FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Kenneth Fisher
PRESIDENT
David A. Coker
CHIEF OF STAFF
Mary Considine
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Michelle Horn
MANAGING EDITOR
David Nye
COPY EDITOR
Blake Stilwell
LAYOUT AND ART DIRECTION
Gifted Eye Designs giftedeyedesigns.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 Cover
Fisher House Foundation is best known for its network of comfort homes where military and veteran 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 veteran families an estimated $610 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 an awards program that helps 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.
Savings for families in lodging and transportation costs
12 MILLION+
Days of lodging offered $610 MILLION
500,000
Families served
97 Fisher Houses in operation
The statistics in this graphic reflect the Fisher House program’s impact since inception.
The statistics in this graphic reflect the
Dear Friends,
I am thrilled to announce that we have begun constructing our 100th Fisher House. It is humbling to know that hundreds of thousands of military and veteran families have walked through Fisher House doors across the country since our first house opened in Bethesda, Maryland over 30 years ago.
We recently celebrated the dedication of a new house in San Antonio, Texas, and will cut the ribbon on a new house in Memphis, Tennessee in July. We continue to grow our network because we know our military and veteran community deserves this support for all the sacrifices made during service to our country.
As many of you know, while our nation’s military service members deal with hardships day to day, their families and spouses must deal with incredible challenges as well. Being forced to constantly move across the country or globe and be there every step of the way for the rehabilitation of a loved one’s wounds, both visible and invisible, puts a strain on these families that most American families do not have to endure. These families stand with our nation’s heroes and serve as their backbone and main support outlet. It is just as vital that we take care of them.
At Fisher House, we believe that a family’s love is good medicine. By allowing families to be at the bedside, we help them focus on what is most important: the recovery process.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. As we reflect on how far we have come and the need that continues, I am grateful you are by our side every step of the way. Fisher Houses will support the men and women who have bravely served our great country and their families for years to come.
Thank you,
Kenneth Fisher Chairman and CEO, Fisher House Foundation @kenfisherfhf
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.
Fisher House Foundation received an A+ from CharityWatch in its veterans and military category. Only four military and veteran charities currently hold this distinctive A+ rating.
Charity Navigator awarded the Foundation its coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management for the 20th consecutive year, a rating achieved by less than 1% of the charities in the country that it monitors. Only 13 charities have been so highly rated for 20 years.
Fisher House Foundation earned the 2024 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by Candid, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information.
facebook.com/fisherhouse
We asked what you loved most about Fisher House. Here are your responses:
“When I found your organization, it was like a weight lifted. Being able to stay close to my husband in the hospital without worrying how we'd afford it was amazing! Thank you!” — Virginia Jennings
“With all the trauma I still managed to get a good night's sleep. Thank you, Fisher House.” — Han Cherubini
“Without the Fisher House, we would likely still be paying for [medical bills] to this day. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Not to mention the other residents who we will continue to be friends with for a lifetime.” — Vanessa Webber
X, FORMERLY KNOWN AS TWITTER twitter.com/fisherhousefdtn
“Wow, thank you so much for all you do for our military. Blessings.” — Shelley Clark (@ShellyC883)
“Happy Veterans Day to all who have valiantly served. Thank you.” — ShowUp. Do Good (@brenbrenchie)
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“I can tell you from my experiences with the Pittsburgh Fisher House, the people staying there have loved ones who are in the hospital with some very complex medical issues, and having a place to stay like the Fisher House really alleviates a lot of the stress and financial burden associated with having a loved one who is experiencing an extended hospital stay.” — John Girard
“Your organization is phenomenal…one of a kind!” — Liz Deakin
instagram.com/fisherhousefdtn/
“Love the Fisher House. I have benefitted from this great Foundation!” — Jeff Tischleder
“Such an unbelievable contribution to our military, veterans, and their families. Because a family’s love is good medicine. Thank you! Here’s to 100 houses!” — Mike Lennon
“A merry place during a difficult time.” — Lynne Pace
TIK TOK tiktok.com/@fisherhousefdtn
“Thank you, Fisher House. You helped me when I had an emergency C-section and my baby boy was in the NICU for 4 weeks.” — Kristen Judd
Story by Michelle Horn
Roxane Ramos-Suarez was at home in Chesapeake, Virginia, on January 19, 2023, when she received the call that no parent ever wants to hear. Her son Riccardo, a Navy master-at-arms based out of Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Washington, had been injured in an accident while on patrol aboard a Navy safety vessel. The accident caused the boat to sink and Riccardo was underwater for three minutes until he was rescued and resuscitated. Roxane knew immediately that she had to get to her son.
“Please don’t leave him alone,” she told his Navy chief. “Tell him I’m on the way. You’ve got to tell him that.”
Roxane traveled 3,000 miles to be by her son’s bedside in Seattle, Washington. There was no way she was leaving him alone.
“I was sleeping and bathing in my son's room for the first couple of days,” she recalled.
Riccardo’s injuries were severe and required multiple surgeries. It would take a long time for him to heal. She knew she could not continue to stay in the hospital for long, but hotel prices were too high. Then one of the staff at Madigan Army Medical Center found a solution. She suggested the Joint Base LewisMcChord Army Fisher House.
“She called and said, ‘Well, we're going to put you in this place,’” she said. “I don't know what I expected, but when I got there, I was in complete awe. And I said, ‘Riccardo, this feels like home.’”
Roxane had recently lost her husband, Charles, so she and her two sons, Riccardo and Cordero, were still mourning his loss. The close-knit family had just celebrated their first Christmas together without him. Then Riccardo went back to Washington while his older brother, also in the Navy, went back to Texas, where he was stationed at the time.
After the accident, Cordero took leave to help care for his brother when he was well enough to leave the hospital and stay at Fisher House. Roxane explained that in the beginning, Riccardo struggled with the worry and stress associated with how his injury would affect him.
“I said, ‘Your brother's in bad shape,’” Roxane told Cordero. “‘What I need from you is, I need you to bring him back.’”
Cordero helped Riccardo shower and dress. He encouraged his brother to leave the bedroom that he hadn’t left since arriving at the Fisher House and join them in the kitchen, where Roxane wanted to create a sense of normalcy for her boys.
“I said, ‘Okay, I'll cook you guys breakfast,’” she said. “So, I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is like home.’ It felt like Sunday mornings at our house, because on Sunday morning at our house, we used to have breakfast. My husband always cooked breakfast for all of us. So, I made eggs and bacon and the whole bit. They came out, we sat down, and we ate.”
Clockwise from below: Cordero, Riccardo, their Uncle Jose Ramos, and Charles celebrate Riccardo's graduation. Cordero and Riccardo pose with Charles at home. Roxane and Riccardo pose with the bust of Zach and Elizabeth at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Army Fisher House.
Over their meal, they shared stories of Charles and laughed together.
“I thought, ‘This place is beautiful,’ and in my mind, I'm saying 'This is going to be a place of healing for everything for me, for him, and for my oldest son who was so worried about his brother,’” she said.
Having his brother and mother with him made a huge impact. When Cordero returned to duty, Riccardo ventured out of his room more and was better able to take care of himself. He and Roxane enjoyed sitting in the living room while watching TV and getting to know other guests. Oftentimes, guests shared their military experiences or personal journeys. Roxane also helped with some of the housekeeping as a way to give back and say thank you.
Riccardo had a rough recovery and was in incredible pain, which broke Roxanne’s heart, but he was strong and showed that he wouldn’t give up his dream of public service. She encouraged her son and believed in him.
“I said, you are going to get back up on your feet, and whatever it takes, it's gonna happen,” she said.
His injuries have not stopped his motivation and desire to serve, just like his father, who was in the Air Force, and his older brother. Before joining the military, Riccardo was a volunteer firefighter. Now, he aspires to become a law enforcement officer.
“It's been such an emotional journey with me, with Fisher House. It's the journey that I'll never forget. It's part of my life,” Roxane said. “It's not just room and board. You know? It's the holistic part of it. I think it has a lot to do with the people that are in the house. That team out there at Fisher House, they were so nurturing, and they were so caring. Fisher House has become a new part of me. I can't repay this. I can't repay this, what Fisher House has done for us.”
Please scan the QR code below for this article's Spanish translation
While the larger audience at Invictus Games may be amazed at the skills displayed by competitors, the families that have supported the service member since their initial injury or illness knows the months or years of hard work their competitor completed to make the world stage.
Athletes like Garrett Kuwada and Patrick Nugent went through medical treatment and then a long period of rehabilitation and training that culminated at the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023.
