13 minute read
House Round Up
HOUSE ROUNDUP
The Patriot always loves to check in and see what our Fisher Houses have been up to. Here, we share highlights from houses around the world, submitted by our managers.
ALASKA
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson The Adams Family is no stranger to the Alaska Fisher House. During her first pregnancy, Katie Adams ‘stork-nested’, a term used for a pregnant guest who, during her pregnancy, needs a higher level of medical care that is not available at home. ‘Stork-nesting’ is a large part of our mission to support moms and their families that come to Anchorage. The first ‘stork-nest’ was to deliver twin boys in December of 2018. The Adams Family was blessed with another pregnancy, and we welcomed the young family back to ‘stork-nest’. Along with chasing after twin toddlers, Katie managed her pregnancy through COVID-19 and delivered a healthy baby boy, Decatur Grizzly.
ARIZONA
SOUTHERN ARIZONA VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
Tucson When Scott Lehman, owner of Premier Auto Center, became aware of the SAVAHCS Fisher House and its mission he knew immediately that he wanted to become involved. That was approximately two years ago, and during this time he has increased awareness to reach our veterans, their loved ones, and the local community in Southern Arizona through a large-scale media campaign. He along with Fisher House Manager, Kelly Laurich, completed radio interviews and television shows that included Fisher House guests to educate the community and to understand the need and impact of a Fisher House. In addition, he partnered with Cox Media and produced two local videos that were shown statewide for a month, one video per year. His impact on the SAVAHCS Fisher House included: educating the community about their local Fisher House, informing veterans of the service, and encouraging others to volunteer and donate. Outreach is an integral part of a Fisher House’s success and plays a monumental role in reaching our veterans and providing service.
C A L I F O R N I A
NAVAL HOSPITAL CAMP PENDLETON
Camp Pendleton The Daughters of the American Revolution – Santa Margarita Chapter prepared a delicious homemade meal for our Fisher House families on January 23, 2020. After lunch was served, Kristine Wood, National Chair for the DAR, presented an autographed copy of her book “Run for the Wall: A Journey to the Vietnam Memorial” to Fisher House Camp Pendleton and our Military Families. Kristine rides with the Patriot Guard Riders and published this book, which is a collection of stories and photos about the annual cross-country motorcycle ride to Washington, D.C. We appreciate the amazing women from the DAR and their continued support.
NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER SAN DIEGO
San Diego Established in 1998, Monkey Depot LLC specializes in the sale of high-quality military themed action figures, toy soldiers, die cast models, and books. A division of Monkey Depot LLC is Monkey Edge, established in 2010, as a separate website dedicated to the sale of tactical knives and gear. The two divisions combined their efforts to host their annual fundraiser called the “Monkey Muster” with 100% of Monkey Mega Lotto tokens benefitting Fisher House San Diego. In December 2019 the Monkey Muster’s goal was “to throw an amazing party with cocktails, grub and shenanigans to raise a ton of dough for Fisher House San Diego.” They did just that and generated $20,000 in donations. With such success, the Monkey Muster was slated for a return in April 2020. In light of the pandemic, the “Monkey Muster” braved on and
was hosted virtually in April raising a total of $22,675 for Fisher House San Diego. We appreciate Monkey Depot LLC and Monkey Edge for their support of military personnel and their families during times of medical crisis.
DAVID GRANT USAF MEDICAL CENTER
Travis AFB Marisa Gomez is one of our regular volunteers who has been volunteering with us since March 2019. She is always willing to help us with decorating, baking, and anything else we need. She has a giving spirit and a heart for the mission.
D I S T R I C T O F C O L U M B I A
WASHINGTON DC VA MEDICAL CENTER
District of Columbia Coniece Washington is a veteran and nationally recognized jazz vocalist in the DMV area who captivates her audience with her distinctive, sultry sweet stylings. She’s one of the jazz singers who can channel the spirit of many who came before her such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughn. The “Coniece & Friends” band serenaded the DC VA Fisher House for a romantic “Valentine’s Delight” evening for veterans, families, and caregivers with love.
F L O R I D A
VA ORLANDO MEDICAL CENTER
Orlando The Orlando Fisher House and Fisher House Foundation hosted a luncheon and open house on March 3 for approximately 300 golf professionals from Billy Casper Golf (BCG). The World’s Largest Golf Outing and BCG have been very supportive of Fisher Houses across the nation and donated more than $400,000 towards the construction of the Orlando Fisher House. Not only were they able to tour the Fisher House, but they also continued to show their love and support by presenting a check to Mary Considine, Fisher House Foundation, for almost $400,000. Thank you, Billy Casper Golf and World’s Largest Golf Outing!
