The Patriot Magazine 2009 Issue 2

SUMMER/FALL 2009

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION, INC. TM

www.fisherhouse.org

SECRETS OF THE COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN $2.5 billion over 10 years—what’s behind this tremendous power of giving?

AN IDEA WORTH DUPLICATING How a Fisher House stay resulted in England's own 'Norton' houses.

TRUE HEROES “RUN FOR A REASON” Inside Joint Base Balad’s 5K in Iraq!

MOVING ON...

Jessica Lynch, JR Martinez, Tammy Duckworth and others —where are they now?

Front Line

2

House Round-up

4

Secrets of the Combined Federal Campaign

9

Meet Maggie Swenson, Kathy Gregory and Jann Griffiths

10

Fisher House Programs

12

It All Adds Up

13

Guest Family Profile

14

True Heroes

16

Join Team Fisher House

18

An Idea Worth Duplicating

20

Running Around in Circles

22

The Sweet Taste of Fundraising Success

23

House Managers Gather to Brush Up and Bond

23

David Grant USAF Medical Center Fisher House

ePower

24

A Big Night Yields Big Returns

24

I honestly can’t thank you enough for allowing me to stay at the Travis Fisher House during my treatment.

I knew going out to California for this specialty treatment was going to cost more than I could afford, but I had to do something and my treatment options were very limited. Staying with you cut my financial burden in half, and the relief of that alone helped tremendously—again, more than I can describe. Your Fisher House gave me more than just a “place to stay,” it gave me a home away from home.

With so much kindness and generosity by everyone, you really made me feel welcome. I’ll never forget this.

Moving On

25

Down Range

30

Taking Chance

31

Fisher Houses Get a Boost From Kevin Bacon

31

Looking Out for the Little Ones

32

Volunteer Spotlight

32

A Unique Fine

32

Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center Fisher House

letters

I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don't think you could understand how important you are to me, my family and every family who ever stepped foot in this house.

It means so much just to know that there are people in this world who are willing to give so much to complete strangers.

Thank you from the friends and family of

James A. Haley VA Medical Center Fisher House Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I cannot express enough appreciation for my opportunity to stay at the Fisher House. My stay there was beyond anything I could have hoped for or expected. It allowed me the chance to spend as much time as possible to be with my father as he recovered from open-heart surgery.

To be able to be by his bedside during this difficult time was as important to him as it was to me.

Thank you for making my aunt and sister, as well as myself, feel so comfortable. Your volunteers are angels and between the housekeeper’s hard work and theirs, the house is absolutely beautiful.

I felt like I was staying with a beloved family member who was caring for every detail so I could be with Dad. Thank you all so much for your kindness and generosity of your hearts.

–Dorothy Flake

–Kelly Soriano, Vero Beach, FL Ken Fisher Chairman and CEO

Sincerely, –Melissa Karasek

Dallas VA Medical Center Fisher House

Editor Leslie Happ ASSOCIATE Editor Debby Lynn

On the cover: Despite the grueling physical and psychological demands of deployment and combat, service members stationed at Joint Base Balad (JBB), Iraq, took the time, effort and resources to raise money and awareness for Fisher House Foundation. The base’s First Four Council organized its first-ever “Run For A Reason” 5K race on August 8th.

I want to thank you and your wonderful staff for your infinite support and kindness during our stay at your lovely Fisher House! We arrived July 1, 2009, to find our father, James Wayne Barnes, in the MICU floor of the Veterans’ Hospital.

My father’s illness was a shock to our family as he was not previously ill. We live in Houston and had no idea where we would stay during our families’ difficult time. I could never thank you enough for what you and your staff did for our family in our most difficult time of need. Thank you!

Cover photo by US Air Force/ Senior Airman Chris Hubenthal.

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

–Jamie Barnes Burnett

layout and art direction ds+f www.dsfriends.com Address all correspondence to: The Patriot Fisher House Foundation 111 Rockville Pike Suite 420 Rockville, Maryland 20850 Phone: 888 294 8560 Fax: 877 294 8562 Email: info@fisherhouse.org www.fisherhouse.org

Letter from Ken Fisher Dear Friends, This issue of The Patriot is coming to you about the same time as the start of the 2009 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). For our readers who are not familiar with the CFC, it is the largest workplace charity campaign in the US and the only campaign authorized to solicit and collect contributions from federal employees in the workplace.

The annual campaign is vitally important to us. Donations, typically done through payroll deduction— from members of the US Armed Forces, civilian employees of the US

Government and postal workers— enable Fisher House Foundation to continue building homes at military and VA medical centers and to support our existing programs.

As you read the articles in this issue of The Patriot, do so with the knowledge that while we exist to support service men and women and veterans and their families, these same service men and women, and their families, are also our supporters. I especially want to highlight the service men and women of Joint Base Balad, Iraq, who hosted and ran in a 5K fundraiser for Fisher House Foundation in August.

(See story on page 16.) To our readers

Ken and Tammy Fisher

who so generously designate to us their CFC pledges, our heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

With gratitude,

Ken Fisher

Chairman, Fisher House Foundation

About Fisher House Foundation, Inc. The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military families in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation builds and donates “comfort homes,” on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times— during hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease or injury.

There is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House program serves about 10,000 families, and has made available

nearly 3 million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990. By law, there is no charge for any family to stay at a Fisher House operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs; Fisher House Foundation uses donations to reimburse the individual Fisher Houses operated by the Army, Navy and Air Force.

No family pays to stay at any Fisher House!

for a specific purpose or Fisher House, 100 percent of your donation will be allocated for that purpose.

In addition to constructing new houses, Fisher House Foundation continues to support existing Fisher Houses and help individual military families in need. The foundation is also proud to administer and sponsor Scholarships for Military Children, the Hero Miles program, Team Fisher House, and co-sponsor the Newman’s Own Awards program and the Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program.

Once constructed, each Fisher House is given to the US government as a gift. Military service secretaries and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the homes.

By contributing to Fisher House Foundation or any individual Fisher House facility, you can make a difference in the lives of America’s service members, retirees, veterans and their families when they need help the most. Fisher House Foundation and individual Fisher Houses depend on public donations to continue our important work. If you designate your contribution

Furthermore, Fisher House Foundation never discloses the names of its donors to any other individuals or organizations, and does not solicit contributions by direct mail or telephone.

Fisher House Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, builds new houses, assists in coordinating private support and encourages public support for the homes.

