The Patriot Magazine Volume 10 Issue 2

2019 VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 2

www.fisherhouse.org

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION, INC. TM

COVER STORY

Through Love and Humor Featured on page 16

FORMER PRESIDENT OBAMA’S SURPRISE VISIT (Story featured on page 8)

AIR FORCE VETERAN CLIMBS MOUNT EVEREST (Story featured on page 20)

DAY IN THE LIFE 2019 PHOTO CONTEST (Story featured on page 10)

Contents Social Media Support

2

Fisher House Golf Classic

3

Guest Family­Profile: The Catinna Family

4

Army Veteran Walks Normandy

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Gen. Peter Pace Quote

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Heroes' Legacy Scholarship

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Former President Obama's Continued Support

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Air Force Pilot's Family Finds Refuge at Fisher House

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Day in the Life 2019

10

Dedications & Groundbreakings

11

Fisher House Salutes

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Meet the Manager

13

Letters to Fisher House Foundation

14

Meet the Staff

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COVER STORY: Through Love and Humor Zachary Sutterfield Survives Severe Burns and Injuries 16 At 92 Years Old, Bertha M. Bryant Can Light Up a Room 18 Fisher House Volunteer of the Year

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Hearts in the Community

20

2019 Warrior Games

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House Round Up

24

Making an IRA Donation to Fisher House Foundation

28

Ways to Give This Holiday Season

29

Community Groups in Action

30

Down Range

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About Fisher House Foundation, Inc. Fisher House Foundation is best known for its network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment.

These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital they serve. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since its inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated $451 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging and transportation.

Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles and funds to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members, as well as the Hotels for Heroes program, using donated hotel points and dollars to allow family members to stay without charge at hotels near medical centers. The Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of fallen and disabled veterans.

Fisher House Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Donations to Fisher House Foundation or individual Fisher Houses are tax-deductible to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Fisher House Program by the

Numbers

$451 Million Savings for families in lodging and transportation cost FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN AND CEO Kenneth Fisher PRESIDENT David A. Coker CHIEF OF STAFF Mary Considine EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kerri Childress LAYOUT AND ART DIRECTION ds+f www.dsfriends.com Address all correspondence to: The Patriot Fisher House Foundation 12300 Twinbrook Parkway Suite 410 Rockville, MD 20852 Phone: (301) 294-8560 Fax: (301) 294-8562 Email: info@fisherhouse.org www.fisherhouse.org

9 Million Days of lodging offered

368,000 Families served

85 Fisher Houses in operation The statistics in this graphic reflect the Fisher House program’s impact since inception.

At Fisher House Foundation, our magazine, much like the work we do, is about teamwork.

The Patriot is created in-house by our communications staff. Our team of graphic designers at Don Schaaf & Friends in Washington, D.C., donates services toward the design of each issue, and our printing partners help ensure we are getting the best rates possible. The Patriot magazine is one of our best resources to educate audiences about the Foundation’s work, and we are proud of the product we create. We are grateful to provide this resource at a very minimal cost, thanks to the work of everyone involved. At Fisher House, we always strive to be good stewards of your donation to the Foundation.

Cover Photo: Zachary Sutterfield and his parents meet his new service dog, Sketch, at the Fisher House. Photo by Craig Orsini

LETTER FROM KEN FISHER Dear Friends, Every Fisher House dedication is special, but one was especially sweet for me — cutting the ribbon on the Fisher Houses at the Bronx VA Medical Center. I say it because, as a son of the Bronx, I feel this dedication was like a homecoming for myself, my family and the many people who, over the last 29 years with the Foundation, have played a role in making these homes possible.

For all of us, the secret ingredient to the Foundation’s success is family: working together to build something from the ground up, doing it in support of past and future generations, and, all the while, never losing sight of our family values.

I am inspired by the many caregivers, service members and veterans we’ve touched. I think about military parents like Maureen Crabbe, a mom who once told me she believes Fisher House gave her son his life back by allowing his family to remain at his bedside. I think about military spouses like Minie Curry, who is the personification of the words “in sickness and in health.” She stayed for nearly a year in a Fisher House after her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury that ultimately left him completely dependent upon her for his care.

If my great-uncle Zachary were here today, I think he would be not just proud, but awestruck, by what we’ve achieved together since that first Fisher House opened — 85 homes, more than 360,000 families served, 9 million days of lodging and almost half a billion dollars saved ­— all in the service of families.

To each person who donated $25, or corporation that gave $100,000, I say thank you. We could not do what we do without you. To all the managers and volunteers who support our homes, I say thank you. You are the heart and soul of our Fisher Houses. To the families who work tirelessly 24/7 caring for their loved ones, I say thank you. You are the true heroes in my book.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Fisher Chairman and CEO, Fisher House Foundation @kenfisherfhf

Photos above: The Fisher family: Tammy,

Ken, Rosie, Brittany, Crystal and Josh, joined in the celebration of opening the first Fisher Houses in NYC.

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 awarded by the top national charity watchdog organizations.

Once again, in 2019, Fisher House Foundation received an A+ from Charity Watch in its veterans and military category for the 13th year. Out of 56 charities rated, only two received this distinctive A+ rating.

Charity Navigator awarded the Foundation its coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management for the 15th consecutive year, a rating achieved by less than 1% of the charities in the country that it monitors.

Additionally, we are proud to announce that the Foundation recently earned the 2019 Platinum GuideStar Nonprofit Profile Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information.

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SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT FACEBOOK FEEDBACK www.facebook.com/fisherhouse “Thank you for your generosity. Your foundation has been the net that has caught many families over the years.”

— Erin Ludmer “I will be forever grateful for the Fisher House for taking us in when my family was down on our luck and I had just been diagnosed with cancer. I donate money back to the Fisher House every year, but I will never be able to repay the kindness and generosity I was shown.”

— Konnie Mackie “Fifteen years ago, my father became ill and was admitted to the Navy Hospital in San Diego. My mom stayed walking distance away from his room at the Fisher House. Unfortunately, my father passed away. Fisher House and the families who stayed there helped my mom during the worst time of her life, even as they were going through their own difficult times. Thank you, Fisher House.”

— Margaret Waugh “My husband was hospitalized for three 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 Bengfort “When families walk into a Fisher House, they are not alone.

Fisher House staff and other guests are there for each other on the good days and the bad.”

— Joanne Vaught

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TWITTER LOVE www.twitter.com/fisherhousefdtn Kyra Phillips @kyraphillips Thanks to White House Chef Rush @realchefrush and @Redskins Darnerien McCants for supporting our @ FisherHouseFdtn vets and their families!! #Family’sLove #FisherHouse @johnrobertsFox Elvis Duran Show @elvisduranshow We have a new camo merch collection out today! All proceeds go to benefit the amazing @FisherHouseFdtn.

Shop here: https://ihr.fm/2LixUko Montel Williams @montel_williams Profoundly grateful to @BarackObama and @MichelleObama for continuing to highlight the important work of @FisherHouseFdtn does for military/vets and their family.

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!

FISHER HOUSE

GOLF CLASSIC 2019

HITS A MILESTONE

More than 225 golfers joined in Fisher House Foundation’s main fundraising event, the Fisher House Golf Classic, and brought in more than $850,000 this year.

2019

The 16th annual golfing event was held at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, VA. Wounded warriors, Fisher House families and Medal of Honor recipients joined other VIPs on the golf course. The dinner program included special remarks by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie and was emceed by ABC News correspondent Kyra Phillips and Fox News White House chief correspondent John Roberts.

Since 2004, the Fisher House Golf Classic has raised more than $10 million to support the Fisher House program. It is through the support of thousands who made this possible, including the event’s founding sponsor, SAP.

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GUEST FAMILY

PROFILE: The Catinna Family Story by Allan Johnson

Photos by Ashley Estill

NAME: Nick Catinna VI HOUSE: James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Fisher House, Tampa, FL HOME STATE: Kentucky MILITARY BRANCH: U.S. Coast Guard

Nick Catinna VI almost waited too long, or maybe his awakening nearly came too late. Either way, when he began training to be a rescue swimmer with the Coast Guard, he was older than everybody in the program and liable to be cut from the final roster simply because of the impressive quality of the other candidates.

But Nick wanted to help people. That’s why he had left his job in a law office and joined the Coast Guard at 27. He transferred to search and rescue/search and recovery because their motto — “So others may live”— impressed him.

“He was involved in a number of saves,” his mother, Jan Catinna, said, while he was serving in Northern California, “but he was honorably discharged because of his PTSD.” It was after that, when Nick was a young veteran living in Daytona Beach, FL, that he had the accident that has led, after a long coma and many months in different hospitals, to the polytrauma unit at Tampa’s James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.

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Feelings of Gratitude By: Nick Catinna, VI The bumpy road to Tampa for Jan and Nick’s dad, Nick Catinna V, started in Kentucky, but it ended at the Tampa Fisher House, footsteps away from their son. The family connection between the father, mother and their only son was immediately important for everyone.

Nick VI smiled and said, “It overwhelmed me with joy that they were pretty much right across the street from where I was!”

