The Patriot Magazine Volume 7 Issue 1 by Fisher House Foundation

2016 VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION, INC. TM

www.fisherhouse.org

Featured

COVER STORY Pearl & Nancy Page 12

“Our hearts connected” Fisher House Friendships

GUEST FAMILY PROFILE

FISHER HOUSE SALUTES:

TEAM FISHER HOUSE

The Raley Family

Purple Heart Homes

Helping One Family Heal After 9/11

Contents Social Media Support

Motorcycle Group Finds New Focus

Guest FamilyProfile: The Raley Family

Fisher House Through A Doctor’s Eyes 6 Birthday Partying For Fisher House

Meet the Staff Member

Fisher House Salutes

Lessons of Life Learned at A Fisher House

Truckin’ For Fisher House

Hearts in the Community

Cover Story: Behind Closed Doors

Journal Entries

Team Fisher House

Hero Miles

Hotels for Heroes

Meet the Manager

House Round-Up

Fisher House Dedications

Down Range

Fisher House Directory

FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN AND CEO Kenneth Fisher PRESIDENT David A. Coker CHIEF OF STAFF Mary Considine EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kerri Childress MANAGING 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

About Fisher House Foundation, The Fisher House program provides a "home away from home" for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes provide free temporary lodging so military and Veterans’ families can be close to their loved ones during a medical crisis. Recognizing the special sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, and their families, Fisher House Foundation helps by meeting a humanitarian need outside the scope offered by the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs. This is a unique program, a private-public partnership to support America’s military heroes, both Veterans and active duty service members, in their time of need. Each Fisher House is located on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers in the United States, as well as locations in Europe. Our houses provide a comforting, first-class “home away from home” while loved ones receive care in an unfamiliar environment — all at NO COST to the service member or their families. This special support is very important during the most stressful time — the hospitalization of a loved one. Each Fisher House provides all the comforts of home — a spacious dining, living, laundry and family room, kitchen, and private bedrooms for families to retreat and rejuvenate after a stressful day at the hospital. While the road to recovery is different for every family, one thing remains the same — Fisher House is there to provide comfort and compassion. 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 Scholarships, 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 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 without expressed permission, and does not solicit contributions by direct mail or telephone. Once constructed, each Fisher House is given to the US 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. 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. Donations to Fisher House Foundation or individual Fisher Houses are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.

Fisher House Foundation thanks Don Schaaf & Friends, Inc. in Washington, D.C. for your donated services in designing The Patriot.

Cover photo courtesy of Craig Orsini www.orsinistudio.com

LETTER FROM KEN FISHER Dear Friends, Since the last Patriot we have been busy. We finished our 25th Anniversary year and jumped right into four new house dedications in Las Vegas and Tucson in February, Portland in March and Milwaukee in April — bringing our total to 70 homes. This means that on any given night, 935 military and Veterans’ families could be cooking dinner, visiting their loved ones and sleeping safely and soundly at a Fisher House. Fisher Houses work not because of the bricks and mortar of the buildings, but because of the staff and volunteers who are the lifeblood of our organization and its many initiatives. The doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals all help care for our military and Veterans, and thus help us carry out and continue our mission. Like most of you, I believe that helping our wounded, injured and ill service members and Veterans isn’t charity, but rather this nation’s solemn duty. It is an investment in healing and recovery that can give families the opportunity to rebuild their lives. In these very tough situations, they don’t quit on themselves. Neither should we. Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO, Fisher House Foundation

Fisher House Program by the

Numbers

When staff members and volunteers at Fisher Houses say, “thank you for your service,” it is followed up by something far more tangible: resolve. A resolution to not just SAY something, but to DO something to make their lives a little easier, a little safer, a little happier. As we begin the next 25 years of Fisher House, know that my family, the Fisher House staff, and all those who work tirelessly everyday at Fisher Houses around the world, will be there not only to say thank you, but also to serve those who served. Sincerely,

$320 Million Savings for Families in Lodging and Transportation Cost

6.5 Million

Kenneth Fisher Chairman and CEO, Fisher House Foundation @KenFisherFHF

Days of Lodging Offered

The Fisher Family at the Las Vegas Fisher House dedication

Over

277 Thousand Families Served

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

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 watchdog organizations. Fisher House Foundation has received an A+ from CharityWatch (formerly the American Institute of Philanthropy) in their “Veterans and Military” category. Out of 55 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 12th consecutive year, a rating achieved by less than one percent of the charities in the country that they monitor. THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT FACEBOOK FEEDBACK www.facebook.com/FisherHouse “Love, love W. Roxbury, MA Fisher House!! Thank you for all you do above and beyond! I will always be grateful for making a bad situation bearable!” — Betty B. “Thank you so very much Fisher House! You provided a place for my wife to stay while I had surgery at the Pittsburgh, PA VA Hospital.” — Dan J. “Just made my #GivingTuesday donation on behalf of my father to the Fisher House Foundation. They took great care of my father before he passed.” — John M. “My husband was hospitalized for 3 months. Because of Fisher House I was able to be at his side for his long journey home. I shared that time with others who were also with their family members, we were a small community of folks, working for the best for the people we love and we were great support for one another. Thank you, Fisher House.” — Lulu B. “I spent almost a year in a hospital 50 miles away from my children, having suffered Traumatic Brain Injury and being comatose for a while. I was just a baby myself when I started to come back to life. Once I learned who I was and who my family were, they were there at my side, staying at a Fisher House. Every time they visited me made me stronger. Please keep up the good work.” — E. D.

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TWITTER LOVE www.twitter.com/FisherHouseFdtn Miami HEAT @MiamiHEAT Today CB and Pat Riley stopped by the Fisher House to deliver holiday cheer to veterans and their families! Arizona Fisher House @AZFisherHouse Thank you to the Helping Hands Crafters for crocheting and knitting 48 blankets for our AZ Fisher House families. Xtreme Foxx @mzfancee Spent part of today preparing lunch for residents and staff @Hines Fisher House in Illinois. #givingback #MakingADifference Lee L. Gibbons @leelivesfreely I live for Sprinkles Cupcakes, I take them to the Dallas @FisherHouseFdtn & give 2 #woundedvets & their families.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram too! Instagram.com/FisherHouseFdtn and share your story with us using the hashtag #FisherHouse!