GEORGIA
EISENHOWER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER
Fort Gordon Several members of the Health Services Auxiliary showed up to Fisher House on June 24, 2020, fully masked due to COVID-19, to present a check for $29,274.71 to the Fort Gordon Fisher House at Eisenhower Army Medical Center from the 24th Annual HSA Fisher House Golf fundraiser, which was unfortunately cancelled. They were greeted by Col. Carlene A. Blanding, DDEAMC Commander, Command Sgt. Maj. William E. Allen, DDEAMC Command Sergeant Major, and Mr. Francisco Cruz, Fisher House Manager. Mr. Paul Steeley, HSA member and Golf Chair, stated that the Auxiliary was sad to say that the 24th Annual HSA Fisher House Golf Tournament at Gordon Lakes had to be cancelled for 2020. Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the event could not be held as advertised before the end of the HSA fiscal year. However, most sponsors and supporters honored their commitments to the Fort Gordon Fisher House at Eisenhower Army Medical Center and received the best possible tangible recognition for their Fisher House contributions.
KENTUCKY
BLANCHFIELD ARMY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
Fort Campbell We incurred some roof damage during a windstorm last fall. In fact, there were several buildings on Fort Campbell that were damaged. Fortunately for us, it was mostly cosmetic, and a quick patch job was all it took to keep us operational while waiting to get on the roofing contractor’s schedule. When the pandemic hit, we were not sure what that meant for us and our guests. Within days, all guests had departed and we were sitting empty. As it turned out, the timing couldn’t be better…the roofing company showed up. Not having guests in the house meant they could start immediately. We officially closed the house while the roof was being replaced, and just like most home projects, it took longer than anticipated. Our spring weather can take credit for most of the delays. Once the roof was complete, the installation had many restrictions in place due to the pandemic and we remained “closed.” So, again, the timing was right to take advantage of having an empty house. We called in professionals to have the house deep cleaned and sanitized. In July, we once again welcomed staff, volunteers, and guests back to the house with the peace of mind that our home is clean and COVID-free.
MAINE
VA MAINE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Augusta This year will be remembered for a lot of things, but in Maine, it will forever mark the opening of the state’s first and only Fisher House!
Having completed our 150th Anniversary in 2018, the VA Maine Healthcare System was thrilled to accept the keys to this beautiful house and to begin to welcome the many family members and veterans who will directly benefit from this generous gift to the state.
In February, we were proud to welcome our very first guests. Pictured, left to right, are Tom, Wayne, and Robbie Oliver, and Fisher House Manager Patrick Crowley.
The Olivers are the first in what we hope becomes a long history of providing a warm and welcoming place for families to stay while overseeing the medical treatment of veterans throughout Maine and across our region.
MARYLAND
WALTER REED NATIONAL MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER
Bethesda Chris Wertman and Members of Linthecum United Methodist Church continuously assist our Fisher House families any way they can. Chris and the church members have done fundraisers to help keep us stocked with wish list items ranging from paper towels and laundry detergent to batteries and cleaning supplies. Most recently along with the wish list items, they have provided food for our pantries and freezer items for our families.
WALTER REED FISHER HOUSE AT FOREST GLEN
Silver Spring In 2013, the Fisher House at Forest Glen started a Baby Bag Program, since 70% of our guests are parents of NICU babies. The program aimed to provide support to these parents.
To date, we have provided more than 2,500 bags.
Our deepest gratitude goes out to our support group from Clifton, Virginia who fund and supply this generous gift of kindness, along with the Fisher House Foundation which provides baby onesies for each bag.
MICHIGAN
VA ANN ARBOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Ann Arbor John Whittenburg, House Management Assistant at the VA Ann Arbor Fisher House, was honored and “coined” in early June 2020 by the Fisher House staff and Friends of Fisher House community group, Fisher House Michigan, in honor of his retirement from the United States Army Reserves after 22 years of total combined service. John joined the Michigan Army National Guard in 1998, then the Active Army in 2002 followed
by the Reserves in 2015. During John’s career, he deployed four times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. John spent his career in the medical field starting out as a Combat Medical Specialist and ended his career as a Trauma Nurse. John also spent five years as an Army Recruiter, in which he says has made him the person he is today. “I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every step of my career, though some steps were tougher than others, but I wouldn’t change anything.” John appreciates the Army in giving him the chance to see the world, as John has travelled to 57 countries in his 22 years. Congratulations, John!