I would like to say Thank you to the Fisher House Foundation.

My honor is to them; They have been My family’s salvation.

With a traumatic brain injury, I was filled with nothing but fear But because of the Fisher House, My family was always near.

For his parents, staying at the Fisher House offered more than mere convenience and easy access to their son. Jan said she was “humbled by the Fisher House community. I mean,” she said softly, “our son was going to live, but others… well. We really helped each other; we were family to the point where, when four families went home last weekend, I was happy for them, but it was kind of bittersweet.”

While I stay at the Tampa VA Giving my injuries my best fight, They provide a beautiful place for my parents To sleep at night.

Nick’s father was impressed not only by the Fisher House staff, which he said, “bent over backward for us,” but also by the entire Tampa community working with Fisher House. “Lots of churches and organizations were really helpful too,” he said.

The layouts to the houses are more Than comforting.

Their staff and volunteers Are always warm and welcoming.

Nick V also mentioned something surprising: that staying at a Fisher House had offered him “an opportunity.” The close connections that formed, the shared sorrows and joys, were the last things he expected. He and his wife had been living in their own home for a long time, and he had no idea how either of them were going to react in the “shared living situation” the Fisher House offered.

“But it turned us all into family,” he said.

In recent weeks, Jan reported Nick IV has improved in a number of areas. He can walk with assistance, and he speaks more clearly every week. He’s made such progress, she reported, that he went horseback riding recently. The therapy is working, and the family is together to see it.

Each Wednesday the whole house can share a meal That is prepared by organizations that want us to heal.

My best times so far are the weekends there, When so many families spend time and share Their food, their hopes, their woes and their cares.

The Fisher House provides fellowship; a blessing so rare.

As I write this poem of gratitude I realize I don’t have a clue How I would have gone through this without my Parents just steps away…

I give thanks for the Fisher House each and every day For providing them a safe and caring place to stay.

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Army Infantry Veteran Walks the Beaches of Normandy for Fisher House Foundation Story by Kerri Childress

Hayden Blumenfeld recently walked the D-Day beaches Hayden’s grandfathers served in WWII, and he followed in Normandy, France. But he didn’t go as a tourist. His 55- in their footsteps to become an Infantry officer in the mile walk was to support veterans and their families through Army. He still serves in the Army Reserves. He is also Fisher House Foundation. a firefighter in California and, last summer, joined hundreds of others fighting the fires in Yosemite “It was a powerful experience,” said National Park.

Hayden, who lives in Irvine, CA. “It’s important to remember the past and never forget the sacrifices of our “I joined the military to be part of military before us. To me, the invasion something bigger than myself. I also of Normandy was such a pivotal point wanted to serve my country, to give back. in WWII and, ultimately, how we live It’s why I fight wild fires today—to be of today and the freedoms we have.” service,” Hayden said.

Hayden sailed from Portsmouth, England, to the coast of France. He walked all five of the D-Day landing beaches, as well as the Normandy American Cemetery. He completed the journey in just 2 ½ days, finishing at the Utah Beach Landing Museum.

“I literally walked through a pair of shoes and didn’t bring anymore. My feet took a beating. If I were to do this all over again, I would take more time, stop in the nearby towns along the way and learn their history too,” he said.

A University of California, Berkeley graduate, Hayden chose to support Fisher House for two reasons. “First, I love that Fisher House Foundation serves veterans from all wars. And, secondly, I think taking care of veterans’ families is one of the best ways to serve veterans because the families served too.”

To follow the walk or to make donations, please visit marchwiththem.org.

“

There are those who speak about you, and say, ‘He lost an arm; he lost a leg; she lost her sight.’ I object. You

“

gave your arm; you gave your leg; you gave your sight— as gifts to your nation so that we might live in freedom.

Thank you. And to your families—families of the fallen and families of the wounded—you’ve sacrificed in ways

that those of us who have not walked in your shoes can only imagine.

Gen. Peter Pace, USMC (Ret.) with his wife, Lynne Pace, who is a trustee for Fisher House Foundation, at the newest Fisher House in Palo Alto, CA.

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— Gen. Peter Pace, USMC (Ret.) Former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ­

Heroes' Legacy Scholarship Gold Star Daughter fulfills Her Father’s Dreams Photos Courtesy of Givewith

Penn State senior Taylor Baum knows what it is to serve and sacrifice. When she was just 8 years old, her father was killed in Iraq while trying to protect his unit during heavy combat.

Fisher House Foundation also understands what it is to serve and sacrifice. It’s one of the reasons the Foundation started the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship program, an undergraduate college scholarship for children of service members who have died or become 100% disabled through active military service.

Last year, Taylor was one of 432 recipients of the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship. Her scholarship was used to pursue her undergraduate degrees: a double-major in biology and electrical engineering.

and tell them once again how important their loved one’s service is to this country. By helping them get an education, it’s going to make a difference in their future.”

Taylor agrees and added that education allowed her to continue her father’s legacy. “I believe that my dad would be extremely proud of where I am. I have not only studied incredible subjects, but I’m doing things that my parents hoped I would do and that they believed I could do.”

“I plan on graduating and pursuing my Ph.D. in neuroscience. My life goal is to protect people, serve people and have an impact on others just like my father did,” Taylor added. “Fisher House is helping me do just that.”

To learn more about both the Heroes’ Legacy Program and the Scholarships for Military Families, visit www.militaryscholar.org.

“The ambition to go to college has always been there,” said Taylor. “However, going to college was never a sure thing because of the cost. The only reason I’m able to go to college is because of scholarships like Fisher House Foundation’s Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship. It made such a big difference.”

This school year, the program awarded over 500 scholarships to these deserving students.

“Military families make sacrifices that most people in this country are just not aware of,” said Dave Coker, president of Fisher House Foundation. “This scholarship allows us, years later, to come back into Gold Star families’ lives

AbbVie Foundation Support Helps Make Scholarship Program Possible Fisher House Foundation’s scholarship programs would be that strive to make the lives of veterans and their families better. impossible if it were not for individual and corporate donations, This grant underscores the importance of education for the including AbbVie Foundation’s generous $750,000 grant to the children of veterans.

2019 Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship program. The grant will cover “We deeply appreciate the support Fisher House Foundation 188 scholarships for children just like Taylor Baum. provides to service members and their families, and are proud to support the scholarship program,” said Melissa Walsh, vice The AbbVie Foundation is dedicated to having a remarkable president of corporate responsibility and global philanthropy impact on the lives of the underserved around the world at AbbVie. “Through this grant, the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship through a commitment to building strong communities, can provide more resources to help the children of fallen sustainable health care systems and effective educational or disabled service members pursue education and meet programs. The Foundation is proud to support organizations their potential.”

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Former

PRESIDENT OBAMA Continues His Support to

FISHER HOUSE Story by Kerri Childress

Families staying at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Fisher Houses in Bethesda, MD, had a surprise visit recently when former President Barack Obama provided lunch and hand-delivered cookies.

The Obama family has long supported Fisher House and particularly the families Fisher Houses serve. This visit was no exception: the president spoke with each family, took lots of photos and generated many smiles.

On his Facebook page the president wrote, “The families of our wounded warriors don't often get a lot of fanfare, but they're serving and sacrificing right alongside their loved ones.

We all owe a debt to them too, and Fisher House is always making sure we're serving those who serve us.”

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Throughout the years, the Obama's have donated more than $750,000 to Fisher House Foundation. The first donation came from his Nobel Prize money, of which $250,000 was directed to Fisher House. He also donated all the proceeds from his book, Of Thee I Sing… A Letter to My Daughters, which provided the seed money for Fisher House Foundation’s Heroes' Legacy Scholarships program (See Taylor Baum’s story on previous page 7).

AIR FORCE PILOT’S

FAMILY FINDS REFUGE AT FISHER HOUSE

Story by Jacque Goodale-McDougal

U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Krystie Martinez

"The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."

Twelve days after our fourth child was born, my husband, David, woke up confused and complaining of a headache he said had bothered him for a few days.

Our family had just celebrated his 34th birthday.

News of his illness spread like wildfire through the small town of Altus, OK, where David served as an Air Force pilot, especially after doctors broke the news they had found a mass deep in his brain and that our little town hospital could not support the level of care he required. Our lives would never be the same.

He was sent to a hospital 2 ½ hours away to begin 13 months of hospitalization in seven facilities in two states. All we could do was drop to our knees and cling to the God we knew would carry us through it all.

David endured brain surgery, feeding tubes, a ventilator, the ICU, rounds and

rounds of blood tests, MRIs and CT scans, but the doctors couldn’t figure out how to stop the mass that was quickly stripping him of his cognitive skills and physical abilities. Eventually he was bedridden, nearly blind, unable to speak, and—worst of all—losing all of his memories.

It was devastating for us all. Our three older kids had to live with family and friends for those 13 months. I never knew where I was going to lay my head at night as I followed my husband in ambulances from place to place. His final transfer was to San Antonio, Texas. That is where I found myself living in the Audie Murphy VA Fisher House.