MOTORCYCLE GROUP Finds a New Fisher House Focus Story by Leslie Happ

Entering its 10th year of helping service members and Veterans through Operation Wounded Warrior, the American Legion Riders of New Mexico are energized by a new effort closer to home. Since 2006, the Riders have conducted donation drives and fundraisers throughout the year that culminate in a rally to deliver supplies to the Warrior and Family Support Center at Fort Sam Houston and the Fisher Houses there, and at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Recently, VA recognized the need for a Fisher House at the New Mexico Health Care System’s Medical Center in Albuquerque. “The New Mexico VA is so small, there’s no place for a spouse to stay right now. This is going to help a lot,” says Aaron Dean, chairman of the Operation Wounded Warrior Project of New Mexico. “I think all in all, it’s going to be fantastic.” For years, the group has aimed to raise $150,000 a year through its chapters throughout New Mexico, primarily for wounded warriors. “One of the things Americans don’t understand is being in the military is a job,” says Dean. “When they get hurt, it can take six to eight months for their paychecks to catch up with them. When they land, coming from Germany, they’ve got

on a nightgown and dog tags. They have no personal hygiene items whatsoever — no socks, no underwear. We try to make sure they have everything they need: toothbrushes, razors, shaving cream, body wash, along with lap blankets, games, books.” Fortuitously, as groundwork is laid for the New Mexico Fisher House and fundraising commences, the New Mexico Riders can turn their focus there with no misgivings: over time, motorcycle organizations in Texas have stepped in with donations of their own, and fewer wounded warriors are returning from the Middle East to San Antonio. “This year, we’re definitely going to concentrate on New Mexico,” says Dean. “What we’re going to see more and more is that Vietnam vets, Korean War vets, are going to have more longterm medical problems, and soon their families will actually be able to stay at the Albuquerque Fisher House. This is something we want to stay involved with and make sure it keeps going.”

American Legion Riders of New Mexico ride to the Fisher House at Fort Sam Houston to show their support.

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GUEST FAMILY PROFILE

The Raley Family

Story and photos by Kerri Childress

NAME: ELIZABETH RALEY HOUSES: HOUSTON, TAMPA AND PALO ALTO VA MEDICAL CENTER HOME: MADISON, MS MILITARY BRANCH: MARINE CORPS

The world changed completely for Marine Cpl. Michael Andrew “Dru” Raley on February 21, 2010, when a 30-foot fall onto concrete left him with a traumatic brain injury and paralyzed. The world changed for his mother — Elizabeth Raley — too. “Dru was very, very critical and the doctors did not give him much hope in the Phoenix hospital where he was first treated,” remembered his mother recently while staying at the Houston VA Fisher House. “I watched him die three times in the following months and by the grace of God, he came back to us. Nonetheless, the doctors said if he recovered, his ability to function would be minimal and his cognitive abilities minimal, as well maybe never able to communicate — it was devastating.” “I monitored his ICP (intracranial pressure). I watched as he was getting care — every detail, and asked a million questions. I knew every drug, how it was administered and what it did. I knew what every tube was for, I could read every monitor and I knew how the respirator should sound. I memorized everyone’s name and when they were on the schedule. Never once would my mind wander. I never got tired. It was a focus that is indescribable,” said Elizabeth. That was six years ago, and through an unknowable combination of the grace of God and modern medicine, Dru can now drive a truck, work in his garden, hunt and fish, share Corps stories with his Marine Corps buddies and attend college if he wants. In 2012, he was recognized by the Mississippi Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Association with the Spinal Cord Hope Award. But it’s been a long and arduous road for both Dru and his mom — and it continues.

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Because she has a Fisher House nearby, Elizabeth Raley is able to be by her son’s bedside as he is treated at the VA.

“I don’t care if it’s the middle of the night,” said Frank Kelley, Houston Fisher House manager. “Elizabeth needs to know someone is watching out for her, and I will be there no matter what.” That road has included staying in Fisher Houses at Tampa and Palo Alto, both VA Polytrauma Centers, and Houston. In fact, Elizabeth has lived more than two years of her life in a Fisher House. “I just don’t know how to tell you how important having a Fisher House has been for me. I could never have paid for hotels all that time. Dru’s positive outlook and ability to cope is attributed to having his family close by. He needed an advocate and that cannot be done long distance. And he will continue to need Polytrauma care the rest of his life.” Dru was finishing his first tour of duty with the Marine Corps in 2010 and considering “re-upping” for another tour. His military occupational specialty (MOS) — 6252 — is tattooed on the inside of his left arm, a constant reminder of when he was a fixed-wing aircraft airframe mechanic in the Marine Corps. For Dru, the Marine Corps was his second family. He still wears a baseball hat with the Marine Corps insignia. Dru’s fall landed on his little sister, too, who stays with her mom at the Fisher House whenever she can get away from her job. “It’s been hard on Aeriel,” said Elizabeth. “She has a heart as tender as the spot between a puppy’s toes. Seeing her brother suffer was difficult. Having a Fisher House to come home to, made it much easier on her.” And Dru’s father has the opportunity to stay at the House when he travels to Houston.

Elizabeth commented also on the constant kindness of the Fisher House managers. Even now, every time Elizabeth drives home to Mississippi, a seven-hour drive from Houston, she texts Frank Kelley, Houston Fisher House manager, to say she arrived safely. “He is so concerned about my back and forth travels. It is nice to have someone care enough to check on my arrivals each way,” she said. “I don’t care if it’s the middle of the night,” said Frank. “She needs to know someone is watching out for her, and I will be there no matter what.” Elizabeth admits that she doesn’t know what the future holds. She believes that her son will have a role in life that affords him the opportunity to reach out and help others. For herself, she hopes to return to her job and find a special person to share her life with. No matter what happens though, she knows Fisher House will be there when they need it. “I’m always searching for a new beginning, but there is NEVER a day I don’t wake up and thank God for my son. When I look in on Dru sleeping, I cry. Sometimes it’s for the little boy I remember running and playing, sometimes it’s the overwhelming awe of God’s mercy. Those are happy tears.”

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Fisher House Through a Doctor’s Eyes Story and photos by Ashley Estill

Brooke Army Medical Center’s Commanding Officer, Dr. Evan Renz, has served in the military for over 30 years, and has cared for the most severely injured and wounded. Because of his work, he’s seen first-hand the benefits a Fisher House creates for military families. “Prior to the availability of Fisher Houses, we would offer our best advice to the families as to the nearest affordable accommodations,” Renz explained. “It wasn’t made with any prioritization, but simply the fact that we knew where local hotels were. Now, with our Fisher Houses so conveniently located, it’s just a walk of a few minutes for family to be by their loved one’s side.” The four Fisher Houses located at Brooke Army Medical Center stay nearly full year-round. Some families are there for days; months, even years. The benefits a Fisher House provides are easy to see — temporary, free lodging so families can be with their loved ones during a crisis. Dr. Renz is in a unique position to see many additional benefits the Fisher House provides to families, that aren’t quite as obvious.

seriously injured service member who spends many days or weeks in intensive care. As they start to recover, they go outside of their room, and maybe make the transition through the bridge. It’s not uncommon to sit there and talk to the patient. We tell them you can see the Center for the Intrepid, and adjacent to that, the Fisher House. We are able to share with the patient their plan as they continue to recover, which includes the Fisher House, so it quite literally gives them a goal.” Dr. Renz can recall visiting patients and families as they transitioned from the hospital to the Fisher House, and saw the capability of these comfort homes to allow the patients to continue their care with family by their side.