Donations to Fisher House Foundation and/or individual Fisher House facilities are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. Fisher House Foundation has earned the highest rating (four stars) from Charity Navigator, an independent nonprofit evaluator. The Foundation has also received an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy.

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

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front

line

News from the Fisher House Community

Guitar Auction Ends on a High Note for Fisher Houses Country artists Cindy Standage and Loretta Lynn paired up to raise money for Fisher House by auctioning off a guitar at a recent concert.

Country music artist Cindy Standage is passionate about Fisher Houses and looks for opportunities to support the cause in any way she can. She has visited the Tripler Fisher House twice in the past two years.

“When I reached $7,000, there were still two bidders,” he adds. “I then offered each a signed guitar for $7,000 and they quickly agreed. Never in my wildest did Cindy or I think we would be able to raise $14,000 for the Fisher House.”

Recently, Standage had the opportunity to auction a guitar after her show for the benefit of Fisher House. Loretta Lynn was also performing, and graciously agreed to participate by signing the guitar.

The Standages give the credit to Lynn, who not only agreed to sign the guitars but to have pictures taken with the successful bidders. But when Lynn took the stage she said, “Cindy told me how much money she raised for her charity and what a privilege it is to be on the stage with me, but I am the one honored to be with her tonight.”

Standage’s husband Ed was pressed into service as the auctioneer. “Cindy and I thought if we could get $2,500 to $3,000, we would be doing very well with the shape of the economy and all,” he recalls.

“I began the bidding at $500, and when I reached $5,000 I was stunned to say the least—and the crowd really got into the act and raised the excitement in the theatre to a new level.

Standage plans to hold other guitar auctions at future shows, which she hopes also will bring in thousands of dollars in support of Fisher House.

Top: Cindy Standage and Loretta Lynn Bottom: Loretta Lynn poses for a photo with two fans

Veterans Affairs Secretary Gen. Eric Shinseki visited Palo Alto VA Fisher House on June 23rd.

The secretary greeted WWII veteran Makio Mickey Akiyama. Akiyama served in the 442 Regimental Combat Team, I Company (European Front) and is a two-time Purple Heart recipient.

Akiyama is 92 years old and has a family member staying at the Fisher House. Also pictured are Elena and Billy Bryels.

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The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

Photo courtesy of Curt Campbell

VA Secretary at Palo Alto Fisher House

As the nearest treatment center for casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center serves all coalition forces, and, thus, so does the Landstuhl Fisher House. In return, the house receives support from many international groups.

In partnership with the 569th US Police Squadron, German Army units hosted the annual Monte Kali Cup international shooting competition, Europe’s largest, in April. More than 100 teams from a dozen different countries participated, and proceeds benefitted the Fisher House, as they have for the past three years.

This year, the event raised €2,500 (or approximately $3,500) for the house.

Canadians are also wonderful supporters of the Landstuhl Fisher House. One organization, the Canadian Army Veterans/ Vétérans de l'Armée Canadienne (CAV/ VAC), is a motorcycle club that has donated close to $10,000 to the Fisher House over the past three years. Says the group’s international coordinator, Martin (Chuck) St. Charles, “The main objective of the CAV is to ride and have fun, but when a chance shows itself to help others in need, like… the Fisher House or any other good cause, the CAV steps up and raises money doing different events such as bike shows or bike rallies by attending with a small booth.”

Col. Tony Battista, Canadian Defence Attache, presents a check from the CAV organization to Landstuhl Fisher House Manager Kathy Gregory.

Helping Hands Ease Guests’ Stress Long days at the hospital and nights fragmented by worry take an inevitable toll on caregivers to wounded warriors. Recently a small but growing nonprofit organization has stepped in at several Fisher House locations to provide a measure of relief.

Touch of Relief, Inc. (TOR), offers massage and other healing arts to individuals and communities affected by trauma—be it natural or man-made disasters, conflict or poverty. Says massage therapist Diane Claerbout, a TOR volunteer at the Palo Alto Fisher House, “Caring, attentive touch is extremely important for the family and caregiver who are under so much emotional, and often times physical, distress.”

TOR was founded by massage therapists Jaime Bernardo and Mary Contreras, outreach managers at the Potomac Massage Training Institute in Washington, DC. Their work with Fisher House began when they were approached by a private foundation looking to provide holistic health care services to injured veterans. That led to a three-year grant to aid families of wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

“Our initial intent through the grant was to provide services just for caregivers and their families,” says Bernardo. “But from day one at Walter Reed, there were veterans staying at the Fisher House as outpatients, and they said, ‘Well, what about us?’”

Since then, TOR has started programs at more than a half dozen other Fisher Houses, and is working to establish several more. The organization, incorporated in 2008 in Silver Spring, MD, relies on volunteer massage therapists from the local community.

The funding that the organization receives goes for start-up—initial site visits, on-site orientation, training and equipment. “The challenge we have,”

Massage therapist Diane Claerbout works on Eugene Reuman, brother of a veteran getting treatment at the Palo Alto VA hospital.

Photo courtesy of Alan Armstrong

International Friends Support Landstuhl Fisher House

Bernardo says, “is that these programs are run purely by volunteers. With some programs, the volunteer teams are very strong; they just take it and run with it. With others, it’s more difficult.”

One thriving program serves the Palo Alto Fisher House. Four times a month, a group of three volunteer massage therapists comes to the house to offer seated massage therapy to any family member staying there.

Says Lead Volunteer Coordinator Dick Fancher, “As a Vietnam-era vet, I want to help our recent vets have the best experience and adjustment possible under their stressful circumstances.”

The volunteers find the work very rewarding. Fancher tells of one father who is going through care-giving training so he can take his spinal-cordinjured son home. “I was able to help his body adjust to new lifting and other physical requirements,” Fancher says. “He really, really, really wants to get his son home and I am happy to help in this process.”

For more information about TOR, please visit www.touchofrelief.org.

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

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house

round-up

David Grant USAF Medical Center

VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System

Palo Alto VA Health Care System

Travis Air Force Base, CA

Los Angeles, CA

Palo Alto, CA

Sarah Watkins, a freshman at the University of California—Davis, was elected president of the California Children of the American Revolution on the platform “Support the Travis Fisher House.” She designed a patriotic eagle pin with her theme “Soaring on Freedom’s Wings.” The proceeds from the sale of her pins will all be donated to the Travis Fisher House. The group also made gift baskets for guests to enjoy.