The Fisher House was a refuge to rest, eat, recharge, connect and pray with (and for) the other families in similar circumstances to our own. It was a lovely “home away from home” and was only walking distance from the hospital where David was staying.

Not having to worry about hotel costs during an already difficult time is something I am forever thankful for because it allowed me to tend to my husband’s extensive medical needs and be his advocate, all while trying to maintain my own well-being and that of our family.

The Lord always faithfully provided for every need, and the Fisher House was a huge part of the Lord’s provision.

My husband died Dec. 12. An autopsy showed a rare cancer was the cause of his suffering, but I am thankful for the gift of salvation because I know David is with the Lord. I am thankful for the Fisher House and for the many ways the Lord empowered us and those around us to help us in our time of desperation and need.

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1

st

DAY IN THE

LIFE 2019

Managers’ Choice

Each year the Foundation sponsors a “Day in the Life” photo contest to help depict what happens within a Fisher House. It’s often hard to describe the camaraderie and bonds that form, so we reach out to our Fisher Houses to help show that through photos. Here we highlight the winners.

DC VA Medical Center

Nadine Cutchin was staying at DC Fisher House while her husband received care at the VA Medical Center. A volunteer group from the Order of the Eastern Star came to donate items only to find out that Nadine’s daughter was in their chapter, and they had been praying for Nadine and her husband for months. So deeply touched, Nadine started crying and gave hugs to everyone in the group. Photo by Stacey Child

Travis Air Force Base Fisher House, CA

After their daughter was born prematurely at 22 weeks, Air Force Senior Airman Whitney Speicher (left) stayed at the Fisher House while her wife, Alison, cared for their new baby girl in the NICU where the baby was receiving care.

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nd Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Fisher House, AK

The two young lovebirds, Charles and Martha Steckman, celebrate 55 years of marriage at the Fisher House. They invited all the guests, staff and family to a catered dinner in celebration of their love. Photo by Tracey Martiny

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rd Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Fisher House, AK

Tyrese, Trinity and Dayana Hadnot return from their first day of school at Anchorage, where they met new friends and classmates. Their mother just had twins and the family was staying at Fisher House while the babies were in the NICU. Photo by Tracey Martiny

If you have a special memory or high-quality photo you’d like to share with the Foundation, please send it to us at info@fisherhouse.org!

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DEDICATIONS & GROUNDBREAKINGS:

Bronx, N

• BRONX FISHER HOUSES • CLEVELAND FISHER HOUSES • ALBUQUERQUE FISHER HOUSE • DENVER FISHER HOUSE • ANN ARBOR FISHER HOUSE • OMAHA FISHER HOUSE • HUNTINGTON FISHER HOUSE

Y

DEDICATING Bronx Fisher Houses I & II The James J. Peters (Bronx) VA Medical Center dedicated two Fisher Houses May 22, 2019.

The 16-suite homes are the first Fisher Houses in New York City. They can serve up to 11,680 families per year, saving them nearly $3 million annually.

Cleveland Fisher Houses I & II The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center in Cleveland, OH, dedicated two 16-suite Fisher Houses June 11. These homes will serve the more than 112,000 veterans across the Northeast Ohio VA Healthcare System. Each year, the two 16-suite Fisher Houses will provide lodging up to 11,680 families, saving them more than $1.5 million annually.

Cleveland, OH

Albuquerque Fisher House Hundreds gathered to celebrate the dedication of the first Fisher House in New Mexico.

The 16-suite home was built on the grounds of the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque and will serve veterans from all over New Mexico and Colorado.

GROUNDBREAKING Denver Fisher House The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System at Aurora, CO, broke ground April 16 for a 16-suite Fisher House.

e r, De n v

CO

Ann Arbor Fisher House Ground was broken for a 16-suite Fisher House at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, MI, June 14. The Ann Arbor community group, Fisher House Michigan, had been working for more than three years to help raise funds to build the home. More than 26 donors and other VIPs were part of the shovel lineup.

Omaha Fisher House VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System broke ground for a 16-suite Fisher House on the grounds of the Omaha VA Medical Center Aug. 7.

Om a h a, N E

Huntington Fisher House

A n n A rb o r, MI

Ground was broken for the first Fisher House in West Virginia at the Huntington VA Medical Center on Oct. 3.

Cleveland, OH

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FISHER HOUSE

SALUTES

Military service members, veterans and their families are supported by countless organizations that acknowledge their sacrifices. We feature a top-tier organization each issue.

Story by Stacy Bilodeau

WE SALUTE:

Operation Deploy Your Dress Makes Life Easier One Dress at a Time What started as a dress swap among military spouse friends at Fort Bliss, Texas, in 2015, has blossomed into a nonprofit serving over 3,000 military spouses and female service members.

Operation Deploy Your Dress (ODYD) is a donation-based, volunteer-run, military spouse-founded nonprofit. Its goal is to cut down on the costs of attending unit balls and other formal military events. Here’s how it works…ODYD accepts donations of gently used formalwear, shoes and accessories that are distributed free of charge to military spouses and service members at military bases across the country.

Recently, ODYD had a pop-up event at the 2019 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year Town Hall in Washington, D.C., where hundreds of dresses were given to military spouses from across the nation. Army spouse Krista Simpson got a chance to experience ODYD for the first time.

“It was the most fun I had all week! Meeting new spouses, trying on dresses—we all were brutally honest, yet fiercely complementary,” said Krista. “It brought me so much joy to feel the sisterhood of our community in such a stress-free environment. If you found a dress you loved, you took it with you! If not, the experience was still priceless. I found a beautiful gold dress, and the moment I put it on, my fellow spouses, along with the ODYD volunteers, made me feel like a princess.”

ODYD not only helps to make attending military formals more affordable and adorable one dress at a time, it also brings military spouses together through networking.

The nonprofit is in multiple locations and growing.

To learn more, visit www.operationdeployyourdress.org.

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Meet the Manager Fisher House Foundation is privileged to have amazing managers at our Fisher Houses. These professionals do a wonderful job taking care of the families that call Fisher House “a home away from home.”

By Kerri Childress

SHENTRELA DIGGINS

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, fl Standing a stately 6 feet tall (and even taller in heels), Shentrela Diggins says that God gave her long arms so she could wrap them around families and give them a hug.

"When people walk through the door of the VA Bay Pines Fisher House, I want them to feel a loving spirit, a peace and calm," Shentrela said. "Life has its twists and turns.

Nobody understands that better than me, and that gives me compassion for those families who come here."

Shentrela has certainly had her fair share of challenges.

Raised by her grandmother in a violent gang-ridden neighborhood, she first became a mother at 16. Four more babies followed, including a son born with sickle cell disease, and a granddaughter, now 5 years old, whom she is presently raising.

"People told me I would amount to nothing more than a welfare mom," Shentrela said, "but they didn't realize that all you have to do is tell me I can't do something, and, with God's help, I will do it! I looked around me and said, ‘This is not how I want to live my life.’"

She enrolled in medical school to become a phlebotomist, mainly to help care for her son with sickle cell, who had extensive medical needs. She was then hired by VA as a phlebotomist, where she later transferred to social work services and helped with the lodging program at Bay Pines VAMC. When the Fisher House manager job opened, she was among 150 people who applied.

"I believe I got the job because I understood how important the Fisher House was," she said. "I can't imagine what I would have done without a Ronald McDonald House when my son was so sick—so many times. It saved me and allowed me to be with him and learn how to care for him. Like the Ronald McDonald House, Fisher House is a lifeline for so many families."

For the past three years, Shentrela has managed the Bay Pines Fisher House. When asked how she manages her work/life balance, she said, "When I wake up in the morning, I take care of my family at home. When I walk through the doors of Fisher House, I take care of my 'family' here. I believe that the person who knocks on the door is my mother, or father, or daughter, or son. I look at them as family."

"And I pray a lot," she said with a smile.

"You know, you can teach anyone how to do a spreadsheet, keep up on paperwork, manage the cleaning staff, or tasks like that, but you can't teach compassion,” Shentrela said. “That must come from the heart.

That's the difference between just doing a job and doing it well.”

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Letters to Fisher House Foundation “Please accept this $1 bill. lt is from my greatgranddaughter Ellie Marie Barker, age 7 1/2 . We were in her room, and she was showing me her many toys. She added that she sometimes donates some of them to homeless children. lt reminded me of the story in your magazine, The Patriot, about little Bradley Madden and how much you helped him and his family. l told Ellie that it is all paid for by money from people who want to help. She turned and went to her little savings box and came back with this dollar. She asked me to send it to you.

Thank you for all the good work you have done and continue to do. My husband, Ellie’s greatgrandfather, greatly admired your work, and l put his name with her dollar in tribute to him.”

Dena Hughes Meridian, lD

“When we received a call that our son, LS2 Robert Andrade, was being - med-flighted from Italy to Germany to Walter Reed Medical Center, you can only imagine the anguish, fear and disbelief the phone call effectuated. I got the first flight out from Massachusetts — not knowing what to expect, where I was going to stay, etc. All I knew was I had to get to my boy.