“Our society has changed. We observe people sitting in rooms with mobile devices, texting, typing away,” Renz said. “You may have 10 people in the waiting room, but none of them are He sums up the benefits that Fisher Houses talking. That doesn’t promote or inspire a lot of provide with one last thought: communication about what’s going on. At least at the Fisher House, during mealtime there’s a special “Consider for a moment that the patients we opportunity to break down those barriers and have receive here are, in fact, many of the most severely and critically injured patients from the war. By frank discussion.” previous standards, many of them would not Another unforeseen benefit is the fact that have survived these injuries,” Renz said. “We are Dr. Renz and other doctors utilize the now able to not only help these service members Fisher House as a tangible goal for patients. recover, but also to include their families. Because of Fisher House, the families can simply be called, “When we constructed our new facility, which you meet their service member at the hospital and can see from the front door of the Fisher House, commence that journey together.” you’ll see the glass enclosed bridge between the old and new hospital,” Renz explained. “Imagine a

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BIRTHDAY

Meet the Staff

PARTYING FOR FISHER HOUSE More than anything else Killian White wants to be a soldier. Until then, he wants to help soldiers. For his 5th birthday party he wanted no presents, just money that he could then donate to the Ft. Bragg Fisher House. He not only met his goal of $1,000, but even exceeded it. It is important to note that neither of his parents are in the military and they live two hours from Ft. Bragg. “Somehow love of the military is

Fisher House Foundation is comprised of many passionate and talented people. Each issue you’ll meet someone new who helps contribute to our mission of supporting our military and their families.

just in his soul,” his mother Kristin said. To turn your special event into support for your local Fisher House, visit www.fisherhouse.org/getinvolved/fundraise/

Brian Gawne

Vice President of Community Affairs If you count my time at Annapolis, I spent over three decades of my life in the Navy — most of that as a Naval Flight Officer flying fighters off of aircraft carriers. I was honored to serve with the most amazing Sailors, Chiefs and aircrew you could ever hope to meet, and their families were just as amazing. Towards the end of my career, I learned firsthand the impact of family when tragedy occurs. My wife, our three children and I took care of my mother and father-in-law when they were each diagnosed with terminal cancer. Our hospice experience was a watershed life experience for all of us. It strengthened our faith and validated the importance having loved ones near when someone is seriously ill or injured. That is why I was so excited to join Fisher House Foundation when I retired from the Navy over five years ago. Today I serve as the liaison to the new communities where the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs have validated the need for a new Fisher House. I coordinate with the local authorities and help identify community champions who will assume the key role of fundraising and garnering support for construction. I also help coordinate with the Fisher House Managers and local community groups who support existing Fisher Houses. It is gratifying to see how many generous people throughout America want to support our service members, Veterans and families in their time of need…but then, as my wife Jan and our children (Maddie, Ryan and Kelly) once said, “That’s what families do!”

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FISHER HOUSE

SALUTES

Military service members, Veterans and their families are supported by countless organizations who acknowledge their sacrifices. Here we feature a top-tier organization each issue.

WE SALUTE: Purple Heart Homes was founded by John Gallina and Dale Beatty, who served together in the North Carolina National Guard. They responded to local disasters in North Carolina before being deployed together to Iraq in 2004. Their journey together inspired them to give back to their community once they retired from military service. “Through our service in the military, we got exposure to humanitarian services,” Purple Heart Homes co-founder Dale Beatty said. “They were some of the most fulfilling missions we had as soldiers. Everyone wants to think you just go to war, but being in the National Guard, we had to serve other functions.”

“I witnessed first-hand the charity of great organizations like Fisher House and our community homebuilders association all chipping in to help Dale and his family. But I wondered about everyone else who doesn’t go through the same process. Our goal then became to fill in some of that gap.” Purple Heart Homes was formed in 2008 to provide housing solutions for Veterans. They focus on service-connected disabled Veterans, with their primary mission to ensure safety and accessibility for the homes they work on. Their projects are diverse, but could range from customizing a ramp to ensure a Veteran can get in and out of their home; modifying a bathroom so it’s easier for them to shower; or constructing an entire addition to a home to create an accessible space. “When you’re on the battlefield, home is a distant place. We don’t want the home of our returning servicemen and women to be the battlefield of inaccessibility,” John said.

“Being deployed to Iraq, we saw the war side of everything. But there were a lot of missions where we were able to help and understand Iraqis on a human level, not just as a combat solider. After we [John and Dale] were injured, I spent a year recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, while my wife stayed at a Fisher House so we could be together.” While Dale was healing, he noticed that other non-profits were forming very quickly, but only to serve Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. Once Dale retired, he started building a new house for their family, and he noticed his local community really jumping on board to help and support him. As a general contractor, John found himself now searching for more meaningful work after returning from Iraq.

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“Anything that will have a tangible impact on the daily operation of their home is our focus,” Dale continued. “And we recognize the impact it has for the caregiver in their ability to more easily care for their loved one.” Since the program's inception, Purple Heart Homes has completed 100 projects. While based in North Carolina, they do accept applications for projects in other states, and have expanded their program to form chapters as well, to increase their ability to serve. To submit an application, volunteer or for more information, please visit https://www.purplehearthomesusa.org/. Dale Beatty is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Fisher House Foundation.

Lessons of Life Learned at a

Fisher House

By Shelley Prickett, Manager, West Palm Beach Fisher House

At 38 years of age, you do not expect to receive a medical diagnosis that is life changing, not only for you but for your family as well.

He also provides outreach to senior citizens teaching about White Cane Safety and lessons on living with blindness.

But that’s what happened when Air Force Veteran Joe Cooler was diagnosed with macular degeneration nearly two decades ago. “I felt sorry for myself, but that didn’t last too long. I saw other Veterans much worse off and less fortunate than me,” Joe told me. He also said he relied on his faith and VA to help him learn to live with his diagnosis.

“VA’s blind rehabilitation programs have taught me to be much more independent but I wouldn’t be able to do half of what I do without Imari, my guide dog and partner,” Joe told me and I agree — they are a perfect pair.

Joe attended his first VA Blind Rehabilitation Program in Puerto Rico in 1998, and was now attending his 5th refresher program at West Palm Beach VA, when I first met him. When Joe walked in the Fisher House, I knew instantly he was special. He had this huge personality, sweet smile and big laugh and I was amazed to learn that Joe had traveled 12 hours by train to get to there — by himself. The things Joe does without his eyesight, I don’t do with my eyesight. He amazes me. Joe proudly told me about participating in the VA Winter Games held in Aspen, Colorado last year. He snowmobiled, rock climbed and skied and he is looking forward to this upcoming year’s games. He also competed in US Blind Athlete games.

I recently asked Joe how he was able to accept his blindness. ”Don’t let your situation dictate your life,” he said. “Never say no. There are people out there to help you. You just have to find them.” Joe touched my life, like many of the Veterans and families staying at Fisher House. He really taught me some amazing life lessons during those few days he was here. I will never forget him or his determination.