“I was stationed in New Mexico,” Garrett, an Air Force veteran, said, “and I had a ruptured brain aneurysm. The neurosurgeon at the University of New Mexico Hospital had invented this device that ended up saving my life. The rupture was in an artery, so it just filled my skull with blood. And had I not had the device, I wouldn't be here talking to you right now.”
Garrett’s wife Joey, who is also an Air Force veteran and met Garrett while playing volleyball, pushed him into adaptive sports.
“I forced him to go to an adaptive sports event,” Joey said, “and it pretty much changed his life. And it changed our life because, then, once I saw him getting excited and doing stuff again that he really enjoyed, then it got me happy and excited. And it really saved not only his life, but our marriage as well. And I’m happy to say that because next month we’ll reach 30 years of marriage.”
Patrick Nugent, a medically retired Marine Corps captain, suffered a gunshot wound that took away his ability to walk. But thanks to innovative treatments, he regained the ability to walk and run, served as the Team U.S. captain at the Games and competed in rowing, cycling and powerlifting. He earned a bronze medal in powerlifting.
As Patrick trained for the Games, he also pursued a dual master’s degree program from The Wharton School and the Harvard Kennedy School. At the Invictus Games, his parents Lynn Burnett and Don Nugent talked about his long journey.
“We think our first inclination was ‘He shouldn't have survived his injuries and then he survived,’” Don said. “And then we figured ‘He'll be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life with all these other problems.’ And he overcame all that. And now he's got two expert graduate degrees and got a great career ahead of him.”
The next Invictus Games will be held in Vancouver Whistler in 2025, and competitors around the world are currently competing to represent their nations in the Games. And Fisher House will be there once again, supporting U.S. families with airfare, lodging, food, and more, just like it has since the inaugural Games in London in 2014.
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.
Michelle Horn Vice President of Communications
In my role at Fisher House Foundation, I have the inspiring job of telling the stories of those who have benefited from our program. I feel so fortunate to capture families’ stories and share them so others can understand the impact Fisher Houses have on our military and veteran community. As a veteran, I appreciate the impact even more.
Growing up, I had heard stories of my grandfather’s service as a World War II cavalry scout but had little exposure to the military or military lifestyle. He didn’t share many of his stories, but once I put on the uniform, our relationship grew, and he became comfortable enough to open up to me. I will always cherish our military bond.
My time in the military was quite different from his. Serving in the Army for 21 years was a great honor and the biggest adventure I could ever imagine. While I served, life happened. I deployed, married, deployed another three times, had two beautiful children, jumped out of airplanes, deployed one more time, ran a military television network, and remarried when I found the love of my life. My best count is 12 household moves throughout my career! For all the excitement that came with the many assignments I was given, nothing was more important to me than my family, serving my country, and doing my absolute best for the men and women whom I served with and led.
Over the years, there were ups and downs common in military families. Extended periods of time away from home, high OPTEMPO jobs, and constant change put much pressure on my family. Life was full of challenges as a dual-military family, then a single mom, and then dual-military again.
VicePresident
So, in 2019, as I prepared to retire, I was excited to have some stability. I also wanted to make a difference and continue to serve, which is exactly what I have done through the Foundation.
Fisher House is there for my brothers and sisters in arms and will always be there when they need loved ones by their side. Fisher Houses and our programs will help families like my own who deal with many challenges exacerbated by the demands of the military.
Fisher House is, and will be, here for those that are most important to me so that healing can take place.
Last summer I interviewed Annah and Adela Brice, who were staying at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Army Fisher House near Tacoma, Washington. Their story is on page 10. I have stayed connected with Annah and recently learned that their lovely family is doing very well. Stories like these warm my heart and bring joy to me every day.
I love being part of the Fisher House Family and know this is the best new life I could have found. I love traveling around the country and the world, telling Fisher House stories. I am proud of our incredibly talented and creative team, and I am honored to work with the caring and dedicated staff and leaders at both the Foundation and throughout the network of houses who have become my extended family.
Story courtesy of San Diego Fisher Houses
Cindy Claybaugh’s dedication to supporting fellow military families is inspired by her own personal experiences of medical crisis. Cindy lost her first husband, a Navy helicopter pilot, in a training accident while out at sea. She then remarried a Navy lieutenant commander who she spent the next 35 years with — until his passing due to illness in 2009. In the following years, Cindy found herself spending countless hours within her own home. She decided to take that time and use it productively. In March of 2012, Cindy began volunteering at Fisher House San Diego by way of Naval Medical Center San Diego’s Armed Services YMCA to give back to the service that served her family for so many years. Ever since, Cindy has called Fisher House San Diego her “home away from home.”
With the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, roles of volunteers and activities within the walls of Fisher House shifted. Cindy still wanted to use her administrative experience for the Fisher House but couldn’t help in the office anymore. As donors began to refocus their efforts from bringing homecooked food or cooking meals onsite to store-bought or prepared meals from restaurants/caterers, a new volunteer opportunity emerged…meal pick-up and delivery.
Fisher House San Diego management established a meal calendar with weekly and holiday donations. Cindy quickly filled up her calendar with three to four meal pick-ups per month. By taking on this responsibility, Cindy alleviated the burden of staff driving to and from restaurants in the middle of the workday.
Naval Medical Center San Diego is in a secluded region with few restaurants, so most donations from restaurants require an hour-long round trip drive. Cindy willingly picks up meals from the Kebab Shop on the first Thursday of ever month, Phil’s BBQ for patriotic holidays, Mimi’s Café for festive occasions, and Nothing Bundt Cakes in Mission Valley for all those celebratory events.
Cindy puts in the time, the miles, and the gas to make these hot and ready meals come to fruition for Fisher House families. Cindy has turned into a personal meal delivery service, and she receives a five-star rating! Cindy has an unwavering commitment to an assignment that could be perceived as mundane and takes pride in the task at hand. Food is the ingredient that brings us all together, and Cindy brings the food.
Fisher House Foundation is grateful to all the volunteers who assist at Fisher Houses throughout the country and overseas. These dedicated supporters make a difference for thousands of families every year. The volunteers below were nominated and selected for how their efforts represent the Army, Air Force, and Veterans Affairs Fisher House programs. The overall winner, from the Naval Medical Center San Diego Fisher House, is highlighted to the left.
ARMY FISHER HOUSE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Alejandra “Allee” Zelaya Vargas is a former soldier who volunteers at the Fort Cavazos Army Fisher House. Her many volunteer hours and hard work every week help create a comfortable atmosphere for our families here. She is known for her infectious smile, attention to minute details, and her eager heart to serve our families.
AIR FORCE FISHER HOUSE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Ms. Diane Rupp is a former Fisher House guest who has become an amazing volunteer. She cooked a meal for the Travis Air Force Base Fisher House and some hospital staff on her mother’s birthday, has helped guests with travel arrangements to the base and Fisher House as well as around the base. She even helped a daughter who lost her mother to cancer.
VETERANS AFFAIRS VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR
In just the past year, 65 employees of RBC Wealth Management of Minneapolis volunteered to make many meals at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System Fisher House on grills they donated or refurbished. The volunteers connect with our guests every visit. They even enrolled our house in Benevity to make it easier for their employees and others to donate to us
Fisher House is proud to serve families in 98 Fisher Houses, and counting, across the U.S., U.K. and Germany. Here are four families that stayed at Fisher House in 2023. More photos and their full stories can be found at FisherHouse.org/patriot-families.
Traveling halfway around the world for care is a daunting event, but that’s just what the Brice family of three had to do in April 2023. When five-yearold Adela was diagnosed with a very dangerous form of anemia, her family was sent from Germany to Washington state. Staff Sgt. William Brice felt comforted knowing his wife and daughter were safe and secure at Fisher House when he had to return to duty in Germany.
When her adult daughter suddenly required a heart transplant, Army veteran Lupe dropped everything to be with her even though she didn’t know how she would afford it. Finding the Fort Belvoir Army Fisher House not only gave her a home away from home at no cost, but she and her daughter also found peace.
Harry, an Army Vietnam veteran, and his wife Karen have seen a lot of life together. They married 40 years ago and have fought through disease and illness for over 11 years, staying many times at the West Palm Beach VA Fisher House. Most recently, they fought a battle with Harry’s cancer and came out on top.
Having family by her side made all the difference to Staci Cooper when she traveled to WrightPatterson Air Force Base in Ohio for surgery. The support of her partner, Dani, and the laughter of their child, Jackson, helped her heal and filled the house with love.
