on a Bad Robot holiday dinner. Guests at the Walter Reed and Brooke Army Medical Center Fisher Houses received a box containing all the ingredients needed to make a pizza dinner: dough, tomato sauce, herb mix, olive oil, candles, matches and even a dinner conversation game. Each Fisher House family received one more present this holiday season. Thank you to J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot for thinking of our families.

TAKING A PLUNGE FOR CHARITY For the past nine years, thousands of people have braved the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean by taking a plunge on New Year’s Day to benefit Fisher House Foundation. The Brigantine Polar Bear Plunge raised over $70,000 this year, bringing their total contribution to over $250,000 since they began.

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GUEST FAMILY PROFILE

The Fowler Family

Story by Ashley Estill Photos by Craig Orsini

NAME: JOHN FOWLER HOUSE: JAMES A. HALEY VETERANS’ HOSPITAL – TAMPA, FL HOME STATE: FLORIDA MILITARY BRANCH: ARMY

Vietnam-era veteran John Fowler has been receiving treatment for an injury for 42 years. Throughout that time, his wife Lyndia has remained his caregiver and support system. A quadriplegic, John has frequently received treatment at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Rather than drive nearly 100 miles to the hospital, Lyndia has found a temporary “home away from home” at the Fisher House in Tampa. “When John was in the hospital last fall, I was staying in a hotel,” Lyndia explained. “I knew about the Fisher House, but I thought it was more for new injuries.” Soon, Lyndia found out that the Fisher House was open for all veterans and active duty service members. Lyndia moved right into the Fisher House. Throughout 2013, Lyndia would stay at the Tampa house May through July; and then again later in the year. She is a short walk from John, and has all the comforts of home—huge benefit to both of them. “The proximity of the house to the hospital is huge,” Lyndia said. “It’s not always convenient getting into your car and going to a hotel. It’s nice to come back and forth during the day to rest as well.” 4

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John and Lyndia Fowler enjoying some quiet time and each other’s company at the Tampa Fisher House

“ The people here are so caring—they really do take care of everything. This is just wonderful.”

“ John really likes that I fix his meals. I really like it too; the kitchen privileges are huge.”

“One night they sent John to the ICU at 11:30 in the evening,” she continued. “It’s much easier to get to the ICU from the Fisher House.” For John, he knows his wife is safe and nearby in case he needs anything, or one of Lyndia’s home-cooked meals. “John really likes that I fix his meals. I really like it too; the kitchen privileges are huge,” Lyndia said. The Fisher House program was not around for John 42 years ago, but he is grateful Fisher Houses are available to him now. “Having the Fisher House nearby is so convenient and I’m glad to see something like this.” As John continues to receive treatment, Lyndia will remain a walk away from the hospital as long as she is needed. “The people here are so caring—they really do take care of everything,” she said. “This is just wonderful.”

The Tampa VA Hospital is one of five facilities in the country that

specialize in polytrauma care for veterans and service members. Polytrauma care focuses on intensive rehabilitation for those who have received severe injuries to more than one organ system, including injuries to the brain. Polytrauma is defined as two or more injuries sustained in the same incident that affect multiple body parts or organ systems and result in physical, cognitive, psychological, or psychosocial impairments and functional disabilities.

The Polytrauma System of Care consists of five regional polytrauma centers:

• VA Palo Alto Health Care System (Palo Alto, CA)

• Minneapolis VA Health Care System (Minneapolis, MN)

• Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center (Richmond, VA)

• South Texas Veterans Health Care System (San Antonio, TX)

• James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital (Tampa, FL)

There is at least one Fisher House at each Polytrauma hospital.

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HOTELS FOR HEROES HAS PROVIDED NEARLY 3,000 FREE NIGHTS TO MILITARY FAMILIES SINCE THE PROGRAM BEGAN IN 2012, SAVING FAMILIES OVER $400,000 IN LODGING COSTS.

Fisher House Foundation’s programs would not be able to continue without the constant support of a grateful nation. The newest Fisher House program, Hotels for Heroes, recently received a generous donation in support of our nation’s heroes. Members of a nonprofit organization representing federal health professionals, donated more than 1.5 million hotel reward points to Hotels for Heroes. The Society of Federal Health Professionals donated points through their personal accounts, enough to cover over 100 nights of lodging for families of wounded, injured or ill service members. The 2013 Chair, Terry Hunter, learned of Hotels for Heroes on the news and took the information and launched an effort within his organization. Thank you to this group for their support, and to everyone who contributes to Fisher House and our programs.

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O’REILLY - OBAMA

SUPER BOWL INTERVIEW NOTES FOR FISHER HOUSE Before the Super Bowl on February 2, Bill O’Reilly interviewed President Obama in front of millions of viewers during the pre-game show. O’Reilly and President Obama signed O’Reilly’s notes and then sold replica copies for a donation to Fisher House Foundation. Supporters bid on the original copy of O’Reilly’s notes, with funds donated to Fisher House. Thank you both for your support to our military families.

TIE AUCTION FOR FISHER HOUSE Fox News host Bill O’Reilly auctioned off his neckties to the highest bidders, with proceeds that benefited Fisher House Foundation. Eleven supporters helped contribute over $27,000 to support military families.

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KICK STEP

03:00:00

LUN

ZUMBATHON for Fisher House at Beaumont

NON-STO

Participants will dance for 3 hours non-stop to raise money STORY BY VICTOR R. MARTINEZ / EL PASO TIMES REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE EL PASO TIMES

Master Sgt. Caprecia Miller has been fortunate enough not to need the services of the Fisher House Foundation. But she realizes the importance of having a sanctuary where military families can stay while their loved ones are hospitalized for a combat injury, illness or disease. “I’m passionate about making sure that these families are afforded the opportunity to be with their service members while they are injured without having anything come out of their pockets,” Miller said. “I would hate to see these families have the burden of wondering how they’re going to pay for a hotel.” To relieve military families’ financial burden, Miller is turning to another love of hers—Zumba—to raise money for the Fisher House at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. “When I was stationed in Washington, D.C., I would volunteer at the Fisher House there,” said Miller, who has been stationed at Fort Bliss since August. “I volunteered there for about three years, so I spent a great deal of time at the Fisher House, going on trips with the service members, going to Walter Reed on Saturdays and visiting with family. That’s where my passion started.” 8

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Miller, who has been in the military for 17 years, is teaming up with Club Sweat Fitness for a Zumbathon on Saturday to benefit the local Fisher House. “A lot of times, the community is not well-informed about what the military does,” said Miller, who has been doing Zumba for about four years. “This can build that community-military relationship, especially since Fort Bliss is here.” Yvonne Rincon, a certified Zumba instructor and owner of Club Sweat Fitness, jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the fundraiser. “It’s non-stop Zumba for three hours,” Rincon said. “There will be people there from the start until it finishes.” Rincon said she has done other Zumbathons, but Saturday’s will be special. “I hadn’t heard of the Fisher House before, but when I was told what it was, it hit close to home,” she said. “I have a lot of family in the military so I wanted to do something like this. This is a military city so it’s only natural for us to do something like this.”