Joe is a go-getter; he has to keep busy. He volunteers to help other Veterans struggling with medical problems and encourages them.

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Road Scholar Transport Road Scholar Transport isn’t just another transportation company, but one that ensures they give back as well. Dubbing them “rolling billboards,” Road Scholar decided to support Fisher House Foundation by helping to create a design that is featured on one of their trucks. The truck will travel over 100,000 miles, giving a huge audience insight into Fisher House. Thank you, Road Scholar, for the support.

Hub Group The Hub Group is a company that moves freight and decided to create the Cause Container project as a way to have fun and give back. They branded one of their containers in support of Fisher House, to help spread awareness of our mission. Their #CauseContainer was a social media campaign to raise not only awareness, but donations for several of their charity partners, including Fisher House Foundation. If you spot one of the Hub Group’s Cause Containers take a photo and upload it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the #CauseContainer hashtag, then Hub Group donates $100. To see where the containers are, or to learn more, visit causecontainer.com.

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Hearts in the Community Walmart In December, Walmart held a campaign to benefit Fisher House, and brighten the lives of military, Veterans and their families, many of whom were dealing with difficult situations far from home. In addition to a $500,000 initial donation to provide holiday cheer and presents for families at 65+ Fisher Houses, Walmart kicked off a #Sing2Salute social media campaign, encouraging the public to sing a holiday song to thank military and Veterans, and raise funds for Fisher House Foundation. In less than a month, thanks to the support of a grateful nation, Fisher House Foundation was the recipient of another donation, which will pay for lodging for our military families for one year. Thank you to Walmart for your support.

Samsung Electronics America Samsung Electronics America donated over $500,000 in cash and in-kind products to Fisher House Foundation. Their support will help build four new Fisher Houses, and includes product donations for new and existing Fisher Houses, as well as volunteer engagement from Samsung employees nationwide. The formal announcement was made on November 17, 2015 through Samsung’s “Chef of Staff ” event in Washington, DC. The evening featured culinary demonstrations using Samsung home appliances that reflected respective product donations, with participation from special guests Samsung CEO’s BK Yoon and Gregory Lee, Fisher House Foundation’s Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher and trustee Mary Jo Myers, who assisted Samsung Club des Chefs Daniel Boulud and Christopher Kostow.

New Jersey-based military spouse and her family joined in the DC celebrations of Samsung's support to the Foundation. The military spouse was awarded money through the National Military Family Association fund that Samsung supported.

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COVER STORY

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS The Most Unlikely Friendships Develop at a Fisher House Story by Kerri Childress Photos by Craig Orsini

The sign on the Fisher House manager’s door read, “Take a deep breath. You are home.” And that’s exactly what Pearl Clark did. “I was a basket case. I saw that sign and, yes ma’am, that’s what I did. Took a deep breath and sighed,” said Pearl, wife of Vietnam combat Veteran Ernest Clark who had just suffered a severe stroke and they were not sure he’d live. That was more than three and a half years ago and Pearl and Ernest have used the Hines VA Fisher House in Chicago more times than they can count since then. The care at the Chicago VA hospital has been great, according to Pearl, but the ups and downs were inevitable. What got her through those troubled times? Another Vietnam Veteran’s wife and her husband, Nancy and Jim Hogan. “Pearl and I laugh, we cry, we talk and tell each other our life stories,” said Nancy, whose husband of 46 years was on hospice at the time with cancer. “What’s most amazing is that we come from completely different walks of life — we just couldn’t be more 12

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different. And yet, we met and we bonded at the Fisher House. She is one of my dearest friends — a life-long friend,” she said as she reached over to hug Pearl and bump foreheads. Pearl, who loves the outdoors, even got Nancy working in the garden for the first time in her life. She taught Nancy how to enjoy the excitement of the lottery and playing cards. They went for walks and took turns pushing Jim — even walked a local 5K together. “We are quite a team,” laughed Nancy. “Pearl is 6 feet tall and here I am a little over five feet. Pearl is outgoing, funny and full of life. I’m actually quite shy. Pearl was a police officer and I was a homemaker. So different, but our hearts connected, as our friendship grew at Fisher House.” And the husbands bonded, too. “I went over to visit Jim,” said Ernest, “and I told him he’d better get out of that hospital bed, because we still needed to go fishing together.” Ernest and Jim are both in

CLOCKWISE: Holly Wright, center, Fisher House manager, is credited with setting the loving tone that brought Pearl Clark and Nancy Hogan together. Pearl and Nancy are friends for life. Nancy Hogan gives her husband Jim a big kiss on the Fisher House patio. Vietnam Vet Ernest Clark feigns surprise as his wife Pearl and friend Nancy sneak a kiss. Holly Wright joins Pearl, Nancy and Jim on a 5K.

wheelchairs, but that doesn’t stop either of them from fishing and it certainly doesn’t stop Ernest from caring about Nancy and Jim. “We are bonded for life,” he said. This is what happens behind the closed door of a Fisher House. People stay there because it’s free and near the hospital. They enjoy the 5-star quality of the home. They cook their favorite meals and visit with the manager and volunteers. But it is the friendships that develop between the families that really sets a Fisher House apart from a hotel. “Even when I get home and the phone rings and it says ‘Pearl Fisher “I got a call a week ago. It was Nancy,” said Pearl. "She told me that House,’ my heart warms and I know Pearl is just needing to chat,” Jim’s cancer was everywhere, it was bad and he was on hospice. said Nancy. “I know, too, that I can do the same — day or night — I told her Ernest had an appointment at the hospital and that I would be there soon. Nancy is a strong, beautiful woman and I had she will be there for me. How many people are lucky enough to never seen her cry. When I walked in the door of the Fisher House, have a friend like that?” she came running into my arms. She was crying. I was crying. I Ernest, who laughingly says he spent his 21st birthday outrunning told her I was there for her and even when I go home, all she has bullets, is a grandfather and a great grandfather. He chuckles when to do is call and I will come right back. She would not have to go he says, “Nancy’s my mom and Jim’s my pops, even though I’m through this alone. I would be there for her.” older than them both.” During the many days when Ernest was in the hospital struggling to regain his life, he at least knew that Pearl And when Jim passed a few weeks later— that’s exactly what Pearl Clark did. was not alone — she had friends at Fisher House. THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

Dear Diary, Entries from Fisher House Guests Within the walls of each Fisher filled House guest suite are journals of a with entries containing stories or just loved one, encouraging words, will a simple thank you. These words g in be read by the next family stayin ce and that room, for them to find pea se hope. Here, we share a few of the s. ilie words, written by our fam

husband We were on vacation when my heart tive became very ill with conges ry were ove rec failure. The chances of his me rco ove slim. I was a mental wreck s arm r you with fear until you opened was lly rea and welcomed me in. This a miracle!