There truly are no words to express the gratitude our fa mily has to F isher House. I was welcomed; had a beautiful, clean home to stay in; and had support from each of the people working there. The dedication and love they showed me during the most stressful time in my life was truly a blessing. F inancially, it would have been a dire hardship to pay for hotels in the D.C. area.

My whole adult life, I have been an active volunteer.

After this difficult time, I promise to pay it forward to your organization. Special people at F isher House absolutely ROCK!!! You will always own a piece of my heart. Y ou are truly appreciated.”

Lois Andrade North Dartmouth, MA

“My family stayed at the Fisher House in San Diego. My parents and sisters flew out from Pennsylvania and were there to greet me when l arrived severely injured from Afghanistan. What a relief it was for my parents to have somewhere to stay so close to me. We love the Fisher House.

The Fisher House was where we spent my first Christmas after being injured. lt’s an experience l will never forget. My daughter was excited that we would be together for Christmas. We put presents under the tree, and Christmas morning was the first time l left my hospital floor, and it was to the Fisher House. My mom prepared a wonderful home cooked meal.

When people ask me what charities to donate to, l always recommend Fisher House Foundation.”

Eric McElvenny Pit tsburgh, PA 14

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 2 • 2019

Stacyas Thom te & rpora s o C f tor o ation Direc ation Rel nd d yla Foun , Mar ville

Rock

MEET The Staff

Fisher House Foundation is comprised of many passionate and talented people.

Each issue, you’ll meet someone who helps contribute to our mission of supporting our military, veterans and their families.

Stacy Thomas

Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations I grew up in the country, riding four-wheelers with my brother, jumping hay bales and spending my summer evenings riding in my dad’s ice cream truck. During the day, he had his own tailor shop, a skill he was taught when he was 13. I took full advantage of this, being only 5 feet tall! My parents immigrated from Greece in the late ’60s with only an elementary education and didn’t speak any English. They moved here to provide a better life for my brother and me.

After 9/11, Kevin, my husband (then fiancé) joined the Army, and our first duty station was Kaiserslautern, Germany. As a military spouse, I was lucky to have learned about the Landstuhl Fisher Houses and was hired as the assistant manager. For nearly three years, I spent five days a week on call during the height of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Fisher House proved to be my most rewarding and difficult job. I learned that everyone handles crisis and grief differently. I learned that parents will fly across the world hoping to see their son or daughter one last time. I learned the sound of a mother’s cry after losing her son.

Our time came to move back to the U.S., and it was bittersweet.

I found it difficult to separate myself from the families, keeping in touch with many of them to this day. Kevin separated honorably from the Army and now serves our country in a new way.

I am blessed to now work for the Foundation where I oversee corporate and foundation giving, including cause marketing and grants, and enjoy connecting with potential supporters, whether a small startup business or a large corporation, to ensure their giving best fits their goals.

At home, I am a mom to Mila, six, and Roman, nine years old. They are strong-willed children who keep us on our toes. It is my hope that they will grow up to be brave and independent adults who will choose a career path about which they are passionate, just like mom and dad.

When I read a letter from a family we have helped or visit a house and sit and chat with a family, I am reminded of why I do what I do. After 14 years, I know I am exactly where I should be and am so proud to serve our military and veterans’ families every day.

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COVER STORY:

Through Love and Humor Zachary Sutterfield Survives Severe Burns and Injuries

Story by Kerri Childress Photos by Craig Orsini

“I can let this tragedy define me, or I can define it,” said 20-yearold Zachary Sutterfield as he sat on a couch at the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) Fisher House in San Antonio.

Zachary was trapped in an apartment fire in San Marcos, Texas, on July 20, 2018. As a result, he had third-degree burns to over 70% of his body, endured a traumatic brain injury, lost all his fingers on one hand and all but two short digits on the other, lost an ear, and underwent 23 surgeries within the first six months of the fire.

Zachary’s injuries were so severe the doctors gave him only a small chance of survival.

And, yet, in just talking to him on the phone, one would be hardpressed to know Zachary had been through such horrors. He has an infectious sense of humor, and his optimism is incredible.

“I think Zachary learned early how to adapt. He and his brother, Danny, are military brats and have lived in a lot of different places where they had to pick up and adjust to a new life,” said Zachary’s father, Karl Sutterfield, who retired from the Army after more 16

THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 2 • 2019

than 20 years. Today, Karl teaches young service members at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, about a fourhour drive from BAMC. Zachary can recount much of the early morning hours in 2018 when the San Marcos apartment complex, where he was staying with his two best friends, caught fire. He remembers waking Haley Frizzell and David Ortiz, and then losing them as they ran out the door. Neither survived. When Zachary caught fire, instinct took over, and he jumped out their second-story window to the courtyard below. Witnesses told him to drop and roll, and they used their clothes and anything they could find to put out the fire that engulfed him.

“I remember being helped to the ambulance,” said Zachary, “and saying to the medics, ‘Please knock me out,’” which they did. The next thing he remembers is being at BAMC’s world-renowned U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center, admitted as Karl’s dependent.

Left and top left: Zachary and his mom and dad take some time off to enjoy a barbecue at the Fisher House. Top right photos: Zachary takes Sketch for a walk and does his daily physical therapy at BAMC. Fisher House offers Zachary an opportunity to do one of his favorite things—cook. Zachary with his mom and brother before the fire (courtesy of the family).

During the many months of arduous surgeries and rehabilitation, Zachary’s parents lived at the Fisher House, a place that Zachary’s mom, Deona “DJ” Sutterfield said, “was one of the greatest blessings I have ever had.” Zachary would stay at the Fisher House after he was released from the hospital too.

“The doctors kept telling us this was a marathon, not a sprint, and that we would be here a long time,” said DJ, who also served in the Army and National Guard as a medic. “Fact is, I would have slept in my truck if I had to. But, instead, we were blessed with a home, a place where I could cook Zachary’s favorite foods, do our laundry, even grill out back. But mostly it was a place where I met friends. These were people like us, going through hardships that seemed unimaginable. We were there for each other in the Fisher House.”

People are amazed to see Zach now and see what BAMC did for him—from the skin grafts to the multiple surgeries to the “eating cuffs.” He remembers being in rehab one day and crying. He was an English major and thought he would never write again. One of the nurses told him not to worry and fixed his hand with a special cuff so he could print, and he says his writing is better than ever.

“The staff here at the hospital have been like angels,” Zach said.

“But what truly saved me was having my mom and dad here. There were times when me and my mom cried together and screamed together—even more times when we laughed together and found some solace and peace in humor. She would tell me, ‘Yes, this happened, but you will still get to play with your kids one day; you can still cook in the kitchen like you always did. Sure, it’s

going to be harder, but you still get to do those things.’ My mom saved me as much as the doctors.”

Zach must eat 6,000 calories a day as his body fights to heal. “It’s awesome,” said Zach. Laughing, DJ quickly followed, “that’s why having a kitchen allows me to cook the food that he’s used to.

Being able to cook together is a big thing for our family. Fisher House lets that happen. Fisher House gives us normalcy, and I can’t tell you how important that is for all of our healing.”

A day in the life of Zachary involves a full schedule of appointments that begin early in the morning. Rehab consists of strengthening and balance exercises, as well as stretching, which, according to Zach, is by far the most painful. He has traumaticbrain-injury therapy, and checkups with the burn doctors, neurologists and psychiatrists. Then he comes “home,” where mom helps with wound care, and they both fix dinner together.

Zachary has started classes online with Texas State University to pursue his major in English. His goal is to teach one day.

He has a new four-legged therapist, whom he met for the first time in March. His name is Sketch, a Labradoodle (“Get it, Sketch,” Zach laughed), who is currently being trained as Zach’s service dog.

Thanks to Zachary’s spirit and having his family by his side, he continues to make strides. His father has a wish for Zachary’s future: “I hope one day Zach walks out of the Fisher House and BAMC and changes the world.”

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17

AT

92

Y E A R S O L D,

Bertha M . Bryant

CAN LIGHT UP A ROOM Story and photos by Kerri Childress

Bertha Bryant readily admits that, at 92 years old, she no longer wears heels when she dresses up, but she always wears a hat that matches her dress, and on her arm is a Fitbit. A mother of seven, grandmother of 18, great-grandmother of 16 and greatgreat-grandmother of three, Bertha still can light up a room with her style and smile.

For more than three years, Bertha has been volunteering at the VA Fisher House in Washington, D.C.—twice a week for six hours a day.

She said it’s uplifting for her and gives her a chance to meet people from all over the world.

“I love to talk with them and just listen— we spend time uplifting each other,” she said. “It really does my heart good. I think it’s what helps me live a long and happy life.”

country. According to Independent Sector’s 2017 Value of Volunteer Time ($24.69 per hour), that amounts to more than $2.3 million worth of services, but the monetary value is only the tip of the iceberg. What really matters is the love and kindness these volunteers show military and veterans’ families.

“When people are feeling low, you want to do something or say something that inspires them,” said Bertha. “Sometimes there is nothing I can do to help, but I try. When I see they are sad or teary, that’s when I reach out with a hug. It usually helps them smile a little.