N E W M E X I C O
The Albuquerque Fisher House was lucky to have been a part of celebrating the seventh birthday for our youngest guest to date in the house on March 11. Jennifer Holloway and her six-year-old son Ben had hoped they would be home in time to celebrate Ben’s seventh birthday with friends and family, but her husband wasn’t going to be released in time. The Fisher House staff quickly got to work to make sure there were festivities for the day and that the Birthday Boy’s favorite Marvel characters were in attendance. The Friends of New Mexico Fisher House, the local community group that supports the Albuquerque Fisher House, jumped in to help by making sure that Ben had presents to brighten his special day. The day turned out to be a Marvelous Birthday for Ben even though he was far from home and here during his dad’s
RAYMOND G. MURPHY VA MEDICAL CENTER
Albuquerque hospitalization.
NEW YORK
ALBANY STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER
Albany Here at the Albany Fisher House we would like to thank all our community partners, volunteers, Stratton VAMC staff, Fisher House Foundation staff, past guests, and Jennifer Koget for their ongoing support during the pandemic. We certainly gained strength from your kindness, encouragement, and guidance as we remained available to provide lodging and comfort to the families of our veterans. A recent guest left us with the following uplifting note: “Thank you so much! We felt like home was here instead of being away from home. The staff are truly caring people.”
Challenging events can often bring out the best in people and we have surely witnessed that in action here. As we move forward, it will be with the confidence of knowing that so many are supporting us. NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER CAMP LEJEUNE
Camp Lejeune The NYPD 10-13 Club of Charlotte, NC consists of active and retired law enforcement personnel who have diligently supported the Camp Lejeune Fisher House since 2018. The club has raised money for direct donations, helped facilitate events within the club and the greater Charlotte area, increased awareness of the Fisher House program, and collected needed items for support.
10-13 is the Radio Code Signal for “Assist Police Officer” and the NYPD 10-13 continues to assist the Camp Lejeune Fisher House!
OHIO
LOUIS STOKES CLEVELAND VA MEDICAL CENTER
Cleveland Thank you to the Greater Cleveland Fisher House Board for a great, socially distanced lunch from Panera Bread to celebrate our one-year anniversary. It’s an honor to welcome families into the two homes built just for them. Here’s to many more years of support and dedication for our nation’s heroes and their families!
DAYTON VA MEDICAL CENTER
Dayton Veteran Gary Huston, his daughter-inlaw Amber Huston, and his grandson Eli Huston embrace over Thanksgiving weekend. Gary's wife, three adult sons, and their families all visited the veteran and stayed at Fisher House.
TEXAS
BROOKE ARMY MEDICAL CENTER
San Antonio Navy Petty Officer Aashis Luitel and his wife, Bivasha Saroj, became residents of the BAMC Fisher house in late 2018 when Aashis was undergoing medical care at Brooke Army Medical Center. During that stay, the couple became close with their Fisher House friends and held their gender reveal party at the house. Now, Aaron Luitel has been born to the proud parents!
VIRGINIA
FORT BELVOIR COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
Fort Belvoir Our canine volunteer Skooby Dew and his family have been American Red Cross volunteers at our Fisher House for over 5 years. Skooby enjoys meeting all our guests and donors. He has embraced his role as spokes-dog and loves Facebook photos. Recently, he and his family posted photos of Skooby demonstrating social distancing, sheltering at home, watching Garrison Town Halls, and taking long walks on a beach while social distancing.
Skooby Dew visits our home on Thursday afternoons and our hospital on Friday mornings. Huge thank you to Skooby and his family for loving our Fisher House and our Fisher House families. NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER PORTSMOUTH
Portsmouth How wonderful to be thought of on days where one is typically the center of the celebration! Such was the case for 11-year-old Fisher Whittaker. Instead of gifts for his birthday, he sent out invitations with a Fisher House wish list asking that everyone attending bring one item off the list. His mom, Lacy Whittaker, stated that he was so concerned that our guests would not have the things needed during the current state of our nation. Thank you, Fisher Whittaker, for your heart of giving, you sharing, and caring. The name Fisher embodies you!!! It's volunteers like this that keeps this program moving. We Heart You!