The West Los Angeles Fisher House was presented with a commemorative flag and certificate by former crewmembers of the USS Intrepid (now a museum after having served as an aircraft carrier). The community has embraced the house in many ways. The Comforters Quilting Group of Trinity Lutheran Church designed beautiful quilts for guest suites; Coffee Bean, a division of International Coffee & Tea, LLC, provided generous donations; and the Red Cross raised funds through its Junior League Drive and provided volunteers during its National Youth Service Day. Reporter Anita Vogel of Fox News conducted an interview at the house as part of a story on Deploy Peace, a Fisher House donor.

Wal-Mart employees from Porterville, CA, visited and decorated the Palo Alto Fisher House for Independence Day and provided the guests with a wonderful barbecue on the patio. This group previously hosted two Super Bowl parties and helped decorate the house for Christmas holidays. Live Nation donated tickets to Fisher House families to the fireworks display and the San Francisco Symphony at the nearby Shoreline Amphitheatre. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Gen. Eric Shinseki, visited the house on June 23rd, taking time to personally meet and speak to the patients, family members and staff present.

San Diego Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA San Diego Fisher House guests have been well fed this summer. Chef Ina prepared a superb dinner for the guests, as did the San Diego Kiwanis club. For Father’s Day, the Nurses Association at Naval Medical Center San Diego baked cupcakes. And, the last Saturday in every month Dee and Darrel Ambrose with American Society of Military Comptrollers also cook for the guests. The houses received two substantial monetary donations as well: Col. Matthew Fevang presented a check for $25,000 in the name of a Marine Hero John T. Doody, and a long-time Fisher House friend who wishes to remain anonymous also gave a check in that amount.

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The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

Denver VA Medical Center Denver, CO The Friends of the Denver Fisher House hosted a barbecue on July 7th for all guests and regular volunteers. Among the guests were members of Rolling Thunder, a local motorcycle group that is the 2008 recipient of the Lt. Col. Leon Scott Award for Volunteerism at the Denver Fisher House. A good time was had by all.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center

James A. Haley VA Medical Center

Washington, DC

Tampa, FL

The Walter Reed Fisher Houses received welcome attention from four different volunteer groups recently. In April, Boy Scout Troop 761 from Ashburn, VA, weeded, mulched and planted red, white and blue flowers at Fisher Houses II and III. A 20-person team from AIMCO’s property investment division spent two hours sprucing up landscaping at Fisher House I in May, hosting a guest cookout afterwards. Volunteers from furniture rental company Aaron’s, added landscaping touches to houses II and III and installed an outdoor playhouse—an immediate hit with the youngest guests.

In June, a team from Wells Fargo Business Executives Group worked inside and out, provided brown-bag lunches for guests, and donated $5,200.

Four active-duty polytrauma families took a big step toward independence when they received handicap-accessible vans from Operation Support Our Troops: Wheels For Warriors. Each van was further customized by the Tampa Ride-Away company to meet the specific mobility needs of the family’s wounded warrior.

The vans and a deluge of wonderful additional gifts were jointly presented to each family by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Gen. Eric Shinseki, and the Wheels For Warriors executive director.

The presentations and what they meant to the families made for an emotional and truly momentous day for everyone involved.

Bay Pines VA Medical Center Bay Pines, FL The Bay Pines Fisher House hosted a 4th of July acknowledgement. The event was attended by the house guests and several veterans service organizations.

The guests were also able to take meals to their loved ones in the hospital.

Another event was in the works for Labor Day.

West Palm Beach VA Medical Center West Palm Beach, FL On May 22nd, Tony Award-winning entertainer Ben Vereen visited families staying at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center Fisher House. Vereen autographed photographs and T-shirts and shared words of encouragement with families.

Vereen was presented with a quilt made by the Palm Beach Quilters’ Guild.

Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center Fort Gordon, GA The Capitol City Corvette Club from Columbia, SC, visited the Fort Gordon Fisher House on July 18th. Guest families and soldiers from the Warrior Transition Battalion got an opportunity to view and take pictures next to the club members’ beautiful “toys.” One of the Corvettes actually belonged to a colonel who is currently serving a second tour of duty in Iraq. The Fisher House thanks the club and Andy Pantsari for coordinating this visit.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital Fort Campbell, KY The Fort Campbell Fisher House’s third annual Father’s Day barbecue doubled as a farewell for manager Vivian Wilson, who transferred to Landstuhl in July. The Wal-Mart Distribution Centers from Shelbyville, TN, and Hopkinsville, KY, once again sponsored the event providing the grill, food, cooking and clean up.

Lots of people came by to say their goodbyes to Wilson, and to show their appreciation to her for taking such wonderful care of the soldiers and their families. She will be missed.

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

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Tripler Army Medical Center

Minneapolis VA Medical Center

Stratton VA Medical Center

Honolulu, HI

Minneapolis, MN

Albany, NY

Samoan culture traditionally marks a child’s first birthday with a large celebration. So, in honor of Alama Faletoi’s grandson’s special day, the Tripler Fisher House hosted a large party in June.

A native of American Samoa and a chief in his village, Faletoi is a Navy retiree staying since March at the Fisher House.

All guests enjoyed this family fun day, which featured an interactive Chinese dragon dancer show and Polynesian dance show, as well as the 18-foot waterslide, music, shaved ice, cotton candy and barbecue.

Preparations for construction of a second Fisher House at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center are underway. In July, the first step was to remove trees on site, which is adjacent to Fisher House I. On July 13th, utility work got underway, and construction will begin this fall. The 20-suite house is scheduled to open in 2010. The existing Fisher House, with 10 suites, is always near 100 percent occupancy, so the new house will be a most welcome addition.

Remodeling continues on the Albany Fisher House, including the installation of hardwood floors in the hallway and office, replacing the office furniture and landscaping the grounds. On Aug 4th, the house opened its Serenity Garden.

Hospital employees from the grounds crew, electrical shop and carpentry shop all pitched in. Audrey Fisher was there to celebrate the ribbon cutting, where past guests and patients who are no longer with us were remembered. Local Wal-Marts provided refreshments for approximately 150 guests.