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 David Nye
Dreams for Veterans, a program of Dream Foundation, received the highest honor and a $90,000 grant as part of the 2023 Fisher Service Award. The Dreams for Veterans program was formed in 2014 to tailor the Dream experience to veterans, service members, and their families.
Dream recipients are terminally ill U.S. military veterans, active service members, or members of the Reserve and National Guard from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This program acknowledges these groups and honors their service by fulfilling their final dream, providing them, their families, and caregivers inspiration, comfort, and closure at the end of the day.
“We are truly honored that Dream Foundation’s Dreams for Veterans program is the recipient of this year’s Fisher Service Award,” said Dream Foundation CEO Kisa Heyer. “We share this honor with everyone who makes this program possible, who believes, as we do, that making the final dream of a veteran facing the end of life is a powerful way to thank them for their service. Dreams come in many forms, and the grant will be used to help us reunite veterans with their loved ones to say goodbye, visit military memorials to pay their last respects, or provide essential items when they are most needed. We want to express our profound gratitude to Fisher House Foundation and Military Times Foundation on behalf of all those we serve for recognizing that dreams are a critical part of a palliative care program and for helping bring joy, comfort, and closure to those who have selflessly served as they face the end of life.”
Dreams for Veterans was selected as the top nonprofit entry out of 450 competitors by a panel of 11 judges that evaluated each entry based on the organization’s creativity, innovation, and impact on the respective communities.
The Fisher Service Award began in 1999 as the Newman’s Own Awards and has now awarded more than $3 million across 205 nonprofit programs that support military and veteran quality of life. The grant program is run in partnership between Fisher House Foundation and Military Times Foundation. This year, Dream Foundation received the top award and four other programs, available on the opposite page, received $40,000 each.
“Military Times is proud to support military-connected families and organizations that strive to improve the lives of those in this community. Our support of the Fisher Service Award is just one of the many ways we underscore the Military Times mission of service to the community we serve” said Kelly Facer, SVP Sightline Media Group/Military Times. “As is the case every year, our honorees exemplify the power of community, cooperation, and innovation in tackling the most important issues for our nation’s heroes and their families.”
The Dreams for Veterans program from Dream Foundation received the top Fisher Service Award, but there are another four grant recipients each year whose programs have a great impact on the quality of life for veterans and their families. Learn about the other four recipients below.
Acadiana Veteran Alliance, Lafayette, Louisiana
The Heal Program from Acadiana Veteran Alliance helps veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress absolve or reduce their symptoms to increase daily functioning and improve overall quality of life through utilization of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) and traditional therapies. www.supportava.org
The Veteran’s Farm of NC, Inc., Cameron, North Carolina
The Veteran’s Farm of NC, Inc. offers training, equipment, and networking with over 1,000 farmer veteran families in North Carolina to assist veterans in becoming farmers. The free training programs teach bedrock skills in agriculture and provide purpose after service, reducing veteran suicide. www.vfnc.org
Vets on Track Foundation, Chesterfield, Virginia
Beyond the Streets works to end veteran homelessness and significantly reduce the number of veteran suicides by helping rebuild self-worth, dignity, pride, and purpose in veterans transitioning out of homelessness into permanent housing. It provides critical resources like home furnishings and follow-on care on the journey. www.vettrack.org
Vet2Vet Maine, Biddeford, Maine
Vet2Vet Maine matches veteran volunteers with other veterans who need a friend or mentor. The pairs visit on a regular basis, share stories, enjoy activities together, and develop a friendship that can last a lifetime. Trained volunteers help the veterans apply for needed services and benefits. www.vet2vetmaine.org
Story by David Nye
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation received the 2022 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award on November 14, 2023, during a ceremony at the Pentagon. The ceremony was presided over by Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth. The nonprofit provides college scholarships and educational counseling to Gold Star children and has served over 3,000 students with over $74 million in support. Fallen Patriots also provides internships and career placement opportunities with many of our corporate donors.
“The contributions of this foundation maintain the legacy of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher’s generosity and dedication to service,” said Secretary Wormuth.
The Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award honors and recognizes a privatesector individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional patriotism and humanitarian concerns for members of the U.S. armed services.
The award was established in 1996 and named for Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, philanthropists who founded and supported multiple military and veteran non-profits, including the network of 98 comfort homes that bear their name, Fisher House Foundation.
“It is incredible to look back and realize that it has been two decades since we founded Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation,” said David and Cynthia Kim, founders of the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.
“We are proud of every student we have served — and we continue to strive towards our goal of providing college scholarships to the 25,000 Gold Star students that have lost a parent in the line of duty.” On average, there is a $25,000 funding gap for four years of college beyond government programs.
Corporate Development Officer and Retired Army Col. Steve Smith emphasized that the foundation’s accomplishments are the result of the people who work there and the donors who give, and they’re all focused on the Gold Star families they serve. He explained that their donors are great patriots who continually honor the sacrifice of fallen service members and their families.
“We respect every one of our families and the sacrifices that they made, as do our donors. That frankly appeals to people in a way that is very heartening to see.”
Students who receive the grants are much more likely to graduate than their peers, thanks in part to the educational counseling and scholarships provided by the program.
“Our graduation rate of all the scholars who have completed college to date is 91%, as compared to 46% for the U.S. writ large. And then when you compare our students to the equivalent on the other side, children from a widowed household, it's 91% to 23%,” said Steve.
All of the foundation’s educational counselors are Gold Star children and Fallen Patriots grant recipients. As the students get advice on school, they also find a support network that they may otherwise never have found.
“Our graduates and our Gold Star staff say all the time that, prior to connecting with Fallen Patriots, unless they had a sibling, they never met another Gold Star in their life,” said Steve. “It creates a family for them, lifetime relationships that just flourish.”
“It has introduced me to an entirely new support system that I never thought I would have,” said Kayla Martin, a Gold Star daughter and scholarship recipient. “It motivated me to work hard and finish school and reminds me every day that my Dad’s life means something. I like to look at it as my Dad still being here for me and supporting me even after he is gone.”
Fisher House Foundation Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher congratulated the Children of Fallen Patriots team.
“It is deeply humbling to see how so many organizations and individuals serve our military and veteran communities,” Ken said. “Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation clearly sees how the entire family sacrifices when a loved one serves and, especially, when they are lost. Zach and Elizabeth would be proud of your work.”
Story by David Nye
Army Ranger Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Quarles stayed at Fisher Houses twice, first as part of sports rehabilitation at Fort Cavazos, Texas and later in Charleston, South Carolina while having most of his stomach removed.
“Fisher House opening the door for me on the adaptive sports side to be able to do things,” he said, “and then on the recovery for me and my family, was just an amazing experience. And the welcomeness that two different locations for two different things was amazing. But everything that they offered, just with open arms, no questions asked, allowed us to stay there. It was absolutely amazing.”
had to program my brain to push all that other stuff and start focusing on myself. Adaptive sports were a big helper to that.”
The Fisher House in Fort Cavazos, Texas helped him get started in national competitions as it hosted him for the Army trials there as part of his rehabilitation. He went on to represent the Army at Warrior Games three times and then Team U.S. in the Invictus Games twice.
But like most veterans, his recovery wasn’t linear. In 2018, he went to the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
The tall, athletic veteran served across the world in both the American and Australian militaries as a Ranger and commando. But he suffered two terrible injuries just weeks apart.
“I was injured in 2012 from a gunshot wound to the head, and two weeks later blown up by a 5,000-pound [vehicle-borne improvised explosive device],” he said. “Fought my injuries for a couple of years and then the injuries were too much and started going into surgeries.”
Gregory medically retired, but he struggled for purpose as he dealt with his injuries. At the Warrior Transition Brigade, an occupational therapist pushed him toward cycling and adaptive sports.
“I was in that dark place like, ‘No, I’m going to get better. I’m going to go back and fight,’” he said. “And then when they told me that I couldn't do those things, I went down that dark spiral because all I had known for so many years was military: focus on the soldiers, focus on the mission, and then, all of a sudden, all that's reversed.”
“The mission was to focus on myself, and I didn’t know how to do that. The soldier recovery unit literally taught that to me and
“In 2018 I had to have a major surgery in Charleston, South Carolina. And so I went to Fisher House with my nephew because he wasn't working at the time. So he was able to come down with me. We stayed at Fisher House. I had the surgery, stayed in the hospital for a few days. I had to have three quarters of my stomach removed and then they allowed him to stay there.”
The nephew was able to support Greg as he initially recovered from the surgery and got home.