“A lot of people don’t realize that you can smile through tears.”

Shortly before leaving to go home, a Vietnam veteran frantically looked for Bertha. He wanted to say goodbye. Once he found her, he broke out in a Stevie Wonder song while taking her hands: “Isn’t she lovely Isn’t she wonderful Isn’t she precious…

Isn’t she pretty Truly the angel’s best Boy, I’m so happy We have been heaven blessed…”

There are tears in Bertha’s eyes and a smile from ear to ear.

Stacey Childs, the Fisher House manager, “I always hope that when people leave the agrees. “I think giving back to our Fisher House, there was something that families gives Bertha’s life real meaning.

I said or did that made them feel a little Everyone, and especially me, gains from bit better,” said Bertha. “I don’t advise. I her beautiful smile and caring attitude. listen. And, most of the time, that’s what It’s not only when she dresses in yellow people really need. I’m a good listener. that she looks like sunshine. She brings It’s a gift that I didn’t know I had until I sunshine to our home every time she started volunteering at Fisher House.” steps in the door.”

Last year, 93,000 volunteer hours were donated at Fisher Houses across the 18

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2019

FISHER HOUSE VOLU NTE E R OF THE YEAR

CHRIS AND DELORES SCOTT HOLD HANDS AND TOUCH LIVES Story by Kerri Childress

Most Fisher House managers would say they couldn’t run their homes without their volunteers. Some volunteers, however, offer much more than just their time, and none more than Christopher Scott, who was named the 2019 Fisher House Volunteer of the Year.

“We appreciate all our volunteers,” said Quinn Kiger-Good, Salt Lake City Fisher House manager, “but, every now and then, you meet someone with a life mission of serving others. You can feel their energy, compassion, humility and love toward others. That’s Chris. Since the day the Salt Lake City VA Fisher House opened its doors, Chris has been there to help.”

Chris will be the first to tell you that he did not do this alone–at his side was his wife, Delores. Together, as partners, they have been coming to Fisher House for more than seven years. Each event is different. Sometimes there is laughter and joking. At other times, it’s more solemn.

By the end of the night, however, they come together, hold hands and continue their journey together, Chris said.

“For me, the most important things in life are the people who hold your hand as you come into this world, the people who hold your hand as you go through this world and the people who hold your hand as you leave this world,” said Chris. “At Fisher House—volunteers and staff—we

their lives,” Chris said.

He recalls another story of being with a wife when her husband passed away. He wanted to help and make sure she would get the benefits she had coming to her since her husband passed away from

hold people’s hands. We hold their hands at some of the worst times of their lives and sometimes even as they leave this life.”

Agent Orange exposure. As they were leaving the room, she told Chris, “I just want to go home. I want to go home.”

Chris tells the story of cooking at Fisher House one Friday when a family came up to ask if they could help. Everyone laughed and chatted while cutting up vegetables. Then they ate dinner together.

Afterward, the veteran looked at Chris and asked his spouse, “Did you tell him?”

Chris said he understood, but her home was more than three hours away and it was late. She just looked at Chris, “No, Chris. I want to go back to the Fisher House. That’s my home.”

She said, “I don’t really want to do that.”

“I’ll tell him,” he said. He looked at Chris and said he’d learned that day he had bladder cancer and only three months to live.

“That’s when I realized that we hold people’s hands; we help them through the tough times. It’s an honor to be a part of

“It was in that moment when I realized that Fisher House not only holds people’s hands as they go through the world, but even as they leave this world,” said Chris.

“That’s been a driving force for me all these years. Our managers, organizations, volunteers and all the people who donate to Fisher House, we hold our veterans’ hands. We hold their families’ hands: two hands, around a heart, forming a house.

At Fisher House, we hold people’s hands.

We are all just family.”

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Hearts in the Community Proud Supporter

Air Force Veteran Climbs the Highest Peak in the World to support Fisher House Story by Allan Johnson Photos provided by Chris Cobb

Back in 2016, Air Force veteran Chris Cobb had a vision to support Fisher House—he would climb the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, and ask folks to donate per each foot he reached. However, he didn’t have any sort of mountain climbing experience. In fact, he had never actually climbed a mountain. The people he contacted first regarding his intention to try Everest offered this as their first suggestion: Climb something else before making up your mind.

So, Chris did. He started training— awake before daylight, running up and down stairs at the local high school stadium, loaded with an 80-pound backpack; running or lifting weights every afternoon; and climbing Mounts Erie, Baker and Rainier twice and Denali (America’s largest mountain). His mind was made up. He was going to climb Mount Everest, and he was going to do it to support Fisher House.

“When people ask me why Fisher House, I tell them that Fisher House helps veterans and their families,” said Chris. “I’ve heard stories of spouses sleeping in their cars while the veteran

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was treated at VA. They couldn’t afford a hotel room. We just opened a Fisher House in Tucson, and it is top-notch. It is making a difference in veterans’ families’ lives.”

“I know how important family is. My grandpas, great-uncles, dad and myself all served in the military. I moved every three to four years growing up. Our family was everything we had,” Chris added.

A penny a foot, Chris told supporters, added up to a little more than $290 to support the new Tucson Fisher House.

Chris reached out to a variety of communities: his Vail, AZ, neighbors; his realty partners and associates; veterans. The big day got closer and closer.

For anyone who never got the memo, climbing Mount Everest involves a lot of painstaking effort and nearly endless patience.

There are licenses, travel details, equipment, weather and complicated logistics to simply get to Nepal, then trekking and camping, more trekking and camping, and some more trekking

and camping after that before the real climbing even begins.

Those last few thousand feet on Mount Everest are often described as a “death zone” due to conditions unconducive to human life and extreme lack of oxygen.

Chris saw what the news reported when he was on Everest, but said, “There’s a different story if you ask each of the people who were there. For them, there was a reason that overshadowed the stories of tragic gridlock. For them, there was an understanding that they were trying something difficult and important despite the danger. For them, it was the fulfillment of a dream.”

Chris achieved his dream at 6:15 a.m., May 23. His friends, family and supporters were nervous. He was so far away, and the news was so frightening. But then a picture posted on Facebook: Chris Cobb on top of Mount Everest planting a Fisher House flag!

Lindsay Moreno, one of Chris’ friends, summed up the accomplishment, “He DID IT! Chris Cobb decided to hike up Mount Everest and raise money and awareness for Fisher House. He made it all the way to the top of the highest mountain in the world in the name of charity! Most people only talk about change and making a difference. Then there is Chris, who made the positive change the world needs.”

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Hearts in the Community Corporate Support Here, we highlight a company that continues to support the Fisher House program.

The Wine Group Supports Fisher House Foundation

Fisher House Foundation’s partnership with The Wine Group started in 2014 when flipflop Wines hosted a social media campaign asking their followers to vote on their favorite charity. The campaign not only brought in money for the Foundation but also gave it important visibility.

“We frequently get notes in the mail from people letting us know they have supported us through The Wine Group’s efforts,” said Denise Dolan, chief advancement officer for Fisher House Foundation. “We are truly grateful for the awareness they have provided over the past several years.”

Franzia, part of The Wine Group, approached the Foundation in 2016 with a new promotion requiring people to send in the popout tab that would then generate a donation. The tab displayed the Foundation’s logo, and the program evolved over time to incorporate digital coupons that also generated a donation.

Recently, The Wine Group added more brands, increasing its overall giving, including Imagery Estate Winery, McManis Family Vineyards, 7 Deadly and Tribute. To date, The Wine Group has donated over $200,000.

“We look forward to continuing our great partnership with The Wine Group in the years to come and are so appreciative of their support. It’s obvious they care deeply for our military, veterans and their families,” said Dolan.

Next time you’re in the wine aisle, look out for the Fisher House logo on the Franzia box!

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2019 Comedian Jon Stewart Gives High Praise to Military, Veterans and Their Families Jon Stewart’s humor is world-renowned, but what some people may not appreciate is his devotion and gratitude for our country’s military, veterans and their families, as well as for first responders.

For the fourth year in a row, Jon has emceed the Warrior Games— this year in Tampa, FL. His mix of humor and compassion touched the audience, evoking both laughter and tears.

Stewart responded by saying, “We are here to celebrate these unbelievable athletes from all of the branches of the military. These are men and women who refuse to allow themselves to be defined by their worst day, but define themselves by their reaction to that day. Their lives are built on resilience, perseverance, dedication and camaraderie.”

“Thank you very much for coming out to the Warrior Games,” Stewart said. “We have had a tremendous day or two of competition. The athletes are finding out what it is like to be in a city that was built inside a humidifier.”

Stewart stated the athletes have gone through a lot to get to the Games, but no one got there by themselves. “The families and the caregivers so often work as hard as the athletes to get them prepared and to get them going and to be there,” said Stewart.

Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation, which helps sponsor the Warrior Games Family Program, acknowledged Stewart’s work with wounded warriors and first responders.