National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, MD Undaunted by rain, hail and wild temperature swings, five teams from Allentuck Landscaping spent eight hours replacing the landscaping around Bethesda’s two Fisher Houses one day this spring. In addition to a 48-foot stone wall, they installed more than 60 shrubs, 415 perennials and ground covers and 10 tons of stone. Suppliers donating materials to the effort included Season’s Nursery, Country Springs Wholesale Nursery, Ernest Maier Block Co., Liberty Gas and John Deere Landscapes.

Keesler Medical Center Keesler Air Force Base, MS On June 16th, the Imperial Palace hosted a night at the Keesler AFB. The chefs and their staff prepared a five-course meal for 15 Fisher House guests along with the 81st Wing Commander and the 81st Medical Commander. In addition to the wonderful meal, the general gave a briefing for the guests on what the future holds for Keesler Air Force Base.

Womack Army Medical Center Fort Bragg, NC Students at Murray Elementary School in Fort Bragg recently launched a penny collection drive during home room, raising $600 for the Fisher House. The ceremony at which Manager Paula Gallero accepted the check included students and teachers alike, and the raising of the American Flag by two young volunteers. Some of the youngsters sported “Army Brat” T-shirts and one young lad wore a battle dress uniform in support of the troops.

Malcolm Grow Medical Center Andrews Air Force Base, MD | The Fisher House at Andrews AFB has a new addition to its beautiful Memorial Garden. An elegant gazebo was a joint effort—by volunteer Jack Berlien and an Eagle Scout project for Casey Frost, son of Col. Curtis Frost, director of communications, Air Force District of Washington. Berlien designed and built the foundation, and Frost did the research, helped with the selection process, and then planned the construction, and organized and supervised the volunteers. The results are absolutely marvelous and it has become a favorite gathering spot for guest families.

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The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

Wright-Patterson Medical Center Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH The Air Force Sergeants Association, Kittyhawk Auxiliary Chapter A751, recently donated eight comfort blankets to the Fisher House, which distributes them to guests undergoing major medical treatment. These blankets not only provide a bit of warmth but lots of comfort.

Their generous donation to the ongoing comfort blanket program is appreciated.

Cincinnati VA Medical Center Cincinnati, OH On April 17th, 100 fifth graders from The Cincinnati Christian Academy visited the Fisher House in Cincinnati to clean up and plant flowers. The day was organized through the Thank You Foundation, which purchased the flowers. The 50 boys cleaned the flower beds and 50 girls planted the flowers with the help of parent volunteers who supervised. The guests and veterans were moved by the children's willingness to volunteer for this project.

Brooke Army Medical Center

carl r. darnall Army medical center

Fort Sam Houston, TX

Fort Hood, TX

Returning for a fourth time, members of the Gonzales Young Farmers, an agricultural organization that promotes leadership, education and community service, prepared a barbecue lunch for the Fisher House at Brooke Army Medical Center on May 30th. The group prepared pork loin, pork ribs, sausage, brisket, beans and potato salad for over 400 service members and family members. The lunch doubled as a birthday celebration for one of the soldiers at the Fisher House as well as a room dedication to the Young Farmers and another supporting organization.

The Band of Angels recently sponsored a Tour d'Hood bike race to raise money in support of the Fort Hood Fisher House. The Band of Angels provides gas cards for families in need of travel help. The organization has also provided new DVD players and purchased new rocking chairs for the house.

VA North Texas Health Care System Dallas, TX Since its opening in February, the North Texas Fisher House has seen numerous donations and a lot of activity. The Dr. Harvey J. Bloom Jewish War Veterans of America Post #256 donated a professional ice machine and ice cream maker, and guests were treated to an ice cream social. An April reception and cookout debuted the outdoor kitchen, complete with water fountain, iron fence and rocking chairs for the porch area—all donated by the VA North Texas Fisher House Advisory Council. In July, the Sam Johnson Korean War Veterans Chapter #270 donated a professional popcorn machine.

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Houston, TX A picnic-perfect day and guests treated to new benches, a grill, food and fellowship; all courtesy of ExxonMobil at the Houston Fisher House recently.

Bringing all the material and a “can do” attitude, the ExxonMobil Community Partners brought forth the new benches and cooked up and served hamburgers and hotdogs.

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

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Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Landstuhl, Germany | On May 20th, members of the UK Charities Committee, based at Ramstein Air Base, presented a check for €910 (approximately $1,220) to Landstuhl Fisher House Manager Kathy Gregory. The Charities Committee had raised the money during 2008-2009 through treadmill runs, raffles, car washes and quizzes. British families are also frequent Landstuhl Fisher House guests.

Wilford Hall Medical Center

Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center

Madigan Army Medical Center

Lackland Air Force Base, TX

Richmond, VA

Fort Lewis, WA

Improvements to the gazebo area at the Lackland Air Force Base Fisher House include a nice barbecue area for guests to cook, dubbed “Big Will’s Place.” Featuring a great grill, the addition was built in loving memory of William Floy Hopkins, son of Fisher House Executive Director Dwayne Hopkins. Donations were provided by Ken Fisher and Fisher House Foundation. The addition to the Memorial Wall and ground area provides added space for more memorial bricks. The front yard at the Fisher House Inn for Children looks great too, thanks to 600 hours of landscaping and daily hand watering by volunteers.

The Richmond Fisher House just celebrated its first birthday on July 10th. The home and staff are currently working on a much-needed playground facility that will allow guest children an opportunity to play and enjoy. Along with many other projects such as a patio with a waterfall, the management team is doing everything possible to provide the best services possible for its guests.

The Fort Lewis Fisher House has had a good sprucing up inside and out. The kitchen looks new again with beautiful countertops. Outside, the Fisher House sign was replaced and accented with colorful flowers. A new patio and sprinkler system create an inviting environment for summer barbecues. Volunteers have also been hard at work repairing and replacing the outdoor toys for the children.

William Beaumont Army Medical Center El Paso, TX On June 9th, Lori Araiza and Art Salsido from the International Military Students Office, US Army Sergeants Major Academy, escorted eight international students attending the First Sergeants Course on a visit to the Fort Bliss Fisher House. Part of the program aims to arm the students with an understanding of responsibilities of governments, militaries and citizens to protect, preserve and respect the rights of every individual. The students, from Jamaica, Trinidad-Tobago, Brazil and Macedonia, visited with House Manager Harry E. Hicks Jr., a former first sergeant and retired command sergeant major, and Army Cpl. Terry Williams, a wounded warrior.

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The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

Portsmouth Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA After a four-month closure for renovations, the Portsmouth Fisher House had a grand re-opening on April 22nd. The house got new tile, shutters, exterior and interior painting, a new ADA-compliant kitchen, all new furniture, artwork and duvets.

