DAVID ROOKER OF ALASKA NAMED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Story by Alaska Fisher House

David Rooker started volunteering with Fisher House in 2014 when the Alaska Fisher House manager reached out to Project Healing Waters–an organization that provides free fly-fishing trips, fly tying, and casting practice–to see if a member could work with a Fisher House guest that had just learned that there were no further treatments that could slow his cancer.

The guest had a “bucket” list, but his need of a wheelchair limited his activities. One of the things he really wanted to do was fly fish just one more time.

David, a veteran, readily agreed to go to the Fisher House and work with the guest. David helped the guest tie a few flies one last time, and then he went above and beyond by working out a way to take the guest fishing.

The guest soon transferred to hospice care, but David stayed in touch until the end, even mailing the veteran the occasional fly for his enjoyment.

This experience touched David and, in return, he has touched countless lives of Fisher House families. In the past five years, David has gone almost every Wednesday night to the Fisher House to tie flies with guests of all ages. No one is too young or too old to tie with him. He stays away from talking about illness, injury, or combat. In fact, one of the best qualities of David is his listening ear. He will listen to anyone about anything; however, his favorite topic is fishing. He ties commemorative medal flies for veterans often. He provides all the materials and supplies. Veterans familiar with the sport explain that the equipment David brings is top-of-the-line, and it is a special treat to be able to use top-of-the-line materials.

And he is patient and kind with the guests. One night, he called in a panic because a child had knocked over a container of 300 hooks. He was afraid he couldn’t find them all and didn’t want anyone to get hurt. David has become so dependable, and is so loved, there are guests who purposely book medical appointments to include Wednesday night as a travel night so they can connect with David. Outside of his volunteer time at the house, David has met guests at the lakes on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to assist with casting practice and share a fishing hole. He is the best fishing buddy Alaska Fisher House guests can ask for.

David’s heart for the Fisher House mission and families began to flow over to his spouse, Carolyn. As a retired schoolteacher, Carolyn is full of activity ideas for kids. She has supplied an untold number of activity kits for kids to take to medical appointments or to occupy time while traveling home. These activity packets are a welcome addition to the house’s kids’ activity center.

Together, David and Carolyn never miss a celebration at Fisher House. They support every event. Between both, their volunteer hours since being introduced to Fisher House well exceeds 2,000 hours. David and Carolyn were introduced to us by making a dying veteran’s final wish come true, and now they occupy a permanent place in the heart of the Alaska Fisher House.

The staff at Alaska Fisher House loves them and values the on-going love and support they give back.

David Rooker was nominated for Volunteer of the Year by the Air Force's Fisher House Program.