A Proud Supporter

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

Thank you for making our stay y, it comfortable, warm and friendl h the wit nce erie was truly a lovely exp , ties par as istm Thanksgiving and Chr , ntly orta imp st great people and mo atmosphere!

Our most sincere gratitude. me stay at the Thank you so much for letting d has been Travis Fisher House. My husban e for several in and out of the hospital sinc SRMC/ months and was transferred from Center, Travis. Redding to David Grant Medical my husband Having a place to sleep nearby ulders. The has taken the stress off my sho the staff is Travis Fisher House is warm and of this difficult compassionate and thoughtful time I am experiencing.

ank you God Bless youngalla! Th again for havi room for me.

TEAM FISHER HOUSE Feedback From One Team Fisher House Runner I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the pasta dinner on Saturday, and the entire marathon yesterday, from the moment I arrived until we left the tent afterwards. As I was briefly explaining to Cathy [Team Fisher House Co-Founder] yesterday, it was one of the best and most positive experiences of my life. After hearing from the guest speaker at the dinner, and seeing the enthusiasm from other runners, I was already excited to run in support of such a wonderful cause. I would've been extremely happy if that was it, but once we arrived at the tent on Sunday morning I felt completely relaxed having a place to wait out the rain with drinks and pre-race snacks for the runners and their families, as well as having clean restrooms nearby. And by far the best part was the INCREDIBLE support all along the course. There were only a few times when I was feeling tired and close to slowing down, but every time that happened there was another

group of Team Fisher House supporters cheering us on and it really made a huge difference. As you can see in the attached picture, I was smiling all day — from the beginning of the marathon until well after the 26.2 miles were done, and I still feel lucky to have been part of such an incredible experience. Thanks again, and I'm already looking forward to next year, and being a long time member of Team Fisher House!

Paul Fernandes

How One Foundation Helped Excerpted and reprinted with Heal My Family After 9/11 permission from Marissa A. Cruz While my father recovered from the severe wounds he sustained in the 9/11 attacks, my mom, sister and I were welcomed to the Fisher House family. My mother found out about Fisher House by pure coincidence. On the night of Sept. 11, she was waiting on the platform at a Metro station as she made her way home from seeing my father at the hospital. The station was rather empty so she and another woman began chatting as they waited for their train, simply reflecting on the day. Once the woman learned that my father was among the injured, she told my mother she worked at nearby Walter Reed. She asked my mother what she was going to do and where we were going to stay. My mother explained that she was just trying to get home to me so she could get us back to the hospital. There was no plan yet; we were just focused on packing an overnight bag and seeing my father. The next morning my mother and I each packed a bag to bring to the hospital. As we were on our way out the door, the phone rang. It was the woman from Metro. She had spoken to the director of the Fisher House at Walter Reed. She told us we had a place to stay for as long as we needed it; all we had to do was check in.

During our three-month stay we didn’t have to worry about a thing except my father’s recovery. We stayed at no cost and enjoyed a fully stocked kitchen and home-cooked meals. More than anything though my family and I enjoyed the company of other military families at Fisher House. My strongest memories from this time involve the kitchen and conversations with other guests. The progress and major milestones our family members achieved were of course constant topics of discussion. However, rather than focusing on the medical details that dominated our days at the hospital, we would talk about simple things back at the house. We’d chat about what new treats someone had made, what new guests had arrived, or where we were from. I’ve always been shy (and the circumstances leading to our stay at Fisher House weren’t exactly ones to lead me out of my shell), but simply having other families nearby provided comfort and relief from the monotony of hospital waiting rooms. More than anything, this sense of community made the biggest difference during that difficult time. Many of the people we met at Fisher House in 2001 had family members arriving from Afghanistan for treatment at Walter Reed.

There was a unique — albeit ironic

— camaraderie that came from meeting families of service members sent to war in response to the very terrorist attacks that sent my father to the hospital. When I moved back to the DC area after finishing graduate school, one of the first things I did was research races in the area. Enter Team Fisher House, Fisher House Foundation’s team. I didn’t even know the team existed as a way to give back to an organization that had done so much for me and my family. The team is led by two military spouses, Stacy Toner and Cathy Cabrey, who work tirelessly to support the fundraising and training efforts of Team Fisher House runners. This year I ran my fourth race with Team Fisher House. Running for Team Fisher House is just one small way for me to thank those who work tirelessly to take care of our military families. I’m certain my family would have gotten through my father’s recovery just fine without Fisher House, but I can’t for one second imagine what that would have looked like. THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

Captain Florent Groberg, US Army (Ret), was injured in 2012 in Afghanistan. Following his injuries, he was sent to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to recover. The presence of his parents, who rushed from their home in North Carolina, to be by his side, was just as important as medicine. Far from home, they didn’t know where they would stay or how they would get there. That’s where Fisher House stepped in. “Fisher House made a huge difference because this is something you never plan for, and families have to drop everything they’re doing,” said Florent. “[My parents] loved it. They could cook meals with different families. It’s like your own big home. It was pretty special. Hero Miles really had a positive impact during my rehabilitation.”

President Barack Obama applauds Captain Florent A. Groberg, US Army (Ret), after presenting the Medal of Honor to him during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Nov. 12, 2015. Captain Groberg receives the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as a Personal Security Detachment Commander for Task Force Mountain Warrior, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division during combat operations in Asadabad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan on

In addition to finding refuge at the Fisher House, Florent and his family were recipients of the Foundation’s Hero Miles program, which uses donated airline miles, to bring families together during a medical crisis. To learn more about this program, or to donate your airline miles, visit www.fisherhouse.org/heromiles.

Aug. 8, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Fisher House Foundation’s Hotels for Heroes program provides hotel rooms to the families of wounded, injured, and ill military service members who are undergoing treatment at authorized medical centers when a Fisher House is not available. Thanks to a generous American public, rooms are made available through their donation of rewards points. Fisher House is proud to partner with: AmericInn, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Hilton, La Quinta, Marriott and Wyndham. To learn more about this program, or to donate your hotel points, visit www.fisherhouse.org/programs.

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

Marine Veteran Jake Schick lost his right leg below the knee and sustained compound fractures in his left leg from an IED explosion in Iraq. Part of his left arm was gone. His left hand was lost and he broke every one of his ribs. “Needless to say, I spent months and months in arduous rehab. Throughout it all, I was never alone. Fisher House put up my family, fiancée and friends,” said Jake. “I have a large family and for them to be able to come see me, and not have to pay for a hotel is huge.” “I wouldn’t be where I am without the Fisher House and Hotels for Heroes. They helped my family tremendously. When my friend passed, Fisher House flew me down there and put me up through Hotels for Heroes. To me that shows how much class they have and how much they care,” said Jake.

Meet the Manager

Fisher House Foundation is privileged to have amazing leadership at each Fisher House location. Our managers do a wonderful job taking care of the families that call Fisher House a home away from home. This issue, meet Jill Thompson.

