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 Megan Douthat and Jenney Premont

Erik Zielinski South Texas Veterans Health Care System Fisher Houses

For our nation’s men and women in uniform, the day they finish their formal military service is often just the beginning of another chapter of Erik is pictured above on the left. involvement with the armed forces. This couldn’t be truer for Erik Zielinski, the Fisher House Manager at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio. After an eight-year career in the United States Marine Corps and the completion of three combat tours, he wanted to do more to serve and support his fellow servicemen and women.

When Erik joined the Fisher House family as the manager at the San Antonio VA in 2014, some could call his posting an act of fate.

“As soon as the Fisher House in San Antonio opened, I just knew I wanted to be there,” said Erik. “I feel as though I belong at Fisher House. It is my calling to work with these families who pass through our doors.”

Day-in and day-out, Erik provides families with the essentials and, more importantly, other necessities that don’t show up on to-do lists, like laughter or just someone to talk to. He often finds gratification in learning how he can help in the best ways, whether it be a small task such as arranging a grocery delivery or a bigger service like flying in a close relative using the Hero Miles program.

“One of the greatest honors I’ve had during my time as a house manager is to meet these brave men and women and help their families feel comfortable. One of my most memorable experiences was with a Korean War veteran. His family was staying here at the house, and I told them that I needed to meet him. When I was able to speak with him, we immediately hit it off and started sharing our experiences in the Marine Corps. Hearing about his service was so inspiring and such a strong reminder of why we do the work we do. I will never forget it.”

To further support guests at the San Antonio Fisher House, Erik plans, organizes, and hosts the “Season of Sharing Event,” an annual holiday event unique to the San Antonio Fisher House. “It’s really emotional to see the gratitude these families have, even during a really tough time,” Erik shared. “We invite Santa and superheroes to the party for the kids and families. Members of the community donate gifts and we make these beautiful gift baskets to show the families we care.”

Not only do the family members get to participate in this event, but in recent years, Erik has brought the celebrations to those in the hospital who are unable to attend due to treatment restrictions or who might not have family in the area for the holidays. During a time when it is so hard to be alone, Erik and his team of volunteers spend time with these amazing men and women who have sacrificed so much.

This past year, Erik’s job, along with many other Fisher House managers across the country, took a twist as COVID-19 began to spread. To help healthcare professionals treating COVID-19 patients around the clock, the VA converted several homes into places for medical staff to stay, providing a comfortable, relaxing, and convenient place to physically distance from loved ones and remain close to the hospital.

“The VA has done a great job responding to COVID-19 and keeping on with service to veterans. I received a lot of support from our healthcare system and the VA and am humbled to be in a position to provide a little bit of relief for our healthcare heroes.”

An additional Fisher House has been approved to be built at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio, allowing for the accommodation of more families as needs are in high demand. Erik continues to be a valued member of the Fisher House family and the military and veteran community.