“Knowing that he didn't have to pay out of pocket, I didn't have to pay out of pocket for him to be in a hotel and knowing that it was a secure area,” Greg said. “It allowed me to be able to relax more for the surgery and that outcome was good and that he was able to just come straight because the Fisher House is literally right next door. He didn't have to get lost trying to navigate through a big city and come over and see me every day while I was in the hospital.”
“I mean, it was just heartwarming,” Greg said. “And then from there I really dug in and read everything about Fisher House and where they’ve begun and what they have done and what they continue to do. It’s just, I’m without words on it. Because the heart and the mental aspect and the giving that Fisher has for any and everybody is amazing.”
Left: Ken reviews samples for the design of the 100th Fisher House. He led updates of the design and function of Fisher Houses, including wheelchair accessibility, to meet the evolving needs of Fisher House guests. Features such as elevators and wider door frames were added after 9/11.
by Grant Miller Photography.
Story by David Nye
Photos courtesy of Fisher House Foundation
“Care. It's what we’re all about. We’re about family. That’s what Fisher House is,” Fisher House Foundation Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher said in an interview.
Ken became part of the Fisher House family at the invitation of his Great-Uncle Zachary Fisher who built the first Fisher Houses after a suggestion from Navy Adm. Carlisle Trost and his wife Pauline.
“I never really had any inkling that this was in my future,” Ken said, until Zach became ill sometime in the mid-1990s and asked me if I would go down with my wife Tammy and open up a house, which happened to be the third house at Lackland.”
“I can't remember if it was number 24 or 26. They kind of all come together now. And I couldn’t help but think when I got back that he knew what he was doing when he sent me because he knew that he and I were very similar in our desire to help and give back.”
Fisher House Foundation now has 97 Fisher Houses in operation across the U.S., U.K., and Germany and are well along the “Road to 100” Fisher Houses.
While the 100th house will be a great achievement, Ken is clear that each house is important.
“Every Fisher House that opens is a milestone,” he said. “It’s opening another house that's going to fulfill its mission, which is to provide free lodging to our guest families.”
“We’ve had families get married here; we’ve had lives change here,” Ken said. “We’ve had lifelong friendships and bonds that were formed here that are still strong today even though it was 15 years ago or 20 years ago. So I think one of the beauties of Fisher House is the way people interact with each other, the support system that forms.”
“The bottom line is they’re there for each other, and they coach each other, and they help each other. And that's more than just free lodging. It's healing.”
Another part of the healing of Fisher House is that it lets the caregivers focus on the patient and the patient focus on themselves.
Clockwise from above: Ken Fisher reveals a marker with his father, Arnold Fisher, during a ceremony at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Army Fisher House in April 2002. Then-First Lady Michelle Obama and Ken Fisher cut a ribbon during a dedication ceremony at the Walter Reed Military Medical Center Fisher Houses in 2010. Ken and Fisher House designer Susan Sutherland go over designs for the 100th House. Ken applies one of the last bricks to Lackland Air Force Base Fisher House III in 2001.
“We always say that the Fisher House makes the patient a better patient because they don’t have to worry if they had a bad day and a loved one is there at 11 o’clock at night. They don’t have to worry about ‘Are you going to be able to get home? How are you going to get there? Where are you staying?’ So it makes them better patients. It allows them to heal in a much more complete way, but it also makes the families better caregivers because they don’t have to worry about ‘How am I going to get home at 11 o’clock at night?’”
Ken understands the business and organization of Fisher House Foundation, but that pales in comparison to the families’ contributions.
“You can put dollar values on all of this,” he said. “You can talk about branding and everything else, but at the end of the day, the strength of this program is the families that we serve and the bonds that are formed. And so, for us, it’s just such a wonderful thing to be involved in.”
Story by David Nye
Jessica Wenzel first needed the Las Vegas Fisher House’s help to support her Army veteran father’s medical care when he had an emergency while Jessica was on a road trip to visit him. For more than eight months, Vietnam veteran Terrence Bailey suffered a bacterial infection, strokes, kidney failure, and more.
Doctors warned her more than once that her father wouldn’t survive, and so Jessica has struggled with logistics and stress for almost a year.
“So just having the Fisher House and Stephanie and Chris and, oh my gosh, Maria and Brian,” she said. “They're just all so warm and so welcoming and so friendly and kind and caring, compassionate and — just every good word that you can think of in the dictionary to describe the Fisher House and the people that work there and the people that run it. Just every single one of those words can be applied to them.”
Throughout her father’s care, Jessica had to try and take care of her family in Portland, Oregon, maintain her small business, and also serve as her father’s medical power of attorney. He got so sick on multiple occasions, he couldn’t make his own decisions.
Luckily, VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System Fisher House Manager Stephanie Jo Wheeler knew of a tool that would help Jessica travel to Las Vegas when it was necessary.
“Stephanie made me aware of Hero Miles, too, and that's how I was able to visit and be with my dad so much down in Vegas, because I was able to utilize Hero Miles,” she said.
Fisher House Foundation's Hero Miles program uses donated frequent flyer miles to provide roundtrip airline tickets to service members and/or their loved ones during a medical crisis.
Jessica traveled nine times, sometimes rushing to reach her dad in time to make a critical decision or worried she was going to see him for the last time. One late-night call really stands out in her memory.
I’m just like, ‘I can't get there before he would pass because I live up in Portland.’”
Despite all the close calls, Terrence continues to fight.
“He’s still with us. He’s got more lives than a cat,” Jessica says. “Every time, he has overcome some insane obstacles.”
But if it weren’t for being able to travel, Jessica isn’t sure she could’ve fought for her dad as hard as she has.
“I would’ve had to utilize Zoom meetings for a lot of stuff, which would not have really been feasible given my dad’s circumstances at the time, and that was while I was his medical power of attorney. Until you're in that situation, where you’re facing these life-altering decisions, you can prepare as much as you think you need until you're blue in the face, but then when you’re in these moments, you need to be there to really accurately assess the situation.”
Now, Jessica has been able to get her dad to a veteran’s home in Lebanon, Oregon, allowing her to continue advocating for her dad without needing to split her time between different states. But she remains a huge fan of Hero Miles.
“Hero Miles and the Fisher House, the whole organization is a godsend, is just an amazing, incredible organization,” she said. “And without everything that you guys have done to help facilitate me being able to be down in Vegas as many times as I was — it made my life exponentially easier.”
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.
Joint Base Andrews Fisher House
Joint Base Andrews Fisher House, Inc. sponsored the 34th Annual Parents and Children Fighting Cancer Holiday Party in December at the USO Warrior and Family Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This event is an opportunity to create an amazing afternoon for military families in the D.C. metro area who have a child battling cancer. There was a catered meal, games and entertainment, and, of course, every child received a special gift from Santa.
Roar by the Shore held their 8th Annual Mentor-on-theLake Cruise In on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend to benefit the Cleveland Fisher House. It was an exceptionally large showing of support this year. A great time was had by all, and, the Fisher House team selected and awarded one of the top cars!
Friends of the Pittsburgh
On December 12, the Pittsburgh Pirates and 84 Lumber visited Pittsburgh Fisher House to spread holiday cheer and present a donation to the Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House. Pirate Parrot and Pirates alumni Neil Walker visited with families. Neil signed autographs and chatted with guests while the Parrot showed off his famous dance moves. Thank you, Pittsburgh Pirates and 84 Lumber, for your ongoing support of veterans and their families.
Fisher House Southern California Board member and Secretary, Elizabeth (Liz) Lucas, wrote a compelling and personal Veterans Day appeal letter to FHSC donors and prospective donors, on why she joined the FHSC Board in 2016. Liz wrote about her husband, a World War II veteran, who survived the Battle of the Bulge, earned two Purple Hearts, escaped Nazi prisoner of war camps twice, and was rescued by other Allied forces. Her letter raised $174,000 from 218 donors.
The Brigantine Polar Plunge has supported Fisher House Foundation for 24 years and just broke a major milestone of $1 million raised! The team collects donations, sells merchandise, and brings the whole community together with thousands of people gathering on the beach as hundreds jump into the icy water of Brigantine, New Jersey with costumes and bathing suits on New Years Day.
RocketFit hosted the Murph Challenge on Memorial Day 2023 to raise money for Fisher House Foundation. He and his community recruited more than 15 streamers who took part in the CrossFit workout “Murph Challenge,” named for the fallen Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy. The challenge took place over approximately 18 hours as each streamer did the workout in sequence. The streamers raised a ton of awareness and over $5,000.