SPIN JUMP

NGE

SWEAT DANCE

Zumba is a dance fitness program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez in the 1990’s. Zumba’s choreography incorporates hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo and martial arts with squats and lunges. “A lot of women don’t really like going to the gym or don’t really like the pilates or aerobics, but they do like to dance and that’s what makes it different,” Rincon said. Roxy Valdiviez does Zumba four or five times a week. “I love the dancing, the environment and the fact that you sweat a lot and that you work out everything,” she said. “It makes things a lot more clear for me while I’m working out. I’m not in a daze. It keeps my mind busy and focused during the workout.”

Laura Barraza, who has been doing Zumba for six months, said the workouts tire her out, but she still leaves with a lot of energy. “I’m going to try to do the full three hours, too,” she said with a smile. “The longest I’ve gone is about an hour, but I think I can do two hours. I’m going to stay here for the whole three hours and I’m going to keep trying to finish but for at least two hours for sure.” Beto Padilla is a certified Zumba trainer who teaches six classes a week. He has done many Zumbathons since he started training a year ago.“The whole point of doing these Zumbathons is doing it for as long as you can,” Padilla said. “They sacrifice the three hours for this cause. It’s like a marathon, you train and then you go out and do it. Right now Zumba is very popular and a lot of people like to do it, especially if it’s for a worthy cause like this.”

Margaret Fierro has been going to Zumba classes five times a week for about a year and is looking forward to the Zumbathon. “It’s a great workout for a great cause,” she said. “I’ve done other Zumbathons before. I think I’ll last the three hours at this one, at least I’m going to try. The most I’ve ever done was two hours, so this is really going to be a test for me to see what I can do.” THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

Boise Army wife, new mom

ADAPTS to LIFE-CHANGING ORDEAL STORY BY MARK JOHNSON / KTVB NEWS GROUP REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION

“It’s great to have this place I can call home for a couple of months because with everything else going on at least I knew I had a roof over my head every night,” Linzi said as she looked out over the Fisher House dining room.

Her days are filled with hospital visits to be by Micah’s side, not to mention everything that goes along with being a new mom. And she has managed to put up a Facebook page dedicated to her husband. She named it the Micah-Jay Fanclub page. Thousands have viewed it, and she says, it has lifted her husband’s spirits. “He didn’t realize how many people were thinking about him and sending him prayers and thoughts so once we started the page he was able to read the messages, and I think, it’s brightened his day knowing all these people are thinking about him,” said Linzi. Social media has helped her stay in touch with the fundraising events that have happened back in her hometown of Boise. Friends and strangers alike have come together to make sure Linzi and Micah know they have an enormous support group 1,600 miles away.

SAN ANTONIO First Lieutenant Micah Andersen, in a coma for weeks following the June 1 explosion in Afghanistan, was flown to the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center at the San Antonio Military Medical Center. His wife, Linzi Andersen, followed. “I was dropped off here in the middle of the night and had no idea where we were,” said Linzi of the night she got out of an Army escort van and into a military family housing unit called the Fisher House. It’s a cozy bed and breakfast like house that has served as home base for Linzi and her 7-month-old baby boy for the last six months. They live alongside other military families while their soldiers also heal.

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“For me it’s cool to see that he’s inspiring others, and they are inspiring us,” said Linzi. And Micah agreed saying, “That amount of support blows me away still. It does help. It does help knowing that you’re not fighting it all alone and that people are there with you.” The goal is for Micah is to get out of the hospital and into housing on the base shortly after the first of the year. Linzi will be an integral part of his transition into prosthetics which will eventually allow him to walk, and he says run with Linzi, and in a few years, baby Jay. “We’ll see. We’ll see how fast they can keep up!” laughed Micah. The thought of beginning a new life together soon is the driving force that keeps Linzi moving forward. “We see the light at the end of the tunnel. We’re going to get out of the hospital and be able to have a house and be a family,” said Linzi.

CHARITYWORKS: A GALA TO SUPPORT FISHER HOUSE In October, CharityWorks held their annual Dream Ball to help support Fisher House Foundation at The National Building Museum in Washington, DC. This is the second time Fisher House Foundation was a beneficiary of the annual event.

We are grateful to CharityWorks, led by founder Leah Gansler, for your continued support of the Fisher House program in the Washington Metropolitan area. Your hard work will provide military families with critical assistance they need today, tomorrow and in the future. - Ken Fisher

A Fisher House partner, Imperial Brands, created a festive cocktail for the occasion. The recipe is below, enjoy! Liberty Belle 1 1/2 oz Sobieski Vanilla Vodka 3/4 oz Marie Brizard Anisette 1/2 oz orange juice 1/4 oz simple syrup Shake with ice and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange wheel placed inside the glass.

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Honoring Our Nation

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

STORY BY FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION

DEATH GRATUITY UPDATE Thanks to the generosity of the American public, Fisher House Foundation was able to gift the families of the fallen, affected by the government shutdown, a total of $750,000 on behalf of a grateful nation. Each family received a gift of $25,000, in addition to the military death benefits that had been temporarily withheld due to the shutdown. “The response from the public during this crisis was incredible,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. “We wish to pass along the generosity of this nation, to thank and honor those heroes who showed us the true face of commitment to our country.”