Jill Thompson

Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth

Just back from a week long conference for Fisher House managers last July, Jill Thompson recalls standing in front of the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center Fisher House as a car pulled up. “I was outside showing one of the [staff] ladies what I wanted her to pay attention to on the shutters,” she recalls. “It was my first day back, and I thought, that looks like — oh, this can’t be happening!” But in fact, it was: a surprise inspection by the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Navy Lodging Accreditation team. Fisher Houses located on naval installations are reviewed throughout the year on various facets of their operation: safety, fiscal oversight, facility maintenance, customer service. But no inspection covers the breadth and depth of a lodging site like the CNIC inspection. Says Navy Fisher House Program Manager Pam Smith, “This inspection sets the standard, across all Navy lodging. It covers not only cleanliness and presentation, but house financials. Front of house, back of house, outside and inside, landscaping.” At the end of the day, Jill needn’t have worried: the Portsmouth Fisher House not only met the standards, but exceeded them, earning a coveted 5-star rating and the Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Award for Excellence in Lodging Management. Only nine installations across the entire Navy earned the award in 2015. “Receiving this award is a big deal, a very big deal,” says Pam Smith, Jill's boss. “And Jill has exceeded standards not once, but twice — in 2013 as well.” While the Zumwalt Award was established by the Secretary of the Navy in 1974, Naval Fisher Houses have been eligible only since 2013, the same year Jill became the Portsmouth Fisher House manager. But she had worked for Navy Lodging for nearly 25 years. She began as a front-desk clerk at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Gateway Inn & Suites, gradually working her way up the ladder. And over the years, she was

dispatched to do regional inspections in preparation for the CNIC inspection. So she was well aware of what to expect. Jill credits her team — Operations Assistant Patricia Jones, Housekeeper Vandelynn Loundermon, new-hire Tawanda Steward, and her corps of volunteers — with getting on board and keeping the house in tip-top shape. “Our volunteers come in and do spring cleans. Or I have a rake and bake,” she says. “The whole house is surrounded by nothing but trees; there are leaves all over. So the guys go out and rake, and the gals come in and bake.” An important distinction between Fisher Houses and other Navy lodging, she points out, is the home-like atmosphere and the circumstances of guest families. Jill says that the best part of her job is helping guest families. “I love that I’m positioned in a place where I can help ease some pain, if it’s nothing more than giving a hug or a listening ear,” she says. “The Zumwalt Award — I pray I make it every time. But if I don’t, I know that making a difference for families, knowing how they couldn’t have made it without us, is far more important.” Fisher House Foundation thanks Jill and all of our Fisher House managers who take exceptional care of our military and Veterans’ families.

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

HOUSE ROUND-UP The Patriot always loves to check in and see what our Fisher Houses have been up to. Here we outline highlights from houses around the world. CALIFORNIA

CAMP PENDLETON Camp Pendleton, CA United Health Foundation recently held a Board of Directors' meeting at Camp Pendleton, followed by a tour of the Fisher House. The board members met with Fisher House Manager Kiana Bright and learned about the contributions Fisher House has made for the military community since opened in May 2015. United Health Foundation was the first and sole donor for the Fisher House construction. United Health also funded a caregiver support program that provides free childcare to families staying at the house.

A GREATER LOS ANGELES V HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Los Angeles, CA West Los Angeles Fisher House residents were recently touched by the community’s generosity and kindness. BAE Systems provided a heartfelt annual Christmas gala that will not be forgotten. Throughout the year, residents were delighted in the numerous gifts and treats provided by small and large corporations, individuals and volunteers throughout the year. It is just wonderful to see everyone so willing to step up to do their part.

NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER, SAN DIEGO San Diego, CA Sometimes the families staying at Fisher House give back, too. Debbie Tilch recently presented housekeepers Jeannine Lopez and Jocelyn Guzman with scarves that her son Cody handmade. The Tilch family has been receiving ongoing treatments over the past five years and this is their way of giving back. In Debbie’s words, “the staff here makes them feel this really is their home away from home.”

DAVID GRANT USAF MEDICAL CENTER Travis AFB, CA Judy Davis, a grandmother of nine, creates beautiful handmade decorations. She made a Mickey and Minnie Mouse tree and a wreath to donate to the Travis Tree Festival and silent auction. The auction, sponsored by the 60th Maintenance Group, is in its 14th year raising money for Travis Fisher House. The Mickey and Minnie decorations were so popular that there was a bidding war for the items. When Judy heard that Travis Fisher House staff were unable to bid high enough to obtain them, she volunteered to make a Mickey and Minnie Mouse tree for Travis Fisher House. Many smiles were generated by her gift, which brightened the dining room for all to enjoy!

F LO R I DA

BAY PINES VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Bay Pines, FL “No one wants to get 'a call' about their loved one. In my case it was my brother-in-law who has stage four brain and lung cancer. Dropping everything, we flew down to Bay Pines and we were met by manager of the Fisher House, Lana Toenjes. I can tell you it has been emotional traveling, through the system. Not knowing what to expect and being numb. Some people are more private with stress. You learn you don't get to practice how you'll handle the unexpected. Fisher House gives you permission to shed tears. That brings me the continuation of our journey with the help of the manager Lana. I have seen much devotion to her guests with long hours of scheduling, food preparation, and caring for everyone's needs. Lana is compassionate, and flexible. I became a better person from the unselfishness and kindness others have shown my family.” — Richard Flatley

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

NORTH FLORIDA/SOUTH GEORGIA VETERANS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Gainesville, FL Gainesville VA Fisher House hosted their holiday open house in December, which was open to both VA employees and the community. In addition, they were the recipients of a wonderful donation from a community group that allowed each Fisher House suite to be decorated with a table top tree, which guests took home with them. Throughout the holiday season, numerous community organizations, individuals, and community partners helped to make guests more comfortable by donating food, gifts, quilts and gift cards.

GEORGIA

CHARLIE NORWOOD VA MEDICAL CENTER Augusta, GA Transforming lives one community at a time — that’s been the mission of Lowe’s Heroes since the volunteer program began in their stores more than 10 years ago. Over a two-day period, 13 of their Heroes transformed the look of the Charlie Norwood VA Fisher House by painting exterior trim, front porch and back porch columns, the pergola and gazebo; replacing rotten wood in the gazebo, laying down new mulch in the playground and installing roll-out shelving in the kitchen cabinets. Many of these volunteers were prior military who wanted to give back to families of ill and injured Veterans.

JAMES A. HALEY VETERANS’ HOSPITAL Tampa, FL The Tampa Fisher House was thrilled to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Fisher House Foundation in 2015, and held a very special luncheon for families and key supporters to recognize the accomplishment. However, little did they know the celebration would happen on the same day as one of the families celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Dick and Rita Bertler had planned an exciting, fun-filled Caribbean cruise, but instead, Dick was back in the hospital again. Rita, in spite of her uplifting spirit, was feeling a little down. The Tampa Fisher House quickly organized another celebration. Rita was given a tiara to wear and hospital staff gathered on Dick’s unit to surprise the couple with an anniversary cake and special balloons at his bedside. After the cake and balloons were delivered, the door was closed and the couple were left to cuddle and reminisce over their loving 50 years together.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER Fort Gordon, GA Air Force service members of the 3rd Intelligence Squadron stopped by the Fort Gordon Fisher House to do some volunteer work as part of their, “Giving Back Day.” They did some deep cleaning inside the Fisher House main living areas and bedrooms, along with some work outside.