The highlight of all Stewart’s Warrior Games ceremonies comes at the end of the show, when he jumps offstage and makes the rounds taking selfies with all the athletes and their families. He calls it “my favorite part.”

“Before I say another word, I want to say a special thanks to Jon Stewart for being here year after year,” said Fisher. “There is no bigger supporter of our service members and our first responders than Jon—and he does it with no cameras and no fanfare. It is so good to see him here again. Thank you, Jon.” The acknowledgement had the crowd of thousands on their feet and cheering.

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HOUSEROUNDUP 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, submitted by our managers.

ALASKA

JBER HOSPITAL Elmendorf AFB The Alaska Fisher House hosts many families that need support while waiting to give birth in Anchorage, due to the lack of hospital care in rural communities. Courtney and Colin Spencer, a Coast Guard couple, welcomed their son, Percival, at 23 weeks (or four months early). Deemed a micro-preemie, Percival required a lengthy NICU stay to promote proper growth and development outside the womb.

The Spencers played an integral role in Percival’s development with a highly beneficial intervention called Kangaroo Care, a practice of skin-to-skin contact. The Spencers won the annual Kangaroo-A-Thon by holding Percival for a record-breaking 117.8 hours in two weeks. They named their team the United States Cuddle Guard (USCG). Without the stability of the Fisher House, families would not be able to play such an integral part in their family’s medical care.

ARIZONA

OUTHERN ARIZONA S VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Tucson Melissa Santa Cruz, program director for Tejano 1600 AM in Southern Arizona, first heard of the Fisher House during the Stuff the Tuff campaign sponsored by Cox Media, Premier Auto and Tuff Shed. She met a Fisher House family and saw the impact of a Fisher House firsthand. Santa Cruz decided she wanted to do more and invited manager Kelly Laurich and a Fisher House guest to participate on her local show, which was great fun and led to an open invitation to use her program to spread the news about future events.

CALIFORNIA

CAMP PENDLETON HOSPITAL Camp Pendleton

SPECIAL GUEST AT THE ALASKA FISHER HOUSE It was a typical spring morning at the Anchorage Fisher Houses, till someone noticed a moose lying on the lawn. Not that unusual, it wasn’t until one of the Fisher House volunteers looked again that the excitement began.

The moose had given birth, right there on the front lawn. Thanks, Theresa Nedrow, for the photo. Certainly beats seeing squirrels.

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VetArt presented a bronze bell to the Camp Pendleton Fisher House March 7, 2019. The bell is personalized with the Fisher House logo. The VetArt program provides complimentary classes to service members, veterans and their families to build stronger bonds within the military family.

F LO R I DA

A ORLANDO V MEDICAL CENTER Orlando Chefs from the Hyatt Regency/Orlando International Airport prepared lunch for the Fisher House guests at the Orlando VA Medical Center. It was a treat enjoyed by all!

AN DIEGO NAVAL S MEDICAL CENTER San Diego Seven Rancho Christian High School students volunteered for four hours to celebrate their school’s first annual Service Day on March 20 by preparing lunch for military personnel and their families at Fisher House San Diego in their time of need. The entire student body and faculty volunteered at different nonprofit locations throughout Temecula and San Diego.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

ASHINGTON DC W VA MEDICAL CENTER District of Columbia DC VAMC Fisher House volunteer Bertha Bryant was interviewed

by Jonathan Elias of ABC news. Ms. Bryant is 92 years young and volunteers twice a week. She shared the importance of volunteering to support our military, veterans and their families.

To read more about Bertha, see the story on page 18.

AMES A. HALEY J VETERANS' HOSPITAL Tampa Without a doubt, every Fisher House has a wonderful cadre of supporters who prepare and bring meals to their guests on a regular basis. The Tampa Fisher House is no exception—but we are different because we now have two houses filled with families to support.

Since 2015, Assembly #3036 of the Knights of Columbus at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church has been supporting the 20-suite house with ongoing meals, including a whopping holiday feast each Christmas season. When the second Tampa house opened in April 2019, without the slightest hesitation these tremendous supporters rallied their troops and committed to supporting the additional 16 families at each of the monthly meals. They now prepare meals for all 36 families staying at the Tampa Fisher Houses.

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HOUSEROUNDUP GEORGIA

H AWA I I

MISSISSIPPI

CHARLIE NORWOOD VA MEDICAL CENTER

TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

KEESLER AFB HOSPITAL

Augusta

Honolulu

On May 15, the Augusta Council of Garden Clubs and The Garden Club of Georgia dedicated the Blue Star Memorial Marker at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Fisher House. The Blue Star Memorial Marker program began in 1945 to honor the men and women serving in the armed forces during World War II. The program has grown and now extends thousands of miles across the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii.

Sixth grade students near Tripler Army Medical Center took on a yearlong service project to support the Fisher Houses on base. In addition to holding a donation drive at the commissary, the students took a field trip to the Fisher Houses to deliver the donated items.

They had the opportunity to meet families staying there, and the students also helped tidy up the homes.

The Keesler Fisher House partnered with 40 volunteers from the local United Rentals group to complete a beautification project for the Fisher Houses. The project involved mulching all of the gardens, staining fences, painting the pergola, and power-washing the gazebo and sidewalks. Afterward, the group also provided a delicious lunch of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.

MISSOURI MARYLAND

WALTER REED NATIONAL MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER Bethesda

EISENHOWER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER Fort Gordon On June 7, George Lee of CrossFit Augusta and members of his team stopped by the Fort Gordon Fisher House to present a check for $1,457, raised on Memorial Day through an event called the Murph Challenge. Team members raised money while competing in a variety of physical challenges while wearing weighted vests. More than 40 people competed, with all proceeds benefiting the Fort Gordon Fisher House.

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Keesler AFB

Families staying at Fisher House usually prepare their own meals or go to restaurants on base, but members of the local Order of Malta have mobilized volunteers to cook and serve a complete meal on the third Wednesday of every month. Residents have expressed appreciation for the variety, quality and quantity of food served since there is always enough for second meals and snacks.

M I N N E S O TA

MINNEAPOLIS VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Minneapolis The executive team from the Minneapolis VA hospital comes to cook breakfast for the guests and interact every other month.

The chief of staff, director of the hospital, associate director, acting chief experience officer, nurse executive, director of voluntary services, and administrative assistant to the director’s office all come to the Fisher House and spend time with the guests.

ST. LOUIS VA MEDICAL CENTER St. Louis Although the Jackson family is stationed outside of Missouri, they were visiting family at Fort Leonard Wood when Diamond Jackson went into labor with their baby, Carter. The family (mom, dad and baby Riley) has been in the Fisher House for five months. Baby Riley especially loves to hear stories about Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher over dinner!

N E W YO R K

WISCONSIN

STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER

MILWAUKEE VA MEDICAL CENTER

Albany

Milwaukee

Each year, the Albany Fisher House hosts Cancer Survivor Day. This celebration of life provides opportunities to reunite past guests with each other and their health care providers. At this year’s event, Walmart provided a barbecue, as well as other food and beverages; Deloitte was there cleaning the gardens and planting new flowers; and employees from PiSA BioPharm assisted in many areas, along with local Boy Scouts and musicians.

Oshkosh Defense and the Milwaukee VA celebrated three years of serving the local veteran community by coming together to beautify the grounds of the Fisher House and make it a special place to enjoy the beauty of a Wisconsin summer.

TEXAS

SOUTH TEXAS VETERANS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM San Antonio The San Antonio VA Fisher House and United Rentals hosted two special guests at this year’s annual South Texas VA Courage Classic golf tournament: U.S. Army Specialist Alec Alcoser, an Army dog handler; and his fellow soldier and working dog, Alex.

Both Alec and Alex are Purple Heart recipients. During a patrol in Afghanistan, Alec and Alex were attacked by a suicide bomber. Alec suffered multiple injuries, and Alex lost a leg. Since then, they have been reunited and are walking testaments to the benefits and importance of Fisher House. Alec spoke to a large crowd about how much of a blessing the Fisher House was during his hospitalization. His family lived hundreds of miles away and was able to visit him every weekend due to Fisher House removing the financial burden that would have come from repeated hotel stays.

VIRGINIA

FORT BELVOIR COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Fort Belvoir Members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries, VA, began looking for ways to reach out and serve others in their community, and since a large percentage of the congregation are veterans, they thought of Fisher House. A core group of 12 men began taking turns visiting the House twice each month. These “socials” were small and simple at first: a pot of fresh coffee, a box of doughnuts and conversation.

As weeks went by, new ideas and new people came to the project: hot dog socials, competitive UNO matches and YouTube videos! Now the Fisher House families and congregants of Mt. Zion are good friends making a difference to each other in the Fisher House community.

NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER PORTSMOUTH Portsmouth The Salty Dogs Motorcycle Riding Club held its 13th annual Poker Run May 4 to support the Portsmouth Fisher House.

Over 100 riders, local vendors, guests and other supporters participated and raised over $14,000.