“In lieu of flowers…” hese simple words affect the lives of more than 20,000 military and veterans’ families each year. Nearly every day, Fisher House Foundation receives a donation honoring the memory of a loved one who has passed away. It might be for a fallen service member who sacrificed his or her life, or a veteran who proudly wore our nation’s uniform. These gifts have one common theme: they honor individuals whose love for our country inspires others to patriotism and generosity.

It may seem like a small thing to request a donation in lieu of flowers, but know that this heartfelt gesture has directly affected thousands of families throughout the years who have been served by Fisher Houses. On any given day across the country we are providing a home away from home for hundreds of families; over the course of this year we will provide over 22,000 families free lodging. Our Fisher Houses will serve veterans that have not even been born yet, and when you think about that, it’s very meaningful. Our houses are built to stand the test of time; they will serve for decades to come. With each memorial gift we receive, we send a note to the deceased’s loved ones, often with a message from the donor of love and memories. The impact of each gift on the military families we serve is nearly priceless. It helps Fisher House provide a safe and welcoming refuge for families dealing with a medical crisis. It helps book an airline ticket to get a family member to their loved one’s bedside at the hospital. It provides a scholarship for military children whose lives have been forever affected by their parent’s service. The next time you see a “in lieu of flowers” request, know that it is making a difference, not just to Fisher House Foundation, but to many other wonderful charities.

The Zachary & Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher were known for many things—but above all was their generous and humble nature. In 1996 the Secretaries of the Army, Navy and the Air Force approved the establishment of the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Award for Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Service. Each year an individual or group is honored with this award. Held at the Pentagon, the latest award went to the Navy’s nominee, the LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve of north central Pennsylvania, a non-profit organization that provides wounded and injured service members a way to share and enjoy outdoor recreational experiences, tailored to their individual physical condition. For more information about the award and to see a list of previous winners, visit www.fisherhouse.org.

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olunteering

WITH FISHER HOUSE

Patti Joannes and Barbara Ewanowski are volunteers at the Tampa Fisher House. Both have husbands who were in the military, and now grandchildren who are defending this nation. Barbara has spent the past eight years volunteering and was joined by Patti last year. “I’ve been very involved with the military; my husband was former Navy and we do a lot of volunteering at MacDill Air Force Base,” Barbara said. “We heard about what was going on at the VA over here and when they spoke about the Fisher House, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.” Every Friday Barbara and Patti spend their days at the Fisher House. They can be found performing routine duties like stocking the shelves, or doing something specific that Paula Welenc, the Fisher House manager, has set aside for them. “I wanted to do something different,” Patti explained. “I wanted to do something for the military and this is something that’s just unbelievable, the Fisher House.” Barbara and Patti welcome guests every week with a warm smile and patient ear. “Sometimes the guests just want you to be their mother or grandmother,” Patti said. In addition to helping around the house, Barbara and Patti happily share their fond experience of Fisher House with others since they have learned so much about the program during their time at the house. They have also seen what generous support the Fisher House receives from the local community. “The generosity of these churches and special organizations is wonderful,” Barb said. “People come and drop off meals and donations. It’s heartwarming that they haven’t forgotten to support.” “There’s just so much we get out of volunteering,” she continued. “It’s heartbreaking to see these young men and women come back with injuries. But they’ve got a strong support group at the Fisher House.” To find out how you can volunteer at your local Fisher House, please contact the manager at the house closest to you.

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‘TIS THE SEASON This past holiday season, Walmart gave $2 million during their Holiday Salute to Military Families to help spread holiday cheer to our nation’s heroes and their families. For most Americans, the holidays are a time to gather and celebrate. However, for military families, they can often be stressful for families whose military member is deployed. To support those who defend our nation, Walmart made a $500,000 donation to Fisher House’s “sponsor a family” program. The grant will provide 50,000 nights of free lodging for families staying at a Fisher House, and is the single largest donation the program has ever received.

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COVER STORY

THE YOUNG FAMILY

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There’s life before injury. Then everything gets swept upside down.

STORY / ASHLEY ESTILL PHOTOS / CRAIG ORSINI

ilitary families are accustomed to hardship and change. They deal with situations that less than one percent of this nation has to due to their service to our country. One such family is the Young family: Perry, Samantha and their little girl, KinLee. In the Army for three years, Perry’s first deployment resulted in injuries sustained from a suicide bomber in July 2013. Now in a wheelchair, he is receiving the best treatment possible, with his wife and daughter a short walk away. Sam and KinLee called the Tampa Fisher House home for several months while her husband Perry, US Army, was being treated at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

“Perry got injured in Afghanistan and they originally sent him to Landstuhl, Germany, so I stayed at the Fisher House there,” Sam explained. “That was the first time I’ve ever stayed in a Fisher House. I didn’t know they had these for families—it was so nice to come back from the hospital and have somewhere homey to stay.” After Landstuhl, Perry went to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland; and finally to Tampa, Florida where the remainder of his recovery would be. Knowing that they were in Tampa for the time being, Sam brought their daughter, KinLee, to the Tampa Fisher House with them. “It was so nice having a Pack n’ Play provided and something to give KinLee a bath in,” Sam said. “I didn’t have to lug all of that, plus her high chair with me in my car. They even had baby food here; it’s the little things that made a difference.”

“For me, the Fisher House helps because I can get out of the hospital and come here,” Perry said. Sam added, “It’s hard to stay at the hospital all day and night, and when he comes here, he gets to watch football on a big TV and KinLee can play on the floor next to him.” With an open-design kitchen that leads to the family room, the Young family can cook or relax and keep an eye on their daughter. The communal living space has also allowed Sam to have “group therapy” with the other guests or take some of their advice as a new mom. “Every night we’re all in the kitchen and we ask about each other’s days,” she said. “These people are going through the same thing so they get it.” Sam and Perry expect to be in Tampa permanently and once Perry becomes an out-patient, he will continue receiving treatment at the VA hospital. At that time, they will find a permanent home in Tampa, but for now they will call Fisher House their home. Having the Fisher House was not only convenient, but financially a blessing. “I can stay at the hospital as long as I want to and walk back here,” Sam said. “It’s convenient, you don’t have to worry about the small stuff; I have my own space. I couldn’t imagine how much harder it would be without the Fisher House. You’re already ripped away from your routine and what you expect, there’s life before injury. Then everything gets swept upside down. It would be harder and so much more expensive if we didn’t have this—we haven’t incurred that because we have Fisher House.”