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

HOUSE ROUND-UP ILLINOIS

NORTH CAROLINA

EDWARD HINES, JR. VA HOSPITAL

CAMP LEJEUNE NAVAL HOSPITAL

Hines, IL

Camp Lejeune, NC

Hines Fisher House was honored to partner with Seeds of Hope, founded by teen Alexis Werner of Pennsylvania, for the last several years. Seeds of Hope has supplied the materials and plants to sustain two raised vegetable gardens on the property of the Hines Fisher House. The goal is for the gardens to add to the supportive environment provided to our Veterans and their families and offer an outlet to channel the stress our families might be dealing with due to their loved one’s illness. The gardens supplied Fisher House with a wonderful array of vegetables, which our families enjoyed.

Sailors from the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune Preventative Medicine Department regularly assist Fisher House with various inspections and sanitation checks and were eager to help in other ways. Coming on their days off, they cleaned the exterior of the house, the outside property and even provided a second, third and fourth set of hands around the inside of the house as we prepared for the change in weather.

N E W YO R K

ALBANY STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER Albany, NY

MISSOURI

ST. LOUIS VA MEDICAL CENTER St. Louis, MO Justin Goodmancave and his wife Heather stayed at Fisher House after Heather gave birth to the couple’s first baby early. All went well, except that when it came time for their daughter Annabella to be discharged from the hospital, the weather was so bad they couldn’t go home. It turned out lucky for the other guests staying at Fisher House because they got to meet Annabella, whose first home was a Fisher House. The family is doing great.

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

The Albany Fisher House continues to be blessed with meaningful and exceptional support from their volunteers. Included in this are schools, community groups, Veteran service organizations, local companies, local families, individuals and others who pitch in to help with many projects and tasks. In addition to all of this generous support we would be remiss not to recognize our regular volunteers. Those who happily put in numerous hours cooking, organizing, gardening, working in the office, doing whatever it takes and absolutely helping us to achieve our goal of “caring with compassion and excellence.” It is important to note the positive effect these good deeds have had on the families who call their house “home” during a trying time. The realization that they are not forgotten and in fact are backed by an entire community can uplift folks during the darkest of times.

WOMACK ARMY MEDICAL CENTER Fort Bragg, NC Womack Army Medical Center's Commander Colonel Stephens and Command Sergeant Major Gomez, join Fisher House Manager, Lorie Southerland to cut the cake in celebration of their 22nd year of service to our nation’s heroes.

OHIO

CINCINNATI VAMC Cincinnati, OH The 1st Annual Lang Memorial Golf Tournament was held to benefit the Cincinnati Fisher House. Family members presented the Fisher House manager, Karrie Hagan, with a donation of $12,000 to support the house. The golf tournament was held in memory of their loved one, Andrew Thomas Lang, who was a nine-year Army Veteran in the 101st Airborne. TEXAS

U TA H

WILFORD HALL AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER SAN ANTONIO MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER

SALT LAKE CITY VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Lackland AFB, TX

WRIGHT-PATTERSON MEDICAL CENTER Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Each year the Wright-Patterson Fisher House awards The Broxson Award, a prestigious recognition to a Medical Center employee who has significantly touched the lives of guests staying at the Fisher House. The Broxson Award was created in recognition of Dr. Emmet Broxson, who served as the Director of the Pediatrics Specialty Clinic at Wright-Patterson Medical Center. This year the Wright-Patterson Fisher House recognized a team of four outstanding individuals: Lt. Col (Dr.) John Powell, 1Lt. Neal Alexander, 1Lt. Leslie Whiting, and Amber Van Hoose. These clinical nurses received the award because of their dedication, care, compassion and some creative distractions that saw a patient through difficult post–operative care.

Seven-year-old Melody McCormick and her family were guests of the Lackland Fisher House while receiving treatment for a life-threatening immune system condition, that required a bone marrow transplant from her little brother, Callum. Friends and family were able to stay informed of their progress through a Facebook page called “MellyLuSupport Crew.” One of the posts was especially near and dear to our hearts. “Yesterday, Melody and I enjoyed a nice dinner here at the Fisher House provided by the USO. We had the opportunity to meet the rest of the house guests and hear some great stories. It is so great to be in a place where you are treated like family. It is especially nice for Melody in this fragile recovery time. No one asks about her lack of hair, mask or IV tubes, she is just a regular little girl and they are happy to know her.”

Salt Lake City, UT Patsy S.C. Jud, the daughter of a Veteran being treated at VA, has stayed at Fisher House off and on since April 2012. As a way to give back last year, Patsy provided 20 copies of her book, Inspiration When You Need It, for each of the home’s bedrooms. This lovely book includes gorgeous photography by Kenneth F. Hilliard, as well as 55 pages of Patsy’s inspiring poems. In each book she wrote to the guests of Fisher House, “may you find inspiration in every day.” Touched and inspired by the book, many guests have asked to take it home. Patsy approved and made sure there were replacements. The poetic healing that Patsy’s words have provided is exactly what Fisher House is all about.

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

HOUSEROUND-UP VIRGINIA

FORT BELVOIR COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Ft. Belvoir, VA The volunteers from Holland and Knight Law Offices participated in a September 11 Day of Service at the Fisher House at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. They planted seven new trees and created four garden boxes for vegetables and flowers over three days. Funding for the trees and supplies was provided by the Holland and Knight Charitable Foundation.

NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER PORTSMOUTH Portsmouth, VA The Elizabeth City Hero Operations (ECHO) out of Camden, NC held a "Concert for Heroes” the first week of October 2015 to raise funds for Veteran's support efforts, which included the Fisher House Portsmouth. A local bar by the name of Coasters Downtown Draught House hosted the event. There was a great turnout, and through volunteer bartender tips, T-shirt sales, silent auctions of items donated by local businesses and cash donations, they raised over $10K. The ECHO representatives later reported to the Fisher House Portsmouth, toured the facility, and presented them with a portion of the proceeds. Thanks to all who made this event such a success.

WA S H I N G T O N

MADIGAN ARMY MEDICAL CENTER Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Fisher Houses extends thanks to their amazing volunteers. As the newest home was opened, individuals aided in moving boxes, labeling cabinets, writing thank you notes to donors, and even assisting with housekeeping tasks when necessary, plus countless other tasks. The JBLM Fisher Houses would not be what they are today without these remarkable individuals dedicating their time. It is thanks to these individuals that make the houses stand out.