Reynolds Team is a realty company in Virginia that has supported Fisher House Foundation through athletic events for over 10 years. Employees raised $18,000 in 2023, and the company matched it for a total of $36,000! Over 20 employees ran the Army 10-miler as part of their fundraising. The team will soon cross the $100,000 mark.
“Men’s Wearhouse is committed to uplifting our veterans and giving them the support they deserve. Our customers have come to know and value our passion for serving those who have served, and this impact simply would not be possible without their generous contributions,” said John Tighe, President of Tailored Brands.
Tailored Brands said in a press release that point-of-sale donations are down nationwide, but 1.3 million donors made their campaign a massive success. The funds donated to Fisher House Foundation will be used to complete the remaining homes on the “Road to 100” Fisher Houses. The 100th house, to be located at the Captain James A. Lowell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, Illinois, is now under construction.
“Fisher Houses are about community, and Men’s Wearhouse has done a tremendous job of encouraging their customers to be part of a community of action,” said Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation Ken Fisher. “We are grateful for the generosity of not only Men’s Wearhouse and Tailored Brands but also to their clients who have generously given to show their appreciation for all our veterans have given.”
The “Threads of Valor” campaign invited customers at all Men’s Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, and K&G Stores (Tailored Brands) locations to make a $1, $3 or $5 contribution at checkout. Fisher House is thankful to have received a donation of over $1.642 million, to be included with three other incredible veteran non-profits, and to be
chosen for a second year. The other veteran nonprofits selected were Semper Fi & America’s Fund, K9s for Warriors, and Hire Heroes USA.
As part of the campaign, Tailored Brands created tailored suits for veterans served by each organization and featured them in a photoshoot. Tim McLoughlin represented Fisher House Foundation. Tim served in the Army prior to Vietnam. A former Fisher House guest, Tim now helps support the Travis Air Force Base Fisher House.
The “Threads of Valor” campaign will continue giving customers the opportunity to donate to impactful veterans’ causes throughout the year in stores across the country. To learn more about the campaign and find a Men’s Wearhouse near you, visit menswearhouse.com/veterans.
Aurora, CO
“Our son was life-flighted to UC Health as he fell into a fire pit. We knew that we would need to figure out a way to stay here with him. We were able to afford a couple of days in a hotel, but then we were informed of the Fisher House. We were so relieved when we arrived, we had no idea how well they take care of you here. Being eight hours away from home for an extended period of time is stressful and expensive, but the Fisher House allowed us to ease our financial burden and gave us a place to call home while our son recuperated. There isn’t anything they have missed to be able to live away from home. Every single detail is covered. I’ve cried several times as the generosity is overwhelming. There isn’t enough “thank yous” to cover our gratitude. We will definitely give back and encourage others to donate to this wonderful place. It really brings your faith back to humanity."
Bethesda, MD
“On December 29, 2023, our son Drew made his grand entrance into the world at 34 weeks. While the amazing staff in the NICU cared for Mr. Drew, and he grew big and strong, we were lucky enough to stay in the Fisher House. Having a comfortable and clean “home” to reside in during a stressful and tiring time made all the difference. The Fisher House is a blessing not only to us but to many families facing new difficulties and challenges. Thank you, Fisher House and staff, for caring for us! Although we’ve enjoyed our stay, we can’t wait to take our sweet boy home. Love,
Our Family"
Dayton, OH
“I am not sure where to start. I had not expected any of this. I walked in and was in shock. My wife and I could not believe how wonderful everything is and how friendly and helpful the staff are. I know God has blessed us. This is the best. If Fisher House didn’t exist, we would have had to drive over 40 miles back home and then turn around and travel 40 miles back every time I come to the VA. here in Dayton. It impresses me more and more. May God bless all of the staff here at Fisher House and all the nurses and doctors and staff at the hospital. When I was overseas in the military, I had seen some horrible things. When I returned, I felt there wasn’t anything worth a crap. I see Fisher House and the staff and how helpful and kind they are. I know now I was wrong to have felt forgotten. May God bless you all at Fisher House. I would like to say thank you for what you do. —Guest 1st Visit P.S. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep for thou Lord only makes me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8"
Keesler, MS
“We had such a wonderful stay at the Keesler Fisher House! It was such a blessing to be able to stay so close to the hospital in such a wonderful group setting. The community rooms brought a few of us together that happened to have the same procedure, which helped ease post-op anxieties and share in the healing progress. Thank you for the wonderful amenities and hospitality during our stay.”
San Diego, CA
“I want to say thank you so much for the great place to stay. Me and my husband were on the way to South Korea (PCS). We drove eight hours from Arizona and, on the way here, my husband felt something wrong with his eye. We came here, and our PCS got delayed (medical hold). And they offered us this amazing Fisher House. We had left home, already shipped our car. It was really hard for us, but Fisher House made our journey so much easier. We could focus on my husband’s eye thanks to y'all. I can’t express how much I appreciate you guys with a word. Thank you for caring for us and helping, for supporting our journey here. Many blessings to you. : )”
Tucson, AZ
“We do not have words to express how sincere and deep our gratitude is. Your kindness, generosity, and hospitality were above anything we expected! The food and prepared meals, the comfortable room, the laundry service, the transport service, and the welcoming, comfortable environment were above any accommodation we’ve ever had. Because of Fisher House, we did not have to stress about anything other than our dad. Because our needs were met, we met his. We cannot begin to explain the impact you've had on our lives. Thank you!"
Veteran Pete Muller and his wife Lynn share how Fisher House made the difference during their stay in their own words:
“I am honored to share my experience at the
WITH ALL OF YOU!”
FromLynn: This past year, Pete has been hospitalized numerous times and, fortunately, I have been lucky enough to discover and stay at the Bay Pines Fisher House.
I remember the first time I stayed there — I was so stressed, nervous, and tired after the long drive to the hospital and wondering what was going to happen after Pete’s operation. The weather was ominous, and I realized I needed to find a hotel close to the hospital. Fortunately — I heard some ladies in the waiting room talking about the Fisher House, which I thought was a local hotel. They were so eager to help me, and I called the number. Unbeknownst to me, my amazing journey with the Fisher House was just beginning.
Sam and Tre (Shentrela Diggins, the Bay Pines VA Fisher House manager) greeted me and made me feel so comfortable and reassured as I filled out my paperwork! As they showed me around the house, I felt such a sense of calm and warmth and knew everything would be okay! The rooms were homey, inviting, and so private with all the amenities of a five-star hotel. The fridge was well stocked for any meal — just help yourself — coffee, tea, toast for on-the-go, lunch, a sandwich, salad, or whatever. And then there was always a special surprise dinner meal prepared by volunteers about once a week — it was just so generous and unexpected.
The kitchen was my favorite place, not just for the food but because of all the special people I have met and bonded with. As we made our meals or snacks, we all shared our highs and lows and tears and laughs as well as prayers for all our loved ones in the hospital. I never felt alone, there was always someone to talk to. We were strangers when we met but left as friends and family, keeping in touch on the progress of our veterans when we left for home.
I had many ups and downs with Pete’s many health issues, and Tre and Sam were always there for me. They are so caring and compassionate, and I know everyone I met in the house felt the same way! Those girls can make magic happen! There were times where they re-arranged rooms, juggled furniture, cleaned, and researched community services all at the same time! Their spirit, love, and joy of caring for the families and the veterans is just amazing. There have been many late nights in the kitchen with families talking about how blessed we all were to have the Fisher House and to have those beautiful ladies going on our journeys with us!
FromPete: It was so comforting to me to know that my wife, Lynn, was so close and did not have to travel all the way back home each time I was in the hospital! That gave me such peace of mind so I could concentrate on my health needs without any added stress! It was also so close that she was able to walk from the Fisher House to the hospital at any given time to be with me and be my advocate when reports from the doctors were given! But my favorite part of her being so close was that she was able to share what was happening with other families at the Fisher House. There was definitely a connection to other veterans even though I did not meet them. Tre and Sam could not do enough for us — we had some unusual situations, and they were so quick in finding a solution right away — nothing was a problem for them! And of course, there were always some goodies at the house that were brought over to the hospital — and that was something to look forward to. We are so grateful that we were fortunate enough to stay at the Fisher House.
Story by Christy Wilcox
At 14 years old, military child Caleb Pipes had a curveball thrown at him when he was diagnosed with cancer. He credits family support and resiliency as part of the reason for a positive outcome.
“I was very blessed while I was going through my treatment. I had a lot of people with me,” Caleb said.