While Perry recovers in the hospital, he knows his wife and daughter are safe and cared for—and that he can come over to visit anytime.

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Dear Diary, Entries from Fisher House Guests House guest Within the walls of each Fisher ies containing entr with d fille nals suite are jour g words, or agin stories of a loved one, encour ds will be wor se The . just a simple thank you t room, tha in ing stay ily fam t read by the nex we share e, Her e. for them to find peace and hop ilies. fam our by tten a few of these words, wri Fisher House. Thank you to the ladies at the en but we know hidd l wel gs You keep your win have been a You rts. hea r you in rest angels ng my son’s duri I and Godsend to my family on to me irati insp an are You s. erie many surg more. be and do to t and truly make me wan ugh to eno be to seem sn’t doe just Thank you to are we eful tell you how blessed and grat take es ladi its and se Hou er Fish have had the g to do the same care of us while we were tryin for our son. Forever in Your Debt,

A Proud Mama of a U.S. Marine!! Ooh Rah !!!

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

. explaining that Got a call from my son’s Lt. Sgt 29 Palms to from red sfer my son was being tran San Diego to t fligh t nex the ked boo I San Diego. ts. When men nge arra l and did not make my hote me and met ines Mar two o, Dieg I arrived in San . and Sgt the met took me to the hospital. I then ed with stay I se. Hou er Fish the ut he told me abo 0 am and then my son until it was around 12:3 er House offers a Fish The . checked into my room to not worry about sense of peace. Allowing me s on being focu to and my accommodations te for the oca adv an now I’m . son my there for k they do wor the t por Fisher House and will sup was my hen kitc The . USA the ss acro for families k to bac go I en Wh favorite part of the place. . hen kitc my ng vati reno on Hawaii, I intend nal. jour God Bless anyone reading this

Aloha!

The Making of a New PSA Story and Photo by Ashley Estill

Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles program uses frequent flyer miles donated from airline partners and their customers to fly families to the bedside of their wounded warrior. Since the program began in 2004, Hero Miles has provided over 45,000 tickets to our military families, like the Galeazzi’s.

Take a look at the Hero Miles PSA by visiting Fisher House Foundation’s YouTube page.

To show their support Captain Greg Galeazzi, US Army, who was injured in Afghanistan in May 2011, and his brother Steve Galeazzi, who was able to join his brother at the hospital thanks to Hero Miles, thanked our donors in an a video interview. “When I got injured, it’s such a scary, awful thing to go through,” said Greg. “You wake up and your life is catastrophically changed and there’s so much unknown ahead of you. I couldn’t imagine going through that alone.” “For me, when the shock of hearing Greg was injured became reality, doing simple things like making travel arrangements became a nightmare,” Steve said. “You’re in such a state of overwhelming sadness and confusion that you just want to be there to support your loved one. From day one, Hero Miles made being able to support Greg a reality.” “I think hands down that the Fisher House and Hero Miles programs have been some of the most effective organizations that’s had a clear impact on helping us through this process,” Greg said. And we say THANK YOU for donating those miles.

Photo courtesy of Petter Nyquist

WALKING WITH THE WOUNDED Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles program provided flights to US service members participating in Walking with the Wounded. Three teams walked from Antarctica to the South Pole, initially racing to see who would make it first. The US team was led by actor Alexander Skarsgard; the UK team was led by Prince Harry; and the Commonwealth team was led by actor Dominic West. Due to bad weather conditions, instead of competing, the teams worked together to reach their final destination. Hero Miles provided flights to US service members for training events prior to leaving; and on Christmas Eve, flew everyone back home from New York.

To donate miles or find out more about our Hero Miles program, please visit: www.fisherhouse.org/programs/hero-miles THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

FISHER HOUSE Team from Ice Road Truckers creates moving Fisher House video, “A Hero’s Story”

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

Michael King, Dave Freed, Nino Martinez, Elliot Gran and Tom Durant donated their time to create this amazing new video for Fisher House.

Dave Freed poses with Dale Beatty post filming.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ASHLEY ESTILL

At Fisher House Foundation, we are fortunate enough to have countless individuals and organizations that support us. One unexpected phone call turned into a Hollywood production of Fisher House’s newest video. Hollywood producer David Freed called Fisher House one day to see how he could support our mission. After speaking with us, David decided to utilize his skills as a producer of A&E’s Ice Road Truckers to create a fresh, new video for Fisher House. David gathered some friends and colleagues, equipment and a free Saturday to film at the Los Angeles Fisher House featuring some special guests. Three families agreed to share their experiences with the production crew, ranging from a wounded warrior in an IED explosion; a Vietnam-era veteran suffering from cancer; and a mother whose baby boy was very sick. All of their situations are unique, however they all were able to find their “home away from home” with Fisher House. David and his team documented their stories and have completed one video for Fisher House, with another currently in production. His first video chronicles the story of SSG Dale Beatty, Army National Guard (Ret.) and Purple Heart Recipient, and his wife Belinda, as they were confronted with Dale’s combat injury in Iraq in 2004. Dale and Belinda recalled his injury, medical recovery, rehabilitation, and the role Fisher House played in the healing process. A few words helped set up the powerful new film. “It’s amazing how clear everything becomes when you think your next breath could be your last.” – SSG Dale Beatty In an IED explosion, Dale knew how badly he was injured. He soon traveled to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC for treatment, where he became a double amputee, with the loss of his legs. “I asked [Belinda] where she was staying, and she said, ‘well we were in a hotel, but I met some of the folks on base and we’re now staying at the Fisher House.’ I had never heard of Fisher House,” Dale said. Dale soon learned what Fisher House was, with his family by his side for the duration of his rehabilitation. “Living there for a year was home away from home,” Belinda said. “I was never alone. You’re surrounded by love.”

Dale Beatty is a trustee of Fisher House Foundation. To watch the new video, visit Fisher House’s YouTube page or our website, www.fisherhouse.org.

