Volunteer Tribute: Steve Kuykendall

VOLUNTEER TRIBUTE: Steve Kuykendall

Fisher House Southern California President

Steve Kuykendall always had a strong sense of service. He served two tours in Vietnam as a Marine Captain, and also was a U.S. Congressman, member of the California State Assembly, city councilman, and mayor. When he retired, his drive to serve didn’t stop. In 2012, Steve organized a group of community leaders to raise money to bring a Fisher House to Long Beach, California. This group became Fisher House Southern California (FH SoCal).

“I couldn't think of a better way to serve my community,” said Steve about his role as President of Fisher House Southern California. “I think everything I've done in my career has prepared me for this.”

Under Steve’s leadership, members of FH SoCal attended many community events at local corporations, country clubs, military organizations, service clubs, and private homes spreading the word about the need for a Fisher House in Long Beach. After a year of outreach, the group began fundraising and exceeded their goal, raising more than half the money needed to build the house. Thanks to the group’s hard work, the Long Beach Fisher House was built and dedicated in October 2016. Much of this success was because of Steve’s passion to help veterans and their families.

“Steve’s organizational savvy led the fundraising board on a path to success. Community outreach, old fashioned footwork, media efforts, and public relations strategies were all influenced and shaped by this great patriot. We all took great pride in being a part of such a gallant effort,” said fellow member of the board Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Paul Mock. “The successes of Steve Kuykendall were our successes — all for the benefit of our veterans, their families, and our national pride. It was an honor to serve with Steve Kuykedall.”

Given the success in Long Beach, Steve and the Fisher House Southern California Board were asked to expand their territory to include the Fisher Houses at Camp Pendleton and Naval Medical Center San Diego. They wholeheartedly agreed and continue to support those houses to this day.

“Steve’s work to bring a Fisher House to Long Beach and then to support the Fisher Houses at Camp Pendleton and the Naval Medical Center in San Diego has had a significant impact on military and veteran families by ensuring that they had a safe, comfortable place to recover from illness or injury,” said Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger. “His service to those who serve will continue to make a difference for many years to come.”

Steve's impact on Fisher House has not only been felt in Southern California but throughout the Fisher House network. He and the rest of the board of Fisher House SoCal developed best practices that have been used by other Fisher House community groups throughout the country.

“Steve's dedication to helping veterans and their families will live on in Southern California and throughout the network of Fisher Houses for many years to come,” said Fisher House Foundation Vice President for Community Relations Brian Gawne. “His commitment to service is an inspiration to us all.”

Sadly, Steve passed away on Jan. 22, 2021. His legacy will live on through his work with Fisher House Southern California and through his many years of selfless service to his community and our country.