Caleb’s father, Greg, spent over 20 years in the Army and during that time, the Pipes Family moved overseas to Nepal, Armenia, Germany, and stateside to places like Hawaii. Caleb says living around the world made him and his four siblings resilient to the challenges military families face. During Greg’s tour in Nepal, Caleb got a cancer diagnosis, separating the family when Caleb returned stateside to start treatment in California.
“It was very tough, but I was very grateful for what we had, and his prognosis was very good,” Greg said.
Six years later, Caleb is cancer-free and focuses on his life as a college student. He goes to college in northwestern Pennsylvania and participates in an engineering program. As a three-time recipient of Fisher House’s Scholarship for Military Children, Caleb is following his dreams in the field of aquatics robotics.
“It’s allowed me to pursue my passions, to pursue my goals and offset the high cost of schooling,” Caleb said.
Every year in January, the family searches for college scholarships. Greg says the scholarship world can be very complex, but applying for the Fisher House Scholarship for Military Children is a simple process that helps him help his children. As a father of five, Greg says scholarships go a long way.
“We’ve had to do a lot of planning, a lot of work to ease that burden and prepare for it, so scholarships play a big role in what we do,” Greg said.
Caleb talks about his love for math, science, engineering, and water. When he was at an early age, the Pipes lived in Hawaii, and it’s where he discovered his passion for the ocean. In high school, he joined the robotics team and began looking for opportunities to give back to military families as a Boy Scout. While brainstorming for his Eagle Scout project, he decided he wanted to help kids who need medical treatment. After discovering that Fisher House provides a home to military families and children in situations like his, he knew he wanted to make a difference there. Caleb made a toy box for kids staying at Tripler Army Medical Center, and with the help of his father, the box of toys was delivered to Fisher House.
“It was really meaningful for me to have the support that I did when I was going through treatment, so I wanted to help other military kids by partnering with Fisher House,” Caleb said.
Caleb is unsure what his future holds, but he may continue embracing the military lifestyle after an internship with the Navy as a lab researcher.
Fisher House Foundation awarded over $2.8 million in scholarships in 2023, helping more than 1,260 students achieve their educational goals.
Fisher House Foundation is privileged to have amazing managers at each Fisher House. These professionals do a wonderful job taking care of the families that call Fisher House “a home away from home.”
Cincinnati Ohio
VA Fisher House
Story by Rachel Hill
Coming from a long line of military veterans, Karrie always had a heart to serve. Her story, however, began quite unconventionally as a teenager. Inspired by the care she saw her father-in-law receive at the Cincinnati VAMC, she began to pursue a degree in nursing.
After graduating high school, Karrie became a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and began working in the private sector. When her father-in-law was admitted to the hospital for the second time, she remembers that catapulting her into a desire to work in the VA.
“I went straight to human resources and said I’d really like to work here,” she said. “Just seeing what [veterans] have sacrificed for us, I knew I wanted to work at the VA because I am a very caring person and want to give my all.”
Her attempts to enter the VA as a LPN stalled, so Karrie changed her approach and began in an entry-level position as a secretary for the chief of staff at the Cincinnati VA in December of 1990.
She built her reputation and made many important connections that would lead her down a career path that would last over 20 years.
“Over time I saw this house being built in the backyard of the VA and thought, ‘What is that?’ Then my chief came to me one day and said, ‘We’re getting this house. It’s kind of like a hotel. I need you to run it,”’ she explained.
The Cincinnati Fisher House was only the fifth house built at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital, so Karrie began visiting various hospitality homes such as Hope Lodge and the Ronald McDonald House to gain a better understanding of how to run a comfort home.
“It’s like a little fairy tale in a way. I would say God just put me in the right place at the right time.” Karrie said.
Since 2001, she has had the privilege of caring for many veterans and their families.
She recalls one veteran and his wife who stayed at the Cincinnati VA Fisher House for eight weeks while he received cancer treatment.
“I’ll never forget when he passed away. His wife called me, I was in my office, and she said, ‘I need you to come over here.’ She wanted me in that room with him and he did too. He looked at me and said, ‘Thank you,’ and then passed away. To be considered that close to them while they are here, they’re my family.”
Karrie has hopes of retiring soon after over 20 years of service. She encourages new managers to have patience.
“Get to know your guests, the veterans, because you never know what they are going through. Remember why you are here. Kindness and patience are key, the paperwork can wait.”
In the meantime, Karrie enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and traveling. She hopes to do more of both in her retirement, but not before she witnesses Fisher House hitting its milestone of 100 houses.
“I am so proud that I’m going to be a part of seeing 100 Fisher Houses! It has been such a pleasure working with Fisher House Foundation. They are my family.”
We always love to check in and see what Fisher Houses have been up to. Here, we outline a few highlights from houses around the world, submitted by the Fisher House managers.
JBER HOSPITAL
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Guests brought in the New Year in style and fun! Our hosts celebrated the ending of 2023 with appetizers and several games. They even counted down to 2024 in all three time zones! Pictured is one of the hosts (Mr. Joe Dyson, 773rd FSS Director alongside Mr. & Mrs. Holloway).
NAVAL HOSPITAL
CAMP PENDLETON
Camp Pendleton
On Veterans Day, Fisher House Camp Pendleton and Fisher House San Diego had a fun-filled day at Fleet Week San Diego Military Family Day. We heard countless heartfelt stories of active duty and veteran families who have stayed at Fisher Houses across the nation. It was a day of constant affirmations that…a family’s love is good medicine!
MEDICAL
SAN
San Diego
As a part of the San Diego Padres Holiday Giving Tour, Fisher House San Diego opened our doors on December 12 for a star-studded holiday open house to boost
the morale and lift the spirits of service members and their families during the holiday season. Fisher House San Diego families, service members enrolled in Navy Wounded Warrior, surviving families in the Navy Gold Star Program, and Naval Medical Center San Diego staff and patients had the opportunity to meet and greet with current players, alumni, the Swingin’ Friar, and the Pad Squad. It was a December to remember for our military families!
HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Los Angeles
Annually, for the past decade, GLA FH has welcomed volunteers from Bank of America to come and bake cookies for the guests while they all come together and decorate the entire house with multiple trees to kick off the holiday season. The guests and the volunteers always look forward to this time because it makes the guests feel at home even though they are needed at the bedside. We want to express our sincere gratitude to all of our volunteers that make our families feel welcome and supported during a difficult time.
EASTERN COLORADO
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
Colorado
Volunteers from Pivot Energy came in and made breakfast burritos and cookies the day before Veterans Day! Our volunteers make such a difference in the house.
HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Bay Pines
One of our volunteers, Holly Ross, now has 339 hours volunteering with us. Holly is a master gardener with the University of Florida Extension, but she is also a Gold Star mother. Holly’s daughter was killed while doing flight exercises in Pensacola, Florida. Rhiannon, Holly’s daughter, was a naval instructor pilot
with nine years of flight training and knowledge. Rhiannon was honored at the White House with an ornament on a Christmas tree in the East Wing. Thank you so much for your service to other veteran families, Holly.
ORLANDO MEDICAL CENTER
Orlando
The Hunter Family is visiting us in Orlando. And the whole family has shown off their cooking skills. The girls’ grandma ran kitchens and restaurants for the Army in Germany. Her skills were definitely passed down! The girls made pizza balls, filling the house with great smells.
West Palm Beach
We were proud to host Ken Fisher as he filmed messages for supporters and managers at our Fisher House. Ken took time to speak with every family member in the house before and after he filmed, and we got to watch guests eyes light up as they talked to him.
EISENHOWER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER
Fort Eisenhower
A BIG THANK YOU to the local T-Mobile members who came out to the Fort Eisenhower Army Fisher House and volunteered their time on January 11, 2024. They have supported and volunteered at the Fisher House for several years. The new T-Mobile members that were present were given a briefing and a tour of the Fisher House before volunteering and giving a helping hand. The T-Mobile group did some deep cleaning at the Fisher House. They did some carpet cleaning and steam cleaning, cleaning of the chandeliers, replaced light bulbs, wiped down bookshelves in the living room, wiped down the baseboards, cleaned the windows, etc. They also did some yard work and raked a small nature path located on the side of the Fisher House. For their support and their several years of helping the Fort Eisenhower Army Fisher House, the T-Mobile members were presented with a Fisher House coin.
Honolulu
The remarkable HR Department of Hawaiian Airlines descended upon the Tripler Army Fisher House on December 14 to spread some Christmas cheer and get some much-needed volunteer work accomplished. This awesome team deep cleaned both houses, reorganized the
supply closet, pressure washed trash areas, replaced box spring covers, planted some ground cover, and switched out the flags. The warm aloha shared on this day by this group of 68 was truly heartfelt and unquestionably appreciated.