A powerful story deserves an equally impressive team helping to turn their words into film. David enlisted the help of Tom Durant, Nino Martinez, Elliot Gran and Michael King, all who have a long list of experience in Hollywood. “Producing this video is our way of giving back to the troops,” said David. “We hope our work will bring awareness to the Fisher House mission, it’s been an honor to work on this.” THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

Since 1999 Fisher House Foundation has partnered with Newman’s Own, Inc. and Military Times to create the Newman’s Own Awards, recognizing other military care initiatives that improve the quality of life for military families.

hen you hear of Newman’s Own, Inc. you may recall their founder, Paul Newman, or you may picture some of their food and beverage products. But did you know that Newman’s Own donates all of their profits to charity? Since 1982 more than $370 million has been given to thousands of charities. Fisher House Foundation is one of these charities.

The latest awards recognized eight organizations in a ceremony at the Pentagon and were awarded prizes totaling $100,000. Last year’s top prize went to Final Salute, Inc., an Alexandria, Virginia based organization that helps provide homeless female veterans and their children with safe and suitable housing. This year Fisher House Foundation will contribute $100,000 to the awards for total prizes equaling $200,000 for organizations supporting the military. For information about the Newman’s Own Awards, visit www.fisherhouse.org.

FISHER HOUSE RECEIVED $528K In the last issue of The Patriot we shared that Fisher House Foundation was a recipient of the Salute Our Troops Campaign, led by Kangaroo Express. After totaling all the generous donations from the Kangaroo Express patrons, Fisher House Foundation received a $528,000 donation. More than 1,500 Kangaroo Express stores rallied together to contribute to the campaign and share messages of gratitude to the military. Funds raised from this campaign will benefit the new Fisher House at the Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

THANK YOU to the Kangaroo Express employees and customers for supporting military families. We look forward to our 2014 partnership!

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

Why

for IRun Team Fisher House

USE N I O H JEAO HER S I F M

BY STAN FISHER

AS A RUNNER, VOLUNTEER, SPONSOR OR DONOR DURING OUR 2014 EVENTS! May 18 Marine Corps Marathon Historic & Half Marathon Fredericksburg, VA I never ran a marathon until the Marine Corps Marathon in 2011, when I was asked to run with a team by my friend Sergeant Clint Van Winkle, USMC. Clint and I grew up in the same hometown in Florida, and went to school together. Our days of spending time together came to an end after he enlisted in the Marines. We lost contact from 1996 until 2006. After not talking for 10 years, we were able to reconnect via social media. I told Clint that if he ever needed anything, to let me know. Fast forward to 2011, when Clint called me and asked me to run in a race with him that would raise money for wounded military. I agreed and never asked for more details. As I was filling out the registration, I realized he had tricked me into running a full marathon. When I first took this on, I did not think I could do it. Then one day, a gentleman reached out to me. I was working in Atlanta for a country radio station and I had been talking about the marathon for Fisher House, my training and how we were raising money for military families. This gentleman asked if I would dedicate my run to Lance Corporal Christopher Blake Rodgers, his son. That changed everything.

Washington, DC Sept 20 Air Force Marathon Dayton, OH Oct 12 Army Ten Miler Washington, DC Oct 26

Marine Corps Marathon & 10K Washington, DC

www.teamfisherhouse.org/race_teams

I began to realize how much I took my life for granted. I grew up in a military family and yet I was still somewhat sheltered to the hardships military families endure. When I listened to the story of this 20-yearold who lost his life defending our nation, I changed. I would run this race because I can. I run because I want to make a difference. I want to be a hero to someone and this is my way.

Sept 14 A ir Force Half Marathon & Navy 5 Miler

*No Federal, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Army endorsement implied.

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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 world. ALASKA

JBER HOSPITAL Elmendorf AFB, AK Military, civilians and family members volunteered their time for three Saturdays to help build the Alaska Fisher House a storage shed. Over 400 volunteer hours helped to build the 12 foot by 16 foot shed. Building materials were donated by local businesses.

DAVID GRANT USAF MEDICAL CENTER Travis AFB, CA Radio hosts Armstrong & Getty have made tremendous efforts to support Fisher House Foundation, over the past few years they have raised well over $1 million dollars to support the construction of the second Travis AFB Fisher House. They have been devoted to the mission of supporting military, veterans and their families. Both Jack and Joe had shovels in hand for the groundbreaking. Life goes on no matter where you are, including our Fisher Houses. Lawrence and Brenda decided not to hold off on their wedding plans any longer and on November, 30 2013 the Fisher House at Travis AFB hosted their wedding.

US Army Corps of Engineers photo by John Budnik

CALIFORNIA

A GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE V SYSTEM Los Angeles, CA Every family living in the Fisher House is going through a stressful time in supporting their loved one. In taking care of their family, they often forget about themselves. This is where LA Fisher House volunteer Joyce Davis comes in. Joyce recently held a baking and spa day for the guests of the Fisher House. She also planned other activities for them including crafts, games and cooking events. Events like these bring relaxation and joy to families going through trying times. Thank you to Joyce and all the volunteers who care for the families.

Thank you to the Kardashian family who organized a charity yard sale with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Los Angeles Fisher House. Once all the funds were raised, the Kardashians matched the donation to double their contribution. Thank you for your support!

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SAN DIEGO NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER San Diego, CA Fisher House family member Adan Gonzalez carved a pumpkin with Emily Setzer from the University of St. Augustine’s Students of Occupational Therapy. The group hosted a ‘Spooktacular’ Halloween party for the families which included costumes, pumpkin decorating and freaky foods.

COLORADO

VA EASTERN COLORADO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Aurora, CO In honor of the big game, the Denver and Seattle Fisher Houses made a friendly wager on the Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos game. The winning house received a dinner of the other’s local cuisine. Congratulations to the Seattle Fisher House who will dine on buffalo steaks! F LO R I DA

EGLIN AIR FORCE HOSPITAL Eglin AFB, FL Once again, employees of the local Home Depot stores in Northwest Florida stepped up to support the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. On Veteran’s Day, four stores combined resources to send 83 employees and volunteers to visit the Eglin AFB Fisher House for a beautification project. The project included the addition of colorful flowers, cleaning gardens, adding rubber mulch/sod and adding brick pavers to line the garden areas. Thank you Home Depot for your continued support to our network of Fisher Houses nationwide.