Special guests included Audrey Fisher and her mother, Laura Randall, Annie Fowler from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy’s office, the mayor and other city officials.

Puget Sound VA Health Care System Seattle, WA The Puget Sound Fisher House installed an organic herb and vegetable garden in May. The soil, clement spring weather and a lot of love have resulted in a lush, bountiful plot. Guests enjoy the fresh produce for meals and those with a green thumb have a garden-away-from-garden to indulge their inclination for planting, weeding and harvesting.

secrets of

the Combined Federal Campaign It's that time again

by David A. Coker | President, Fisher House Foundation Over the past 10 years, members of the military, federal employees and postal workers have given approximately $2.5 billion to support charities through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).

For some charities, that support means keeping the doors open another year.

For the Fisher House program, it means expanding services and building more houses to aid military and veterans’ families.

Fund, which helps people in rural China.

There are charities that focus on just about any cause or problem you can think of.

The CFC is actually a combination of more than 300 individual community-based campaigns. Each campaign is operated independently. The largest campaign is the CFC of the National Capital Area (Washington, DC), which last year raised $62,733,354 for 3,851 charities. Forty-eight percent of the funds were designated for national charities, 40 percent for local charities, and another 9 percent to international charities. Ninety-seven percent of gifts made were designated to specific charities in accordance with the donor’s wishes.

"That’s the best thing about the

That’s the best thing about the CFC— the freedom donors have to give to the charity or charities of their choice.

Donors can split their gift among up to five charities if they wish. That means Fisher House doesn’t always need to be the number one choice—just in the top five. If donors don’t wish to designate, CFC staff decides where their gift is most needed.

All charities are listed in an alphabetical index, and then again by federation.

The first charity listed in last year’s Overseas campaign was the “I Have a Dream” Foundation—because of the quotation mark. The last one was the Zigen

Federations can make it easier to find the charity you want to support. There are federations for military charities, children’s charities, medical research and more. Instead of looking through

The Fisher House in Landstuhl, Germany, cannot participate in the CFC because there is no local campaign element in the Overseas campaign. The foundation makes it a priority to share the proceeds from designations to Fisher House Foundation with the Landstuhl Fisher Houses, and to date has given them over $400,000 in support through CFC.

CFC—the freedom donors have to give to the charity or charities of their choice." hundreds of charities, you can easily narrow the focus of your search by looking within a federation. Fisher House Foundation wanted to be listed with other quality military organizations so we became a member of the Military, Veterans and Patriotic Service Organizations of America.

You might find more than one Fisher House organization listed in the catalog.

For example, in the Washington, DC, campaign, there are four Fisher House organizations listed. Fisher House Foundation is a national organization, and by virtue of being national, participates in every CFC campaign. Individual Fisher Houses participate in selected local campaigns. You can see a list of local houses in our public service ad on the back cover of this magazine.

As a potential donor, your job is to find an organization whose mission you can identify with—one that means something to you or your family.

One of the great secrets of the campaign is that catalog that you receive, which is a listing of charities asking for your donation. It also becomes a great resource when you or a friend needs help. Keep the catalog with your phone book and use it as a resource guide to help friends and family.

On behalf of Fisher House Foundation, the local Fisher Houses and all the charities that participate in the Combined Federal Campaign, thank you for your amazing generosity! Every year, the CFC demonstrates the tremendous power of giving.

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

9

meet

Maggie Swenson, Kathy Gregory and Jann Griffiths Three long-time Fisher House managers, retiring within a six-month period, share their thoughts and experiences

Maggie Swenson Minneapolis VA Medical Center Fisher House

Born and raised in Minnesota, Maggie Swenson has spent her entire 35-year career at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, mostly as a patient advocate.

When the Fisher House was built at the hospital in 1995, Swenson’s duties increasingly involved her in its operation.

She became its full-time manager in 2004.

When the hospital’s polytrauma unit opened in 2006, the patient profile began to shift dramatically, as active-duty service personnel from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom began streaming in with multiple, severe injuries.

The Fisher House guest profile changed dramatically as well. “It was very hard,” Swenson says. “It was very different for the staff, because these soldiers are so young. This is a VA hospital, and we’re not used to patients so young.”

Whereas before, many Fisher House guests would stay a few days, these new families

were staying months at a time, dealing with complications, setbacks, long-term rehabilitation. With only 10 rooms in the house, Swenson says, “it’s challenging just trying to be fair managing the waiting list. I try never to say you’re lucky to get in—no one is lucky when they’re here.

But everyone could benefit from this service. I really do feel it’s a life-changing event for families to get into the Fisher House—most of the families I know, if they didn’t get in here, they couldn’t afford to be with their loved one; they just couldn’t afford a hotel week after week.”

“I really do feel it’s a life-changing event for families to get into the Fisher House—most of the families I know, if they didn’t get in here, they couldn’t afford to be with their loved one.”

For Swenson, then, the best part of her the job is being able to say, “Yes, there’s a room available. People are so appreciative of it,” she says. “These families are under such stress—I can totally relate to them in that situation; it’s wonderful that they don’t have to worry sick going back and forth to a hotel.”

While Swenson says she couldn’t have found a better job than this one, family and travel increasingly vie for her attention—a new grandchild is expected in the fall; a long-awaited trip to Europe beckons. And, she concludes, “I think it’s a good time for me to retire. Not that I planned it that way, but as it turns out, the new manager will come on and have the lovely job of building a second Fisher House here—and everyone says that is so exciting, and they get a lot of fulfillment out of that. I’m leaving on a high note.”

Swenson’s last day was June 30th.

"Gregory has found her relationship with the guest families most rewarding.

Landstuhl serves every branch of the US military, as well as coalition forces from 22 countries and the embassies of 72 countries."

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The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

Jann Griffiths Denver VA Medical Center Fisher House

“It didn’t take me long to realize, when I became the Fisher House manager, that this was the best gig I ever had.”

Jann Griffiths, manager of the Denver Fisher House since 1996, fell into the position almost by accident. A Navy veteran and long-time federal employee, Griffiths was in training to become a medical administrator when the Department of Veterans Affairs underwent a major reorganization. The position she was training for was abolished.

Coincidentally, operation of the Fisher House was being transferred from the Army to the VA. The house needed a new manager, and Griffiths was offered the position.