WALTER
FOREST
Silver Spring
On January 4, we welcomed baby Davis to the Walter Reed Army Fisher House at Forest Glen after his release from the NICU at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Mom and dad stayed at the Fisher House before and after his arrival on December 29.
ANN ARBOR
HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Ann Arbor
We were happy to host “Chili with the Chaplains” here at the VA Ann Arbor Fisher House on October 26. Three VA Chaplains (Chaplain Biggins, Chaplain Lee, and Chaplain Laslo) prepared a wonderful meal for the families during National VA Pastoral Care Week. They shared their time, culinary skills, and support by preparing Chaplain Biggins’ famous chili for the families at the Fisher House.
Minneapolis
A former guest, Oleta Skinner, reached out to let us know that her husband, Quincy, had unfortunately passed away, but their stay in 2001 made such an impact on them that they
collected donations to make sure that future families would have the same comfortable place to stay that they did. We’re so glad that we could have such an impact for this family and for more families every day!
Keesler AFB
The first Fisher House at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi was constructed in 1992, and was the eighth Fisher House in the inventory. As with all things, time and daily use take a toll and after 30 years it was time for a complete facility renovation and makeover.
Our house renovation project began in September 2022, with the facility receiving new paint and carpet throughout, as well as all new furnishings in the guest rooms and common areas. The facility now has a more modern, upto-date look and feel.
The re-opening ceremony was on December 19, and was attended by base leadership as well as civic leaders from the local community.
We look forward to providing a “home away from home” for another thirty years and more!
Columbia
This photo of Mr. Baker and his niece captures the level of safety and comfort that we hope all our guests feel and experience during their stays with us. The Bakers were family number 36 after opening day. This little girl and her uncle captured the hearts of the other guests who were with us at the time and as one of the first children to stay in the MidMissouri Fisher House, helped set the tone for the type of compassionate care that we strive to demonstrate and provide each and every day. Our team, and, along with the guests who have become family, experienced the Mid-Missouri FH house have experienced all the highs and lows of becoming a cohesive team, experienced along with the guests who have become family, the pain of losing a loved one. It has strengthened our resolve to provide unparalleled customer service to each and every guest and veteran.
St. Louis
Few individuals are blessed with true love once; even fewer find it a second time. Mr. and Mrs. Barrier have found love twice. Fate made them friends about 60 years ago, and that same fate brought them together as husband and wife about three years ago. However, two years into the honeymoon, Mr. Barrier was
in a car accident that left him paralyzed. Another accident shortly after injured him even more. A tragic incident could divide a recently married couple, even destroying a lifelong friendship, but with many blessings they have experienced over a lifetime, this incident brought them closer. The St. Louis Fisher House is honored to have seen such an incredible love story. They are preparing to return home and start another chapter together. Mrs. Barrier has been making arrangements and contacting many people to ensure she and Mr. Barrier will have several more years together. The determination, love, and honor they have demonstrated are unmatched. Not only has Mrs. Barrier been a helper to Mr. Barrier, but her passion and love for others have made her a mother hen who everyone enjoys talking to and learning from. Whenever the medical staff asks Mr. Barrier where he would like to sit, his response is always, anyway I can look at my wife. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Barrier, for being a perfect example of how wonderful life can be.
NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER
CAMP LEJEUNE
Camp Lejeune
We had an open house and visit from headquarters in October, one of our biggest events since COVID restrictions were lifted. It was an opportunity to re-establish our relationships with our community as well as remind people that we are here and the services we offer.
This was also a wonderful opportunity to wish Josie a farewell after 13 years here as manager and for me to introduce myself as the new manager to people from across the base. So many people were excited to be a part of this event and it was wonderful to get to touch base and learn how we can better serve as we spoke with people from the hospital, Wounded Warrior Battalion, and organizations throughout Camp Lejeune and surrounding areas.
Fort Liberty
Tim, Genieve, and Maurine Wilson are guests at the Fort Liberty Army Fisher House. Mr. Tim said, “One of the greatest things about being at the Fisher House is that you make so many friends, meet so many people, help each other walk through trying times, and the peace that you feel staying here. This place has taken so much pressure off my family and has allowed us to focus on helping my wife get well. Thank you for all that you do for all of us.”
Dayton
On November 7, we celebrated our 5th anniversary of serving veteran families!
FORT BELVOIR
COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
Fort Belvoir
The Fort Belvoir Army Fisher House hosted the Bruck Family in July while their father, William Bruck, was a part of the SRU at Fort Belvoir.
The children of this family of 11 were avid readers and thoroughly enjoyed the library inside the house. During their stay, they shared book suggestions with their favorite being, “Hope on Four Hooves,” a story written and illustrated by Anna Bruck. In it, she shares about her family, her father’s struggles with PTSD, and how equine therapy helped make her family stronger.
Levi Barrera arrived from Italy to the Fisher House Portsmouth with two legs but left with one. Levis was diagnosed with cancer, and his days were initially filled with fear and sadness, but the family found joy by the time they left.
As a 16-year-old dependent amputee, he accepted this fight and the challenge for normalcy. The Fisher House Portsmouth became the home base for what lay ahead: the possibility and then reality of the amputation of his leg. As his parents often landed in the staff's arms with tears because of the uncertainty, Levi became
a cornerstone for this location. As other families arrived, his determination had the entire house cheering him on. Since discharge, he has used his running blade to run 1k in an annual run for a cancer charity and reached a personal bench press of 200 lbs. The sky is the limit for Levi. He and his family will forever be a part of the Fisher House Portsmouth’s family. They still stop by to deliver goodies and encouragement to other families as they are now attached to the area and are dedicated supporters of the Fisher House Portsmouth.
LANDSTUHL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Landstuhl
In the comforting embrace of the Landstuhl Army Fisher House, Paige and Brian's ongoing stay unfolds as a touching story of resilience and love. Captured in this photograph, Paige cradles her wounded husband, a veteran injured in Ukraine, marking a chapter of their ongoing journey to recovery. Paige and Brian’s story continues to unfold with grace and resilience as the familiarity of Landstuhl Army Fisher House becomes a backdrop to their shared moments.
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Bay Pines, Florida
A second Fisher House was completed in Bay Pines, allowing 23 families to stay in a Fisher House each night. More than a million dollars will be saved annually with the addition of this new house, alleviating the burden of expensive lodging costs.
Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans’ Hospital San Antonio, Texas
Fisher House Foundation completed construction on the second house at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. This second house brings capacity up to 32 suites, alleviating the waiting list by doubling the number of families Fisher House can support on any given night.
John D. Dingell VA Medical Center Detroit, Michigan
Construction continues on a new Fisher House in Detroit, Michigan. The 16-suite Detroit Fisher House will offer more than 5,000 nights of lodging each year, saving veteran families over $800,000 annually.
Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center North Chicago, Illinois
Construction began on the 100th Fisher House in North Chicago, Illinois. The 16-suite Fisher House will support active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families receiving medical care at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center located at Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago.
Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center Memphis, Tennessee
Construction is nearly complete on a new Fisher House in Memphis, Tennessee. The 16-suite home away from home will reduce the burden of expensive lodging costs so veterans and their families can focus on receiving the medical care they need.
The following projects are currently in design.
• Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Little Rock, Arkansas
• Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center Atlanta, Georgia
• Hospital de Veteranos (VA Caribbean Healthcare System) San Juan, Puerto Rico
ALASKA
Joint Base
Elmendorf-Richardson Hospital (907) 222-1673
Manager: Theresa Nedrow theresa.nedrow.2@us.af.mil
ARIZONA
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
Tucson (520) 838-3680
Manager: Mike Ramsey michael.ramsey2@va.gov
CALIFORNIA
David Grant USAF Medical Center
Travis Air Force Base (707) 423-7550
Manager: Ivana Jordovic ivana.jordovic@us.af.mil
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (760) 763-5308
Manager: Vicky Powell-Johnson victoria.powell-john@usmc.mil
Naval Medical Center San Diego (619) 532-9055
Manager: Tiana Babcock tiana.n.babcock.naf@health.mil
VA Long Beach Healthcare System (562) 826-5016
Manager: Yolanda White yolanda.white2@va.gov
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (310) 268-4457
Manager: Erma Mickens erma.mickens@va.gov
VA Palo Alto Health Care System (650) 493-5000 x60384
Manager: Tracy Marino tracy.marino@va.gov
COLORADO
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Aurora (720) 723-7683
Manager: Khristie Barker VHAECHFisherHouse@va.gov
CONNECTICUT
VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven (203) 937-3438
Manager: Amanda Salthouse amanda.salthouse@va.gov
DELAWARE
Fisher House for Families of the Fallen Dover Air Force Base (302) 922-1900
Manager: TSgt Samantha Hogan samantha.hogan@us.af.mil
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Washington DC VA Medical Center (202) 745-2482
Manager: Jay Chapman jacquelyn.chapman@va.gov
Please contact the Fisher House manager directly at the desired location by phone or email.