JAMES A. HALEY VETERANS’ HOSPITAL Tampa, FL Sometimes it’s hard for us to express in words what our houses offer and how they support our families. Professional photographer Craig Orsini volunteered his time and team, yet again, to visit one of our Fisher Houses to take photos for us, all pro bono. We cannot thank him enough for bringing to life in a single photo, the importance of Fisher Houses.

MIAMI VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Miami, FL

Photo courtesy of Craig Orsini

In September, the Miami VAHS Fisher House helped the Mayor of San Antonio Juan Castro honor his NBA Finals bet with Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Jimenez by hosting both mayors, members of City Year Miami and San Antonio and Miami HEAT player Udonis Haslem for an authentic Mexican luncheon with Fisher House guests. Chefs from San Antonio’s Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia traveled to Miami to prepare the feast and transform the Fisher House dining room into a Mexican fiesta, complete with Mariachi band.

GEORGIA

CHARLIE NORWOOD VA MEDICAL CENTER Augusta, GA Betty Jiles, the housekeeper for the Augusta Fisher House was named an Employee of the Month last fall for the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center. Betty goes above and beyond what is expected to keep the house in top shape, but she also helps Fisher House guests check in, heats meals up for families before leaving, and extends her warmth by preparing special meals for guests. Congratulations Betty, we’re lucky you’re part of the Fisher House family. THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

H AWA I I

TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER Honolulu, HI

SUPER

The Tripler Fisher House located in Honolulu, Hawaii hosts the 8K Hero & Remembrance Run, Walk or Roll every year in September. Boots representing each of the 6,730 military members who were killed in action since 2001 are lined up along the route. A photograph of the fallen hero is displayed, including their name, date, and the conflict in which they lost their life. This event honors and remembers those who have given the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the nation.

SEATTLE VS DENVER

GENEROUS

ILLINOIS

HINES VA HOSPITAL Hines, IL Hines Fisher House was visited by Nick Wallace (right in picture) of Wallace Farms out of Keystone, IA. His family farm helps stock our pantry and refrigerators with food. Part of being in a Fisher House is the ability to prepare your own meals in our kitchen, Nick and his family help make this possible.

Colorado Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet are being great sports and presenting Washington Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell with their prize after the Seattle Seahawks won the Big Game.

Colorado Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet and Washington Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell made a bet on who would be victorious at Super Bowl XLVIII. Senator Udall and Bennet presented the winning state a basket of local products from their state, including some gift certificates to “Elway’s” restaurant in Denver. Senators Murray and Cantwell graciously donated the certificates to the local Denver Fisher House location at the VA Medical Center. “While the better team may have prevailed on Super Bowl Sunday, I think we can all agree the men and women of the Fisher Houses are the true champions,” said Senator Patty Murray. “From the Puget Sound to Pittsburgh, the Fisher House Foundation allows the families of our brave veterans to have one less thing to worry about when their loved ones are facing hardships. I appreciate the true sportsmanship shown by Senators Udall and Bennet, especially after such a devastating loss, and I am glad some of Denver’s heroes will be able to reap the benefits of their generosity.”

KENTUCKY

BLANCHFIELD ARMY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Fort Campbell, KY To kick off CFC season, the Fort Campbell Fisher House received a visit from country music star Darryl Worley. Darryl spent time visiting with families and shared lunch.

Photos Courtesy of Scott Hollingsworth 26

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MARYLAND

MALCOLM GROW CLINICS & SURGERY CENTER Andrews AFB, MD The Fisher House manager’s office now has a daily reminder of how important their work is, and just how much they impact a family’s life. Billy Estep, Fisher House custodian, poses with MSgt. (Ret.) Sammy Myers, who was a guest at the Fisher House when his wife was a patient at the hospital.

WALTER REED NATIONAL MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER Bethesda, MD Adelaid “Addie” Larson was born in March 2011 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Her mother Jessica Carter, US Army, had complications from her pregnancy, which resulted in Addie being born early, but perfectly healthy. We are fortunate enough to keep in touch with Addie and her family years later. Walter Reed is the military’s premier neo-natal intensive care unit. You will often find families who have been medevaced there for the birth of their child staying at one of our five Fisher Houses. Here’s a great photo of Addie, now three years old.

Washington DC Metro area Enterprise Car Rental employees have adopted the region’s Fisher Houses. Not only are they collecting much needed items for the guests, they are also taking time to deliver dinner to our residents, and on a regular basis throughout the year. Enterprise Rental Car company, owned by former WWII carrier pilot Jack Taylor, has made a year-long commitment in 2014 to assist our Fisher Houses nationwide. Their local team in DC stopped by the Walter Reed Fisher Houses in January to provide dinner and some items from the house’s wish list. Thank for helping out the area’s Fisher Houses.

NORTH CAROLINA

NAVAL HOSPITAL CAMP LEJEUNE Camp Lejeune, NC Lejeune Lincoln and Honey Baked Ham of Jacksonville had a sweet deal for Fisher House. If you test drove a Lincoln at Honey Baked Ham, a donation was made to support the Camp Lejeune Fisher House.

+ = Sweet Deal!!

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HOUSE ROUND-UP OHIO

WRIGHT-PATTERSON MEDICAL CENTER Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Because Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is host to the annual Air Force Marathon, their Fisher House had a front row seat for the event. Fisher House volunteers helped the over 15,000 runners who participated in the race. Fisher House volunteers and guests cheered on the runners as they passed the Fisher House. Interested runners can sign up through Team Fisher House for the 2014 race.

TEXAS

WILLIAM BEAUMONT ARMY MEDICAL CENTER El Paso, TX Fisher House Foundation would like to thank and congratulate manager Harry Hicks on his retirement. Thank you for 20 years of dedicated service to military families.

MICHAEL E. DEBAKEY VA MEDICAL CENTER Houston, TX Fred Astaire Dance Studios Texas Region teamed up with local heroes from all branches of the military to dance and fundraise for the Houston Fisher House. The charitable event featured a dance competition with military heroes partnered with professional dancers. Attendees voted on their favorite couple, and the panel of judges voted as well. Profits from the evening supported the families at the Houston Fisher Houses. Photo courtesy of Randall Coe

P E N N S Y LVA N I A

VA PITTSBURGH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Pittsburgh, PA Many Eagle Scouts throughout the country have earned their Eagle Scout designation with volunteer projects at Fisher Houses. Paul Amucucci, an Eagle Scout candidate, volunteered at the Pittsburgh Fisher House in a variety of ways, not only helping out guests but also creating a special care package for families.