“It’s not something I ever thought of,” she says. “I was training for a totally different position. Well, I got bummed for all of about 20 seconds. It didn’t take me long to realize, when I became the Fisher House manager, that this was the best gig I ever had.”

Like many Fisher House managers, Griffiths relies heavily on her dedicated nonprofit

Kathy Gregory Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, Fisher Houses I & II

A military spouse, Kathy Gregory describes her career before becoming a Fisher House manager as “a professional volunteer and a mom.” In fact, it was through volunteering with the Officers Wives Club that she became acquainted with Fisher House, initially at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu.

“I had been volunteering at the house for about two years, and they needed a manager. My girls were out of college at that point, and I said, I can do that…

for about a year and a half,” she recalls.

“Well, here we are, 12 years later.”

Gregory was energized by the need she saw. “The house was brand new when I started as a volunteer in 1994,” she says.

“I would go visit with the families, drive them to the PX or commissary. They’d have just flown in from around the Pacific; they didn’t have their cars, and they felt stranded. I could see things that needed to be done—for the house physically, and for the families, emotionally. There were a lot of gaps to fill since the house did not have a full-time manager at that time.”

partner organization for support. Not only does the Friends of the Denver Fisher House provide manpower and resources for extras that wouldn’t be possible in the VA budget, like the recently installed gazebo, but it extends Griffiths’ outreach to families.

“Our Fisher House only has nine guest rooms,” Griffiths notes. “We don’t have near enough room to accommodate everyone who’d like to stay. The board provides discount vouchers to families who cannot get into the house. We work with about 12 hotels that provide medical center rates, and the vouchers take an additional amount off of that.” Last year, the Fisher House hosted 300 families. Vouchers provided lodging assistance for an additional 348 families.

“I’ve been planning my retirement for the last 10 years, so I’d be ready,” says Griffiths. “This is the kind of job that if I didn’t have plans, I’d be hard-pressed to leave it.”

And, in fact, Griffiths won’t really be leaving at all. She’s working to make her muchanticipated hike of the Appalachian Trail into a Fisher House fundraiser. She has already penciled the next Fisher House managers’ conference into her datebook, and she’s planning to join the Friends of the Fisher House board. “There is so much more,” she says, “that I will be able to do as a member of the board to continue assisting my fellow veterans.”

she says. “We had to establish relationships with people. Once they find out about you, they are absolutely thrilled to step up and do whatever needs doing—monetary donations, physical tasks, bringing in household items.

I had to start from scratch in both places— networking, telling people about Fisher House. It’s not a hard sell, but you just need to talk to everybody.”

Gregory has found her relationship with the guest families most rewarding. Landstuhl serves every branch of the US military, as well as coalition forces from 22 countries and the embassies of 72 countries.

When the first Fisher House was slated to open in Landstuhl, Germany, in 2001, Gregory was offered the job. Her husband, Robert, had retired as a colonel in the Air Force by then, and they decided to accept.

“Retiring has been a difficult decision,” she says. “I’ve changed my mind back and forth for four years.” Travel and family figure prominently in the Gregorys’ future. They will make their home in Colorado Springs, where, Kathy notes, she won’t be far from her good Gregory’s biggest challenge—just as it had friend, Jann Griffiths (see article above), and been at Tripler—was getting the word out. the Denver Fisher House, where she hopes to “People didn’t know what a Fisher House was,” volunteer on the Friends of Fisher House board.

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

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fisher house

programs Awards for Innovation Founded by the late actor Paul Newman, Newman’s Own uses a portion of the proceeds from the sale of its food products sold at military commissaries to fund grants that improve military family quality of life. In a partnership with Fisher House Foundation and Military Times Media Group, the three organizations sponsor the Newman’s Own Awards program. Over the past ten years, the program has awarded more than a half million dollars to more than 125 initiatives.

In 2009, 11 organizations received grants totaling $75,000.

USA Together Big ideas don’t have to carry big price tags—especially if you can harness the power of the Internet. That’s what a small group of Silicon Valley high-tech entrepreneurs did in launching USA Together. The initiative—a Web site similar to the popular craigslist network of online communities—matches the vetted needs of individual wounded veterans with Americans who want to help.

USA Together, which earned the top Newman’s Own Award for 2009 and an accompanying grant of $15,000, is a fully volunteer organization that began in 2008. The Web site launched with a focus on the West Coast, but quickly went national. It holds huge potential for veterans across the country. The Web site— www.usatogether.org—features profiles of injured service men and women and their needs, and invites the public to donate monetary assistance, goods or services. The personal nature of the site brings donors virtually face-to-face with those who need their help.

Donors can search the database for help requests they can relate to, and can elect to be notified by e-mail when a request that meets their criteria comes in. Just as important, USA Together encourages all veterans service organizations to register with the site, which will then notify them when requests arise that are suited to 12

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

Newman’s Own Awards recognize 11 outstanding military support programs

their mission. In this way, the site provides a way for veterans service organizations to work together while maintaining their independence, and requires the service man or woman to make his or her request only once while reaching the widest possible network of support.

Vets4Vets

City, TX, adopted the project as its own.

From there, the association moved from remodeling to building new homes—one a year—for wounded veterans and their families. In 2009, they are in the process of building two new homes, and preparing to encourage similar programs around the country by presenting at the 2010 International Builders Show.

Earning a $10,000 Newman’s Own Award is Vets4Vets, a nonprofit organization that brings together veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan to engage in purely peer support groups. This is an important concept, as veterans are often reluctant to avail themselves of chain-of-command, government agencies, due to the stigma they associate with mental health issues.

This program often serves as the gateway to other counseling and medical resources.

Recipient of a $7,500 Newman’s Own Award, BABA Support Our Troops, Inc., provides the custom homes at no cost to the families. It also pays the families’ first two years of property taxes and insurance.

With 25-peer support groups meeting regularly in cities around the country, Vets4Vets will use its Newman’s Own grant to initiate the program for Camp Pendleton and San Diego-area military families.

Carolina Canines for Service

Three Step Transformation Helping military spouses, transitioning service people and caregivers to wounded warriors develop careers that accommodate their unique circumstances is the goal of Operation Life Transformed. It’s Three Step Transformation program, funded by a $7,500 Newman’s Own Award, will provide online training for virtual careers to caregivers at the country’s four major VA polytrauma rehabilitation centers.