FLORIDA
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (727) 319-1350
Manager: Shentrela Diggins shentrela.diggins@va.gov
Eglin Air Force Base Hospital (850) 883-2865
Manager: Robert Campbell robert.campbell.67@us.af.mil
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital
Tampa (813) 910-3000
Manager: Sean Kelly sean.kelly2@va.gov
Miami VA Healthcare System (305) 575-7260
Manager: Richie Sanchez lerrichiad.sanchez@va.gov
North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System
Gainesville (352) 548-6492
Manager: Kimo Ortiz kimo.ortiz@va.gov
Orlando VA Medical Center (407) 631-9800
Manager: George Denby george.denby@va.gov
West Palm Beach VA Medical Center (561) 422-5554
Manager: Shelley Prickett shelley.prickett2@va.gov
GEORGIA
Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center
Augusta (706) 729-5773
Manager: Courtney Deese courtney.deese@va.gov
Eisenhower Army Medical Center
Fort Eisenhower (706) 787-7100
Manager: Francisco Cruz francisco.cruz10.naf@health.mil
HAWAII
Tripler Army Medical Center
Honolulu (808) 433-1291 x28
Manager: Misty Hironaka misty.n.hironaka.naf@health.mil
ILLINOIS
Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital
Hines (708) 202-7154
Manager: Holly Wright holly.wright@va.gov
KENTUCKY
Blanchfield Army Community Hospital
Fort Campbell (270) 798-8330
Manager: Wendy Carlston wendy.j.carlston.naf@health.mil
Franklin R. Sousley VAHCS
Lexington (859) 281-3825
Manager: Michael Neville michael.neville@va.gov
LOUISIANA
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System
New Orleans (504) 507-6020
Manager: Debra Ceaser-Winbush debra.ceaser-winbush@va.gov
MAINE
VA Maine Healthcare System
Augusta (207) 623-8411 x7052
Manager: Patrick Crowley patrick.crowley@va.gov
MARYLAND
Malcolm Grow Clinics & Surgery Center
Joint Base Andrews (301) 981-1243 jbandrewsfisherhouse@gmail.com
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda (301) 857-9494
Manager: Michael Ybarra mybarra@fisherhousebethesda.org
Walter Reed Army Fisher House at Forest Glen Annex Silver Spring (301) 319-5442
Manager: Maurice Borde maurice.borde.naf@army.mil
MASSACHUSETTS
VA Boston Healthcare System (857) 203-4000
Manager: Elizabeth St. Pierre elizabeth.stpierre@va.gov
MICHIGAN
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (734) 845-3055
Manager: April LaRock april.larock@va.gov
MINNESOTA
Minneapolis VA Health Care System (612) 467-5602
Manager: Kimberly Bihm kimberly.bihm@va.gov
MISSISSIPPI
Keesler Medical Center (228) 377-8264
Manager: Ron Gribble ronald.gribble.1@us.af.mil
MISSOURI
Harry S. Truman VA Hospital Fisher House (573) 814-6000 x55460
Manager: Terry Woodcock terry.woodcock@va.gov
Kansas City VA Medical Center (816) 714-8697
Manager: Micheal Peters michealpeters@va.gov
VA St. Louis Health Care System (314) 894-6145
Manager: Vanniecia Brown vanniecia.brown@va.gov
NEBRASKA
VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System Omaha (402) 930-7116
Manager: Miles Brown miles.brown1@va.gov
NEVADA
VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System North Las Vegas (702) 224-6789
Manager: Stephanie Jo Wheeler stephanie.wheeler4@va.gov
NEW MEXICO
Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center
Albuquerque (505) 265-1711 x3180
Manager: Tracy Hicks tracy.hicks@va.gov
NEW YORK
Albany Stratton VA Medical Center (518) 626-6919
Manager: Michael Horning michael.horning@va.gov
James J. Peters VA Medical Center Bronx (718) 584-9000
Assistant Manager: Michael Vahoviak michael.vahoviak@va.gov
NORTH CAROLINA
Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (910) 450-3885
Manager: Sanda Heger sanda.heger@usmc.mil
Womack Army Medical Center Fort Liberty (910) 849-3466
Manager: John Miller john.e.miller306.naf@health.mil
OHIO
Cincinnati VA Medical Center (513) 475-6571
Manager: Karrie Hagan karrie.hagan@va.gov
Dayton VA Medical Center (937) 268-6511 x2887
Manager: Betsey Striebel betsey.striebel@va.gov
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center 216-707-4807 x 24805
Manager: Wesley Freeman wesley.freeman@va.gov
Wright-Patterson Medical Center (937) 257-0855
(Assistant) Manager: Diyor Nishanov Isfandiyor.nishanov@us.af.mil
VA Portland Health Care System (360) 567-4647
Manager: James Dorce' james.dorce@va.gov
PENNSYLVANIA
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (412) 360-2030
Manager: Heather Frantz heather.frantz@va.gov
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Charleston (843) 805-8200
Manager: Erik Zielinski erik.zielinski@va.gov
Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center Columbia (803) 776-4000 x57260
Manager: Candler Rhodes candler.rhodes@va.gov
TENNESSEE
Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center
Memphis (901) 686-4985
Manager: Ashley Schoonover ashley.schoonover@va.gov
Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
Murfreesboro (615) 225-5758
Manager: Becky Wood rebecca.wood4@va.gov
Brooke Army Medical Center
Joint Base San Antonio (210) 916-6000
Manager: Robyn Stewart rrobyn.m.stewart.naf@health.mil
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Fort Cavazos (254) 286-7927
Manager: Candice Ualesi candice.t.ualesi.naf@health.mil
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Houston (713) 791-1414 x228779
Manager: Passion Sullivan passion.sullivan@va.gov
South Texas Veterans Health Care System
San Antonio (210) 617-5542
Acting Manager: Douglas Dickson douglas.dickson@va.gov
VA North Texas Health Care System
Dallas (214) 857-4400
Manager: Lydia Henderson lydia.henderson1@va.gov
Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical CenterSan Antonio Military Medical Center Lackland Air Force Base (210) 671-6037
Manager: Philip Harralson philip.harralson@us.af.mil
William Beaumont Army Medical Center Fort Bliss (915) 742-1860
Manager: Alice Coleman alice.m.coleman2.naf@health.mil
UTAH
VA Salt Lake City Health Care System (801) 588-5900
Manager: Heather Dunnigan heather.dunnigan@va.gov
VIRGINIA
Fort Belvoir Community Hospital (703) 805-5203
Manager: Tyana Monette tyana.m.monette2.naf@health.mil
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (757) 953-6889
Manager: Jill Thompson jill.thompson@portsmouthfisherhouse.org
Richmond VA Medical Center
Richmond (804) 675-6639
Manager: Wayne Walker wayne.walker@va.gov
WASHINGTON
Madigan Army Medical Center Joint Base Lewis-McChord (253) 967-5198
Manager: Vattana Garcia vattana.garcia.naf@health.mil
VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle (206) 768-5353
Manager: Mark Debenport mark.debenport@va.gov
WEST VIRGINIA
Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center Huntington (304) 429-8700
Manager: Jason Wyant jason.wyant@va.gov
WISCONSIN
Zablocki VA Medical Center Milwaukee (414) 384-2000 x44570
Manager: Torrie Hutchison torrie.hutchison@va.gov
GERMANY
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center 011-49-6371-9464-7430 fax: 011-49-6371-866679
Manager: Sarafina Buchanan sarafina.n.buchanan.naf@health.mil
UNITED KINGDOM
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham 0121-472-6217 fax: 0121-41306897
Manager: Patrick Hogan vs.fisherhouseuk@ssafa.org.uk
For more than 30 years, the Fisher House program has helped families stay with loved ones receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers, because we believe “A family’s love is good medicine.” These homes provide free, temporary lodging to military and veteran families so they can be close to their loved ones during medical crises.
Since 1990: 500,000 families served | $610 million in savings | 12 million+ nights of lodging