TENNESSEE

TENNESSEE VALLEY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Murfreesboro, TN Tim Rushlow, formerly of “Little Texas,” Randy Owen from “Alabama” and Larry Stewart from “Restless Heart” performed at the Hard Rock Café in Nashville to raise funds for the Tennessee Fisher House. Thanks to these country music stars for your support!

WILFORD HALL AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER SAN ANTONIO MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER Lackland AFB, TX The San Antonio Medical Group Management Association (SAMGMA) and Bexar County Medical Society Foundation held their 2013 Charity Golf Tournament donating proceeds to the Wilford Hall Fisher Houses.

SOUTH TEXAS VETERANS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM San Antonio, TX Hewlett Packard sponsored their first “Home of the Brave” Veterans Day celebration at the South Texas VA Fisher House. The team of volunteers provided a meal and entertainment for the families. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church also participated in this year’s activities. We love it when the community supports their local Fisher Houses. 28

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

VIRGINIA

NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER, PORTSMOUTH Portsmouth, VA The Surface Officer Spouses of the Norfolk Community reported for duty at the Portsmouth Fisher House. They helped spruce up the yard and provided donated items that will bring comfort to the families.

WA S H I N G T O N

MADIGAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA

GERMANY

PFC Amber Rogers and PFC Diondre Jenkins were brought to the JBLM Fisher House when tragedy struck. The baby boy that Amber was carrying had passed away in utero, and Amber and Diondre spent time healing at the Fisher House after their ordeal. Amber and Diondre decided that they should marry at the Fisher House with their “Fisher House family” there. With the help of Fisher House staff and volunteers, they exchanged vows in the home’s backyard gazebo.

LANDSTUHL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

A local base group organized a “Galactic Showdown” where kids and adults got to shoot nerf guns at the bad guys of Star Wars. Who doesn’t want to dress up and play with nerf balls? All proceeds of the event will go to the Landstuhl Fisher Houses.

UNITED KINGDOM

VA PUGET SOUND HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Seattle, WA Our friends at Microsoft stopped by the Puget Sound Fisher House in September to work in the garden. Microsoft has been helping for years, providing support to this house. In addition to helping in the garden, their recent visit also included some baking, crafting and organization.

QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL BIRMINGHAM A war hero returned to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham to open a new sports facility for military patients and their families. Former Royal Marine Commando Mark Ormrod cut the ribbon on the Fisher House Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in November. This facility will provide a great place for wounded warriors and veterans to get in shape.

We would like to send our congratulations and thanks to Seattle’s manager Cecile Bagrow, who recently retired. Cecile has been a wonderful manager and we wish her a fond farewell. THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

DEDICATING TWO NEW FISHER HOUSES:

HOUSTON VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER AND T ENNESSEE VALLEY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Fisher House Foundation opened a second facility at the Houston VA Medical Center, a 20-suite home for more families to call their “home away from home.” Also opened was a 12-suite home at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. Tennessee’s Poet Laureate, Margaret Britton Vaughn, attended the dedication ceremony and read a poem entitled, “Heroes,” which she wrote especially for the occasion.

Houston, TX

Murfreesboro, TN

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“Heroes”

by Margaret Britton Vaughn

She’s been there from 1776 to present day, waving her stars and stripes along side men and women wearing stars and stripes on uniforms that protect our country. She only lies still long enough to bring home those who gave all. Today Old Glory flies proudly over her Veterans’ hospitals all over America and is a lighthouse that calls to veterans whose health has been shipwrecked on the jagged rocks of war. On June 24, 1991, a beacon known as the Fisher House established by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, gave refuge to families of our national treasures, our veterans. It is fitting that the Fisher House is free to families whose loved ones fought to keep us free. On this day, we cut the ribbon to the beautiful Fisher House located on the sprawling grounds of the Alvin C. York VA campus. To all of those who had a hand in this magnificent project the Volunteer State thanks you, Murfreesboro thanks you, the Alvin C. York VA thanks you, and Old Glory thanks you most of all.

FUTURE FISHER HOUSES

IN ACTION Milwaukee, WI Honor Flight: A Visual Journey is a book filled with

photographs of WWII veterans on Stars and Stripes Honor Flights to visit Washington DC and tour the WWII Memorial. Photographs of these heroes, their families and others welcoming them to the DC area fill the pages of this amazing book. A portion of proceeds from this book will benefit the future Fisher House in Wisconsin at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee.

Cleveland, OH

Chicago, IL

Gainesville, FL

Dentzler Elementary School held their second annual All-School Walk for Fisher House in November, raising funds and awareness in support of the future Fisher House at the Louis B. Stokes VA Medical Center. The one-mile walk raised funds to support the new Fisher House in Cleveland.

The GE Military Affinity Council is a group of GE employees who are military veterans. More than 150 of their volunteers manned a concession stand at historic Soldier Field in Chicago over the past year volunteering in excess of 1,500 hours. They worked during the Bears season and also covered several concert events at the stadium. The team is raising funds for the future North Chicago Fisher House. Go Team!

Paige Beck, a local anchorwoman for the Gainesville area hosted a wonderful birthday party to support the Gainesville Fisher House. Instead of presents for their birthday, Tammy West, Janet Peterson and Suzy Snyder asked guests to bring items for the future Fisher House in Gainesville versus typical birthday presents. Thanks to the ladies, more than 100 items were donated to the Fisher House.

Welcome!

We are proud to welcome two new committees who are fundraising for Fisher Houses in Tucson, AZ and Las Vegas, NV. Thank you for your commitment to Fisher House!