VA PUGET SOUND HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Seattle, WA Seattle Seahawk tight end Jimmy Graham paid a special visit to the Fisher House, socializing with our guests and their families and signing many autographs. Jimmy is from a military family himself and repeatedly commented on what a beautiful house we had and what a great benefit it was to our Veterans. Go Hawks!

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

DEDICATING FOUR NEW FISHER HOUSES:

Joint Base Lew

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, VA SOUTHERN NEVADA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, SOUTHERN ARIZONA VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AND VA PORTLAND HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

is-McChord, WA

Photos by Ashley Estill

A ord, W h C c M isase Lew Joint B

Las Vegas,

Since our last issue of The Patriot, Fisher House Foundation has opened four new Fisher Houses to support military and Veteran families. In November, a 12-suite home was opened at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, making it the second Fisher House at that facility. In February, we opened a 16-suite Fisher House at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System in Las Vegas, and at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in Tucson. Those homes marked the first Fisher Houses in Nevada and Arizona, respectively. “We are proud to start our year by opening several more Fisher Houses,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. “It’s only the beginning of a very busy year, and we couldn’t be happier to continue the mission my Uncle Zachary began so long ago.” And in March we opened a 16-suite home at the VA Portland Health Care System.

s, N V Las Vega

n, A Z Tucso

Tucson, A Z

R nd, O a l t r o P

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA

Portland, O R

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

FISHER HOUSE DIRECTORY

DOWN

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

ALASKA

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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

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

ARIZONA Southern Arizona VA Health Care System 3601 S. 6th Avenue (9-135) Tucson, AZ 85723 (520) 838-3680 Manager: Kelly Laurich Kelly.laurich@va.gov

The following projects are currently in design or

CALIFORNIA

under construction:

David Grant USAF Medical Center I, II 100 Bodin Circle Travis AFB, CA 94535-1804 (707) 423-7550 fax: (707) 423-7552 Manager: Charlene Hall charlene.hall.1@us.af.mil

Long Beach, CA

VA Long Beach Healthcare System

West Haven, CT

VA Connecticut Healthcare System

Orlando, FL James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Tampa, FL (second house) Keesler Medical Center Keesler AFB, MS (second house) New Mexico Health Care System Albuquerque, NM Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Charleston, SC Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Houston, TX (third house)

Orlando VA Medical Center

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Blvd. (10AF) Bldg 523 Los Angeles, CA 90073 (310) 268-4457 fax: (310) 268-3499 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: Betsey Striebel betsey.striebel@va.gov 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 Asst. Manager: Lori Erickson lorene.l.erickson.naf@mail.mil Naval Hospital Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Building 2014 San Jacinto Rd. Oceanside, CA 92058 (760) 763-5308 Manager: Kiana Bright Kiana.bright@usmc.mil

COLORADO VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System 1954 Quentin St. Aurora, CO 80010 (303) 399-8020 x. 2049 fax: (303) 364-4882 Manager: Tessa Levy tessa.levy@va.gov

DELAWARE Fisher House for Families of the Fallen 220 Lajes St. Dover AFB, DE 19902 (302) 677-5317 Manager: TSgt. Dorothy Whitfield Dorothy.whitfield@us.af.mil

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

FLORIDA Bay Pines VA Healthcare System 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. Bay Pines, FL 33744 (727) 319-1350 fax: (727) 319-1106 Manager: Lana Toenjes lana.toenjes2@va.gov Eglin Air Force 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 Malcom Randall VA Hospital 1601 SW Archer Rd (11i) Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 376-1611 x. 4469 Manager: Tanya E. Fookes tanya.fookes@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 North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System 1601 SW Archer Rd. Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 548-6492 Manager: Tanya Fookes Tanya.fookes@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

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

HAWAII

MISSOURI

TENNESSEE

VIRGINIA

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

St. Louis VA Medical Center 1 Jefferson Barracks Rd. St. Louis, MO 63125 (314) 652-4100 x. 66945 fax: (314) 894-6147 Manager: Vanniecia Brown vanniecia.brown@va.gov

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

Fort Belvoir Community Hospital 9201 Woodbury Rd. Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060 (703) 805-5203 Manager: Roxannamaria Calderon belvoirfisherhouse@gmail.com

ILLINOIS

NEVADA

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

VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System 6900 N. Pecos Rd. North Las Vegas, NV 89086 (702) 224-6789 Manager: Cadie Andrew Cadie.andrew@va.gov

KENTUCKY 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

NEW YORK Stratton VA Medical Center 113 Holland Ave. Albany, NY 12208 (518) 626-6919 fax: (518) 626-5452 Manager: Michael Fitzpatrick Michael.Fitzpatrick3@va.gov

MARYLAND

NORTH CAROLINA

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

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

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: Michael Ybarra mybarra@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

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

OREGON VA Portland Health Care System 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98661 (513) 220-8262 x. 57685 Manager: Barbara Decoito Barbara.Decoito@va.gov

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

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

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 jill.thompson@portsmouthfisherhouse.org

WASHINGTON Madigan Army Medical Center I, II 9999 Wilson Ave. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433 (253) 964-9283 fax: (253) 968-3619 Manager: Jodi Land info@fisherhouse-jblm.org

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

VA Puget Sound Healthcare System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 (206) 768-5353 fax: (206) 277-1415 Manager: Stephanie Toepp stephanie.toepp@va.gov

South Texas Veterans Health Care System 7485 Wurzbach Road San Antonio, Texas 78229 (210) 617-5300 x. 16626 Manager: Erik Zielinski erik.zielinski@va.gov

WISCONSIN Zablocki VA Medical Center 5000 W. National Ave. Bldg 150 Milwaukee, WI 53295 (414) 384-2000 x. 44570 Manager: Jennifer Kiefer Jennifer.kiefer@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: Sara Richardson-Paniagua sr-fisherhouse@sbcglobal.net William Beaumont Army Medical Center Bldg 7360 Rodriguez St. El Paso, TX 79930 (915) 569-1860 fax: (915) 569-1862 Manager: Jennifer Daugherty jennifer.e.daugherty.naf@mail.mil

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

GERMANY Landstuhl Regional Medical Center I, II CMR 402 Box 669 APO, AE 09180 011-49-6371-9464-7430 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 fisherhouse@uhb.nhs.uk

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • 2016

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

Because we

our heroes.

For 25 years, the Fisher House program has provided a “home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. These homes provide free temporary lodging to military and Veterans’ families so they can be close to their loved one during a medical crisis, allowing them to focus on what’s important — the healing process. Due to the generosity of people like you, Fisher House Foundation is able to build and help support the operation of more than 65 existing homes, the core of our mission. Additionally, our Hero Miles program assists with travel needs, and our scholarship program offers educational opportunities to military children and spouses. With your help, we will continue to meet the needs of our military community today, and long into the future. Show your love by making a donation to Fisher House. To learn more, please visit www.fisherhouse.org or call (888) 294-8560.

Fisher House Foundation

CFC Code: 11453