UNITED KINGDOM

QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL BIRMINGHAM Birmingham, UK Jill Daniel met her husband, Paul, while they were serving together in the Royal Navy in the early 1990s. They had two sons, Ciaran and Connor. Ciaran’s lifelong ambition was to follow in his parents’ footsteps by joining the Royal Navy, which he did as soon as he was old enough.

Shortly thereafter, Ciaran was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. He has been treated at the QE Hospital in Birmingham since last January, and Jill and Paul have stayed at the Fisher House since his diagnosis. Jill has this to say about Fisher House: “It has been a Godsend. For me it is the small things, like people sharing breakfast or meal in the evening after spending all day in the ward.” Ciaran’s shipmates from HMS Dragon raised nearly £5,000 for Fisher House.

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Making an IRA Donation to Fisher House Foundation Story by Andrew Kayton, Director of Donations

A frequent question Fisher House Foundation receives this time of year comes from donors who wish to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

Starting at age 70½, the IRS requires owners to withdraw from their IRA accounts each year. These withdrawals are known as Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). The IRS imposes a fine, equivalent to half of the RMD, for failing to withdraw minimum distributions. Due to this requirement, giving from an IRA has become one of the most tax-efficient ways for individuals to donate.

A QCD is a direct transfer of funds from an IRA custodian (e.g., Vanguard, Schwab, Fidelity, etc.) that is made payable to Fisher House Foundation, or another qualified charity, in the account owner’s name.

In addition to supporting the Fisher House mission, donated QCDs are excluded from taxable income, unlike regular withdrawals from an IRA. QCDs do not require itemized deductions, which, due to the recent tax law changes, means donors may decide to take advantage of the higher standard deduction and still use a QCD for charitable giving.

The maximum annual amount that can be donated through a QCD is $100,000. This applies to the sum of QCDs made to one or more charities in a calendar year. Spouses who file jointly may both make a QCD from his or her own IRA within the same tax year, up to an additional $100,000.

The deadline for QCDs is Dec. 31 for that calendar year. To begin the process and to receive instruction on how to proceed, please contact your IRA custodian. Should you initiate a QCD for Fisher House Foundation, please contact us by calling, emailing or writing to ensure you receive the proper IRS documentation.

Remind your financial institution to include your name and mailing address on the check or in an enclosed letter and clarify that the donation is a QCD.

Important information to provide your IRA custodian Legal Name: Fisher House Foundation, Inc. EIN Number: 11-3158401 Mailing address: Fisher House Foundation, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852 Phone: (888) 294-8560 Email: donations@fisherhouse.org

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Ways to Give This Holiday Season As you begin to think about gifts this holiday season, here are a few ways to support military families:

FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER: If you are hosting a fundraising event or celebrating a birthday, you can raise funds and awareness for Fisher House Foundation on Facebook.

+ ++ +++

HOTEL POINTS: Donate your hotel reward points to help us provide hotel rooms to families of wounded, injured and ill service members when a Fisher House is not available.

TRIBUTE: This holiday season, you can make a donation in honor of your loved one, and Fisher House will send an acknowledgement to your loved one.

FREQUENT FLYER MILES: Donate your airline miles to help Fisher House provide airline tickets to wounded, injured and ill service members and their loved ones in support of their continued recovery process. Visit www.fisherhouse.org/heromiles to learn how to donate.

SECURITIES: Fisher House accepts stocks and other securities, including IRA distribution rollovers.

See adjoining page.

PLANNED GIVING: Leave a lasting legacy supporting military families with a bequest to Fisher House Foundation.

Don’t forget you can make a donation in support of Fisher House Foundation via the Combined Federal Campaign!

CFC code 11453

VEHICLE: Get rid of an unwanted car, truck, RV, boat or plane — running or not. Donating is a free, fast, friendly and hassle-free alternative to selling or trading. You will receive a tax benefit. Fisher House Foundation participates in the V-DAC program

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COMMUNITY GROUPS

IN ACTION

At Fisher House Foundation, we have the support of community groups throughout the country who support their local Fisher Houses or raise funds and awareness for a future Fisher House in their area. Here are some highlights.

2019 Community Group Conference Attendees

Orlando, FL

It was an event that few will forget. The Friends of Fisher House Conference in Orlando, FL, was held in conjunction with the Fisher House Managers’ Training, which meant it was a wonderful opportunity to network and learn not only what other community groups were doing but also to talk with the managers to better understand their needs and challenges.

Thirty-three of the 35 Fisher House community groups were represented—the most to ever attend.

Fisher/Nightingale Houses Inc., Dayton, Ohio

Dayton, OH

For the 16th year, Fisher/Nightingale Houses, Inc. hosted the All-American Evening fundraiser to support the Fisher Houses at Wright-Patterson AFB and the Dayton VA Medical Center. The theme was Derby-based, with costume contests, silent auction, live auction and lots of fantastic details to make the evening fun throughout. According to those who attended, this year revitalized the event with a lot of fun. Both Karen Healea, manager of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Fisher Houses; and Betsey Striebel, manager of Fisher House at the VA Medical Center, were in attendance, as well as the commander and director of the medical centers and many supporters from all sectors of the Dayton community.

Boston, MA

Fisher House of Boston, Inc. On a beautiful summer evening aboard the historic USS Constitution, Fisher House of Boston, Inc. celebrated the inaugural Night of Honors. Former Fisher House guests, military and VA medical staff and the community committed to their success commemorated the nearly 10 years that Fisher House Boston has been serving our nation's heroes. Ret. Marine Gen. and former White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly is the first recipient of the award. The USS Constitution, nicknamed "Old Ironsides" during her 200-plus years of military service, is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel. She is an icon in Boston Harbor, with an active-duty crew that sailed her from the Charlestown Navy Yard just hours after the Honors concluded to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

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Fisher House Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

Fisher House Wisconsin recently held a duckpin bowling event to bring together volunteers, their families and Fisher House staff. Duckpin bowling is similar to regular bowling in some ways, but it differs significantly in others: The lanes are shorter; the balls and pins are smaller; and people have to do the work resetting the pins. Jennifer Kiefer, the Fisher House manager at VA Milwaukee, won the Duck Trophy and was crowned champion. After the bowling, everyone went out for lunch together.

Eglin AFB, FL

Fisher House Emerald Coast, Eglin AFB, FL As part of the 11th annual Helping Heroes Gala, which is a popular event among local artists, an Edible Art Competition was added and sponsored by Sam Gusoff of Emerald Coast Harley Davidson. Six baking enthusiasts entered and created edible art inspired by the gala’s Superhero theme. Guests at the black-tie event were given ballots to cast for their favorite to win Fisher House’s Finest Award and a featured story in the January Bridal issue of VIP Destin Magazine. Lolo’s Cakes & Sweets won the Finest Award, followed by Sweet Henrietta’s.

Many volunteers came in costume. Shown here is David Walbeck, community ambassador for Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, with Lolo’s Cakes & Sweets’ winning entry. The cake was auctioned live and was purchased by longtime supporters Shelley Kaiser and Lynn Dominique, who then donated this tasty treat to the guests at the Eglin Fisher House. The evening’s many activities produced $57,000 of FUNdraising for the Eglin Fisher House and was enjoyed by a sold-out crowd of 320.

Albuquerque , NM

Michigan

Friends of New Mexico Fisher House

Fisher House Michigan, Inc.

Celebrate Fiber was the theme of the 12th Biennial Albuquerque Fiber Arts Fiesta, held at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds Expo Center. New Mexico’s first Fisher House was selected as the nonprofit that would receive funds from the event. In addition to feathered quilt artist Betty Busby, artists from across the country displayed fiber art depicting various artistic disciplines.

For the fifth year, Fisher House Michigan hosted its popular Stories of Service event. The veterans’ storytelling program, designed to build community awareness of and support for efforts to build Fisher Houses in Michigan, brings together veterans from all eras and branches of military service. Veterans, talented artists and volunteers alike bring their gifts to the stage to produce this meaningful community event. Local universities have offered the best of their student veterans, dancers and musicians to provide expressive interludes between each of the stories. The result is that both stories and art are elevated into a moving, patriotic and memorable experience for participants, as well as the audience.

Veteran storytellers who participate in the event served in combat, counterinsurgency and counterintelligence operations around the world, including Mogadishu, Somalia; Afghanistan; Iraq; Syria; Europe; Korea; the Philippines; and Vietnam.

FONMFH board members and volunteers manned the Fisher House booth each day. This outreach effort offered many opportunities to promote the Fisher House and help attendees understand what Fisher House offers veterans and their loved ones.