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

DOWN

FISHER HOUSE DIRECTORY

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

James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Tampa, FL (second house) Portland VA Medical Center Portland, OR Womack Army Medical Center Fort Bragg, NC Madigan Army Medical Center Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA (second house)

Naval Medical Center San Diego I, II 34800 Bob Wilson Dr. Bldg 46 San Diego, CA 92134-5000 (619) 532-9055 fax: (619) 532-5216 Manager: Kristin Palmer kristin.palmer@med.navy.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

COLORADO

Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center Milwaukee, WI

VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System 1954 Quentin St. Aurora, CO 80010 (303) 399-8020 x. 2049 fax: (303) 364-4882 POC: Joanna Kadis Joanna.kadis@va.gov

Future projects with an immediate recognized need:

DELAWARE

VA Palo Alto Health Care System Palo Alto, CA (second house) VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System Denver, CO (second house) VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven, CT VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System N. Las Vegas, NV

VA Long Beach Healthcare System Long Beach, CA

North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System Gainesville, FL

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. Bay Pines, FL 33744 (727) 319-1350 fax: (727) 319-1106 Manager: Rena Graves rena.graves@va.gov

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

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Tucson, AZ

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

FLORIDA

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Hospital 4943 Zeamer Ave. 673 MDSS/SGS/FH Elmendorf AFB, AK 99506 (907) 222-1673 Manager: Jenny Hall jhall@akfisherhouse.org

CALIFORNIA

The following projects are currently in design or under construction:

Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Camp Pendleton, CA

ALASKA

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Fisher House for Families of the Fallen 220 Lajes St. Dover AFB, DE 19902 (302) 677-5317 Manager: TSgt. Cheryl Uylaki cheryl.uylaki@us.af.mil

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Washington DC VA Medical Center 50 Irving St. NW Washington, DC 20422 (202) 745-2482 Manager: Stacey Childs Stacey.childs@va.gov

Eglin Hospital 350 Boatner Rd. Eglin AFB, FL 32542 (850) 883-2865 Manager: Ron Gribble ronald.gribble@eglin.af.mil 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 W. Palm Beach, FL 33410 (561) 422-5554 fax: (561) 442-8793 Manager: Shelley Prickett Shelley.prickett@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. - Bldg 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: Anita Clingerman anita.f.clingerman.naf@mail.mil

ILLINOIS Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital 5000 S 5th Ave. Hines, IL 60141 (708) 202-7154 fax: (708) 202-7155 Manager: Holly Wright holly.wright@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.

KENTUCKY

NEW YORK

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital 652 Joel Dr. Fort Campbell, KY 42223 (270) 798-8330 fax: (270) 798-8804 Manager: Wendy J. Carlston wendy.j.carlston.naf@mail.mil

Albany Stratton VA Medical Center 113 Holland Ave. Albany, NY 12208 (518) 626-6919 fax: (518) 626-5452

MARYLAND Malcolm Grow Clinics & Surgery 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: Kenneth E. Merritt kemerritt@fisherhousebethesda.org Walter Reed – Forest Glen Annex 2460 Linden Ln. Bldg 173 Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 295-7374 x. 10 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 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 VA St. Louis Health Care System 1 Jefferson Barracks Rd. St. Louis, MO 63125 (314) 894-6145 fax: (314) 894-6147 Manager: Vanniecia Brown Vanniecia.brown@va.gov

NORTH CAROLINA 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 Womack Army Medical Center 12 Bassett St. Fort Bragg, NC 28307-5000 (910) 432-1486 fax: (910) 432-3825 Manager: Lorie Southerland fbfisherhouse@aol.com

OHIO Cincinnati VA Medical Center 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 fax: (937) 656-2150 Manager: Heather Frantz heather.frantz@va.gov

TENNESSEE Tennessee Valley Healthcare System 3400 Lebanon Pike Murfreesboro, TN 37129 (615) 225-5758 Manager: Becky Wood Rebecca.wood4@va.gov

TEXAS 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 Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Bldg. 36015 Fisher Ln. Fort Hood, TX 78254 (254) 286-7927 fax: (254) 286-7929 Manager: Theresa Johnson Theresa.m.johnson2.naf@mail.mil

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center I, II 2002 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77030 (713) 794-8095 fax: (713) 794-7194 Manager: Frank Kelley frank.kelley@va.gov VA North Texas Health Care System 4500 S. Lancaster Rd. Bldg 79 Dallas, TX 75216 (214) 857-2574 fax: (214) 462-4923 Manager: Lydia Henderson lydia.henderson1@va.gov South Texas Veterans Health Care System 7485 Wurzbach Road San Antonio, Texas 78229 (210) 617-5300 x. 16626 Manager: Harry Robinson harry.robinson2@va.gov Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center I, II, III San Antonio Military Medical Center 1445 Foster Ave. Bldg 3865 Lackland AFB, TX 78236 (210) 671-6037 fax: (210) 671-6020 Manager: Ramona Lewis rlewis-fisherhouse@sbcglobal.net William Beaumont Army Medical Center Bldg 7360 Rodriguez St. El Paso, TX 79930 (915) 569-1860 fax: (915) 569-1862 Manager: Harry Hicks fhwbamc@aol.com

WASHINGTON Madigan Army Medical Center 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 98108 (206) 768-5353 fax: (206) 277-1415 POC: Michelle Power Michelle.Power@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.l.wilson.naf@mail.mil

UNITED KINGDOM Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Mindelsohn Way Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham B15 2TH 0121-472-6217 fax: 0121-4130-6897 Manager: Patrick Hogan

UTAH VA Salt Lake City 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 Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center 1201 Broad Rock Blvd. Richmond, VA 23249 (804) 675-6639 fax: (804) 675-5979 Manager: Wayne Walker wayne.walker@va.gov Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth 853 Fisher Dr. Bldg 287 Portsmouth, VA 23708 (757) 953-6889 fax: (757) 953-7174 Manager: Jill Thompson fishrhouse@msn.com

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 • 2014

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

Because we

our heroes.

For more than twenty years, Fisher House Foundation has been dedicated to meeting the needs of our military heroes and their families, all made possible by the generosity of people just like you. At the very heart of our program, we construct and donate Fisher Houses to military and VA medical centers, and support the operation of more than 60 existing houses. These “homes away from home” offer a welcoming place to stay for the families of our military while their loved ones receive specialized medical care. Because lodging at any Fisher House is free, patients and their visiting families can focus on what’s most important, the healing process. Additionally, our Hero Miles program assists with travel needs, and our scholarship program offers educational advancement to military children and spouses. Show your love by making a donation to Fisher House. To find out more, please visit www.fisherhouse.org or call (888) 294-8560.

Fisher House Foundation

CFC Code: 11453