Working with seven accredited institutions, the program will train and place caregivers in portable careers such as medical transcription and coding. This will enable caregivers to work—at home, at the hospital—while supporting the long-term care of their wounded warrior.

Homes For Wounded Heroes Spurred by a request from the family of a wounded serviceman for a remodeling referral for their home, the Bay Area Builders Association (BABA) of League

Other Awards Seven other organizations received $5,000 awards from Newman’s Own:

employing military prisoners to raise and train service dogs for disabled veterans

Operation Patriot’s Call

supporting Georgia National Guard families during and immediately after deployment

Camp C.O.P.E

offering therapeutic interventions for children of military families

Family and Friends for Freedom Fund, Inc.

providing financial assistance to wounded service men and women

Sew Much Comfort

expanding its mission of sewing adaptive clothing for injured veterans

Beck PRIDE Center for America’s Wounded Veterans

offering rehabilitation, development and education for wounded veterans in a university setting

STRIDE Adaptive Sports

pairing wounded warriors with disabled youth for adaptive sports weekend retreats

it all adds up NJ Army service organizations join forces for Fisher House The Fort Monmouth, NJ, Army base has deep community roots, beginning with its inception, in 1917, on the grounds of a defunct thoroughbred racecourse. It is home also to a chapter of the Association of the US Army (AUSA), a nonprofit service organization. During its 2003 annual meeting, three AUSA board members attended a briefing regarding support to wounded soldiers during which the Fisher House was discussed.

The board members, President Bob Fasulo, Vice President for Corporate Membership Ed Carnes and Kit Roache, made arrangements to visit one of the Walter Reed Fisher Houses. While there, Carnes met a recovering soldier who bore an uncanny resemblance to his own 19-yearold son. Carnes got an opportunity to talk to the soldier’s mother, who told him that without the help of the Fisher House, she could not have afforded to stay in the DC area to be with her son during his recovery. Her story came home to Carnes in a very personal way.

As a result of their visit, Carnes explains, “Kit, Bob and I said we have got to get the Fort Monmouth community geared up to help.” And so began a coordinated effort to support Fisher House Foundation through fundraising activities within the Fort Monmouth military community.

Four additional nonprofit Army-affiliated professional associations rallied to the Fisher House cause and began holding a series of fundraisers within their own venues. Throughout the year, the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA),

the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, the Association of Old Crows and the Signal Corps Regimental Association conduct golf outings, a golf tournament and a Night at the Ballpark. Each year for the past six years, these efforts have culminated in a magnificent formal ball held in Fort Monmouth’s Gibbs Hall.

The affair has grown in numbers. The first ball drew 240 attendees, raising $45,000.

The sixth annual ball, held on May 30th of this year, was attended by 473 members of the community and raised over $210,000 for Fisher House Foundation.

Fort Monmouth’s annual Salute to Heroes Ball has become so tremendously popular there is now a waiting list to attend.

Those lucky enough to get tickets enjoyed the stirring strains of the 82nd Airborne chorus. As well, a silent auction tent replete with tiki bar was featured.

The ball also provided an opportunity for corporate members of AUSA to present their donations to Fisher House. Derek Donovan, Fisher House Vice President of Operations, was on hand to accept checks from corporations including ITT, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, R4 Inc., Future Skies, and Northrop Grumman. Their donations plus those of the AUSA and AAAA totaled $165,000.

Carnes describes the fundraisers as “really a labor of love,” requiring many volunteer hours. Rather than “hard-core,” he calls those volunteers, upwards of 50 or 60 people, “heart corps” volunteers.

Congregation’s Offering Benefits Fort Gordon Fisher House

Beginning each January, these dedicated do-gooders convene regular meetings, form committees, and carry out their fundraising plans, assuring Fisher Houses will continue to be available for military families, as they were for the family of the young soldier who reminded Carnes of his own son.

Carnes describes the fundraisers as “really a labor of love,” requiring many volunteer hours.

Rather than “hard-core,” he calls those volunteers, upwards of 50 or 60 people, “heart corps” volunteers.

Members of the Faith Gospel Worship Service at Fort Gordon, Ministry Hospitality, arranged for a designated offering for the Fort Gordon Fisher House recently. Patricia Allen, Ministry Hospitality president, Linda Palmer, vice president, and Timothy Allen Jr. presented house Manager Francisco Cruz Jr. with a check for $2,277.95. Thanks went to Pastor Chaplain Terrell Byrd, Chaplain David Mvondo, and all the members.

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guest family profile Two families, united by tragedy, forge an unbreakable bond at the Tampa Fisher House

By Kamryn Jaroszewski

Name: Thompson and Noss Families House: Tampa Fisher House James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital

Home State: TEXAS & ALABAMA Military Branch: NAVY & ARMY

They aren’t unlike other military families.

At the end of a long day, they come home and relax in the TV room. One cooks, the other cleans. They may pop in a movie or just sit and talk. They finish each other’s sentences and are often interrupted by an almost-two-year-old.

They are married, but not to each other.

Instead, Ivonne Thompson and RyAnne Noss are two peas in a pod – that is, if the peas are proud military wives and the pod is the Tampa Fisher House at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, which they call home.

RyAnne is married to Staff Sgt. Scot Noss, an Army Ranger, and Ivonne to Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anthony Thompson. Two couples, two sets of hopes and dreams, now inextricably intertwined by catastrophic events in wars a half a world away and futures clouded with uncertainty.

“Scot was on his eighth deployment when this happened,” says RyAnne of his helicopter accident February 18, 2007, in Afghanistan. “I’m not going to lie—it didn’t surprise me,” she says. “I went to Bethesda, [to the National Naval Medical Center]; Scot was in ICU for eight weeks.

We transferred to Tampa at the end of April and were scheduled to return [to Bethesda] for a cranioplasty. As soon as I got back on to the floor [in Bethesda], an ICU nurse came up to me—”

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The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

“Wait, pause,” Ivonne interjects, to tell the of beginning of her story. “[Anthony and I] were in ICU for five weeks before we got up to 5 East, which is the medicalsurgical floor up there. We were still in the process of finding out where we were going to go when we left Bethesda. I had people in one ear saying ‘go civilian’ and people in the other ear saying ‘you have to stay with the government for a while.’”

Anthony had been injured on a dismounted patrol April 20, 2007, in Iraq, during his second deployment. He was standing on a bridge with “his Marines” when a roadside bomb exploded.