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FISHER HOUSE DIRECTORY

DOWN

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

ALASKA

DELAWARE

JBER Hospital I, II 4943 Zeamer Ave. 673 MDSS/SGS/FH JBER, AK 99506 (907) 222-1673 Manager: Jenny Hall jennifer.hall.24@us.af.mil

Fisher House for Families of the Fallen 220 Lajes St. Dover AFB, DE 19902 (302) 363-1900 Manager: MSgt. Stasia Smith stasia.smith.3@us.af.mil

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

CALIFORNIA David Grant USAF Medical Center I, II 100 Bodin Circle Travis AFB, CA 94535-1804 (707) 423-7550 fax: (707) 423-7552 Manager: Ivana Jordovic travisfisherhouse@comcast.net

The following projects are currently in design

or under construction:

VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System

Denver, CO

New Orleans, LA VA Maine Healthcare System Togus, ME VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Ann Arbor, MI Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System Omaha, NE Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center Richmond, VA (second house) Huntington VA Medical Center Huntington, WV

Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Blvd. (10AF) Bldg. 523 Los Angeles, CA 90073 (310) 268-4457 fax: (310) 268-3499 Manager: Erma Mickens erma.mickens@va.gov VA Palo Alto Health Care System I, II 3801 Miranda Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94304 (650) 493-5000 x. 60384 fax: (650) 849-1269 Manager: Tracy Marino tracy.marino@va.gov Naval Medical Center San Diego I, II 34800 Bob Wilson Drive 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 Bldg. 2014 San Jacinto Road Camp Pendleton, CA 92055 (760) 763-5308 Manager: Vicky Powell-Johnson victoria.powell-john@usmc.mil VA Long Beach Healthcare System 5901 East 7th St. (FH) Long Beach, CA 90822 (562) 826-5905 Manager: Ivan Cikos ivan.cikos@va.gov

COLORADO VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System 1954 Quentin St. Aurora, CO 80010 (303) 399-8020 x. 2049 fax: (303) 364-4882 Manager: Courtney Graham courtney.graham@va.gov

CONNECTICUT VA Connecticut Healthcare System 950 Campbell Ave. Mail Code 135 West Haven, CT 06516 (203) 937-3438 Manager: Amanda Salthouse amanda.salthouse@va.gov

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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

FLORIDA Bay Pines VA Healthcare System 10000 Bay Pines Blvd.

Bay Pines, FL 33744 (727) 398-6661 x11350 fax: (727) 319-1106 Manager: Shentrela Diggins shentrela.diggins@va.gov Eglin Air Force Base Hospital 350 Boatner Road Eglin AFB, FL 32542 (850) 883-2865 Manager: Marc Ambrose marc.ambrose@us.af.mil James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital I, II 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 910-3000 fax: (813) 910-3088 Manager: Christopher Pellot christopher.pellot@va.gov Miami VA Healthcare System 1201 NW 16th St. Miami, FL 33125 (305) 575-7260 fax: (305) 575-7261 Manager: Richie Sanchez lerrichiad.sanchez@va.gov North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System 1601 SW Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 548-6492 Manager: Michelle Howard kimberly.howard@va.gov Orlando VA Medical Center 13800 Veterans Way Orlando, FL 32827 (407) 631-9800 Manager: Terri Turner teresa.turner2@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.prickett2@va.gov

GEORGIA Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center One Freedom Way Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 729-5773 Manager: Courtney Deese courtney.deese@va.gov Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center Fisher House Road - 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 Fisher House, along with the address. For any questions, please contact the Fisher House manager directly at the desired location.

HAWAII

NEVADA

PENNSYLVANIA

UTAH

Tripler Army Medical Center I, II 315 Krukowski Road Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 433-1291 x. 28 fax: (808) 433-3619 Manager: Misty Hironaka misty.n.hironaka.naf@mail.mil

VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System 6900 N. Pecos Road North Las Vegas, NV 89086 (702) 224-6789 Manager: Cadie Franco cadie.franco@va.gov

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

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

ILLINOIS

NEW MEXICO

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

Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center 1501 San Pedro Dr. SE Albuquerque, NM 87108 (505) 265-1711 x3180 Manager: Christina Ramirez christina.ramirez2@va.gov

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

MARYLAND Malcolm Grow Clinics & Surgery Center 1076 West Perimeter Road Andrews AFB, MD 20762 (301) 981-1243 fax: (301) 981-7629 Manager: Veronica Harris jbafhmanager@gmail.com

NEW YORK Albany Stratton VA Medical Center 113 Holland Ave. Albany, NY 12208 (518) 626-6919 fax: (518) 626-5452 Manager: Michael Fitzpatrick michael.fitzpatrick3@va.gov

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 Road St. Louis, MO 63125 (314) 894-6145 fax: (314) 894-6147 Manager: Vanniecia Brown vanniecia.brown@va.gov

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center 150 Wentworth St. Charleston, SC 29401 (843) 805-8200 Manager: Vicki Johnson vicki.johnson@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 James J. Peters VA Medical Center I, II San Antonio Military Medical Center 130 West Kingsbridge Road 3623 George C. Beach Drive Bronx, NY 10468 Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 Manager: Ellen Trbovich (210) 916-6000 fax: (210) 916-6488 Ellen.trbovich@va.gov Manager: Inge Godfrey fhbamc@aol.com

NORTH CAROLINA

Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune 4 Recovery Way Walter Reed National Military Medical Camp Lejeune, NC 28547 Center I, II, III, IV, V (910) 450-3885 fax: (910) 450-3887 24 Stokes Road Manager: Josie Cotton Bethesda, MD 20814-5002 josephine.cotton@usmc.mil (301) 295-5334 fax: (301) 295-5632 Manager: Michael Ybarra Womack Army Medical Center mybarra@fisherhousebethesda.org 3120 Loop Road Fort Bragg, NC 28307-5000 Walter Reed – Forest Glen Annex (910) 849-3466 fax: (910) 432-3825 2460 Linden Lane Manager: Vivian Wilson Bldg. 173 vivian.l.wilson.naf@mail.mil Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 319-5442 OHIO fax: (301) 328-5618 Cincinnati VA Medical Center Manager: Maurice Borde 3200 Vine St. wrafh.fg1@gmail.com Cincinnati, OH 45220 (513) 475-6571 fax: (513) 487-6661 MASSACHUSETTS Manager: Karrie Hagan VA Boston Healthcare System karrie.hagan@va.gov 1400 VFW Parkway West Roxbury, MA 02132 Dayton VA Medical Center (857) 203-4000 Fisher House, Bldg. 425 Manager: Elizabeth St. Pierre Dayton, OH 45428 elizabeth.stpierre@va.gov (937) 268-6511 x. 2887 Manager: Betsey Striebel MINNESOTA betsey.striebel@va.gov Minneapolis VA Health Care Louis Stokes Cleveland System I, II VA Medical Center 1 Veterans Drive 10701 East Blvd.

Minneapolis, MN 55417 Cleveland, Ohio 44106 (612) 467-5602 fax: (612) 970-5864 (216) 956-8673 Manager: Jessica Peterson Manager: Tyler Estell jessica.peterson@va.gov tyler.estell@va.gov

MISSISSIPPI

SOUTH CAROLINA

Wright-Patterson Medical Center I, II 417 Schlatter Drive Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433 (937) 257-0855 fax: (937) 656-2150 Manager: Karen Healea karen.s.healea.naf@mail.mil

OREGON VA Portland Health Care System 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.

Vancouver, WA 98661 (360) 567-4647 Manager: Kelly Konikow kelly.konikow@va.gov

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Bldg. 36015 Fisher Lane Fort Hood, TX 76544 (254) 286-7927 fax: (254) 286-7929 Manager: Steve Wakefield steven.h.wakefield.naf@mail.mil Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center I, II, III 2002 Holcombe Blvd.

Houston, TX 77030 (713) 794-7766 fax: (713) 794-7194 Manager: Frank Kelley frank.kelley@va.gov VA North Texas Health Care System 4500 S. Lancaster Road. Bldg. 79 Dallas, TX 75216 (214) 857-4400 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) 617-5542 Manager: Erik Zielinski erik.zielinski@va.gov

VIRGINIA Fort Belvoir Community Hospital 9201 Woodbury Road Fort 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 Drive 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: Pamela Barrington manager@fisherhouse-jblm.org VA Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 (206) 768-5353 fax: (206) 277-1415 Manager: Carrie Booker carrie.booker@va.gov

WISCONSIN Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center 5000 W. National Ave. Bldg. 150 Milwaukee, WI 53295 (414) 384-2000 x. 45005 or 45006 Manager: Jennifer Kiefer jennifer.kiefer@va.gov

GERMANY

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: Philip Harralson HM-Fisherhouse@sbcglobal.net William Beaumont Army Medical Center Bldg 7360 Rodriguez St. El Paso, TX 79930 (915) 569-1860 fax: (915) 569-1862 Manager: Alice Coleman alice.m.coleman2.naf@mail.mil

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center I, II CMR 402 APO, AE 09180 (0011 49) 6371-9464-7430 fax: 011-49-6371-866679 Manager: Sarafina Buchanan sarafina.n.buchanan.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

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Fisher House Foundation, Inc. 12300 Twinbrook Parkway Suite 410 Rockville, MD 20852

Because we

our heroes.

For nearly 30 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.

www.fisherhouse.org (888) 294-8560 CFC Code: 11453

85 HOUSES Upto to Up

1,100 Families Helped Daily

368,000

Families Helped Since 1990

9

MILLION Lodging Days Provided

©2019 Fisher House Foundation Creative services donated by ds+f, Washington, DC www.dsfriends.com | Photo courtesy of Craig Orsini