With difficult decisions to make and myriad unknowns, Ivonne was at her breaking point. “This nurse came up to me and said, ‘There is a family you need to meet. The wife is young, just like you. Her husband is similar to Anthony. She’s been down to Tampa and she knows about it.’”

“It was almost like a blind date,” the two women say in unison.

RyAnne resumes her story. “[Ivonne] was talking to someone and said, ‘He’s localizing to pain and that’s a really good sign.’” RyAnne says. “I’ll tell you, my heart dropped out of my chest. If she was on the ‘med-surg’ floor and she was still talking about localizing to pain, I knew that her husband had to have been really bad off. I was there two months before her and had already gone through that—being excited because Scot was localizing to pain. I just kept thinking to myself, ‘Honey, you have no clue what you’re getting yourself into.’”

In fairness, neither had RyAnne. She later recalled bringing Scot’s favorite clothes to the hospital, thinking he would be there only for a few months before coming home.

Ivonne met Scot before his cranioplasty.

RyAnne says the look on Ivonne’s face was one of pure horror. She knew it was

more devastating because their injuries were similar and Scot still looked so injured three months after his accident.

The Nosses eventually returned to Tampa and the Thompsons transferred there as well. In addition to his traumatic brain injury, Anthony had damage to his spinal cord. Once that injury was stabilized, he was transferred to the 5 North Polytrauma unit and became roommates with Scot.

Holidays, birthdays and anniversaries have been celebrated—with tears and smiles—with people who truly understand what the other person is experiencing.

When they arrived in Tampa, RyAnne and Ivonne checked into a local hotel.

A few days later, on July 9th, 2007, the two moved into the brand new 21-suite Fisher House just a stone’s throw away from the hospital. They’ve been there ever since.

As they transition from discussing the beginning of their “long journey”— a phrase they both have heard too much—to the Fisher House, they relax and the smiles come more freely. “When we moved in, there were only three other families,” Ivonne recalls. “Things were new, everything was pristine.

“At the Fisher House, when you get home after being at the hospital all day, it was almost natural that we congregated in the TV room,” she continues. “All the different families would sit there and talk about their day. It still happens two

“Most of the families that come down are moms and dads of young soldiers,” RyAnne points out. “We stayed with our husbands. With my experience at Bethesda, I saw many wives leave divorce papers. With her,” she says, pointing to Ivonne, “I said ‘I want to be friends with her and confide in her,’ because I already know her character is strong. She’s staying with her husband.”

Their fast friendship that grew in the long days of hospital rooms and evenings in the Fisher House proved to be vital to Ivonne. She gave birth to son Anthony Jr., or AJ, in September 2007, and within 30 minutes, RyAnne was there holding him.

Ivonne has frequently called her the “baby whisperer,” because she has the ability to rock AJ to sleep when no one else can.

family is all about,” Welenc, the house manager, says. “The bond of sisterhood that’s developed between them is both rare and touching and in fact, is probably as strong as—if not stronger than—many biological sisters’. I have no doubt the trials and joys they’ve shared with each other here will connect them for the rest of their lives.”

When Scot and Anthony each reached the one-year anniversary of their injuries, they were invited to participate in a research study on minimally conscious patients, which would provide offcampus apartments for family at no out-of-pocket cost.

They have testified in Washington, DC, and around the country on behalf of every veteran who has been affected by a brain injury. Also during this time, RyAnne has completed her doctorate in chemical engineering. Her family on the 5 North ward and at the Fisher House couldn’t be prouder.

With equal amounts of optimism and trepidation, the wives are now looking toward the future. Each couple is having adaptive homes built by Homes For Our Troops. The Thompsons will settle in Texas and the Nosses in Alabama. They each look down when discussing what they’ll do the day they move away from each other.

Photo courtesy of Ebby Talebi

years later. You got to know the families really well. RyAnne and I were in similar boats. We just clicked all around. It was a blessing that we were both there for each other.”

“I’m his ‘Bubby,’” RyAnne says, smiling.

“This is probably the closest thing I’ll have to ever having a child. I fill a void in his life because his immediate family isn’t here—and he fills a void in my heart.”

More than just a place to sleep, the Fisher House gave RyAnne and Ivonne an opportunity to forge new, extended family ties with its guests. Holidays, birthdays and anniversaries have been celebrated—with tears and smiles— with people who truly understand what the other person is experiencing.

“The Fisher House really allowed us to have a normal family life,” RyAnne says. “Every night, Ivonne cooks me dinner. She says it’s nice to cook for two instead of for one.”

“Oh, we’re so the married couple,” Ivonne blurts.

As the house’s first guests, RyAnne says it’s their home and they respect it—not just the structure itself, but the mission of its founders. They have developed a relationship with the house’s staff, Paula Welenc and Sheila Brewington, and appreciate their open-door policy.

“As the first two guests to check in to our newly opened house, Ivonne and RyAnne are truly ‘plank-holders’ and have come to define what the Tampa Fisher House

RyAnne Noss and Ivonne Thompson have found strength in the friendship they’ve built at the Tampa Fisher House. RyAnne, right, reads to Ivonne's son, AJ.

“They said we had a choice—either have an apartment or you can stay at the Fisher House,” RyAnne says. “Right away we chose the Fisher House.”

“I need to be in a place where I can be up here in three minutes if need be,” Ivonne adds. “Was I willing to forego privacy and personal space? Yes. I most definitely was. Communal living takes a toll, but it’s worth being able to be at my husband’s side at any given moment.”

Because the two haven’t had to worry about where they were going to live or the quality of care their husbands receive, they’ve had an opportunity to focus their efforts on becoming advocates for minimally conscious patients. In the two years since they moved to Tampa, Ivonne and RyAnne have become subject-matter experts on traumatic brain injuries, able to rattle off each other’s husband’s six-syllable medical conditions like they’re reading from a grocery list.

These women, who understand what it’s like to hope for a miracle while dealing with reality, will no longer live under the same roof. “I’m just not gonna talk about that right now,” RyAnne says.

“The idea of going home is very wonderful and very difficult,” Ivonne chimes in, conveniently distracted by a diaper change for AJ. “It’s going to be hard.”

For now, it’s life as usual. Days spent with their husbands and nights with the Fisher House family. With all the unknown surrounding them, one thing is certain: there is always home.

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Despite the grueling physical and psychological demands of deployment and combat, service members stationed at Joint Base Balad (JBB), Iraq, took the time, effort and resources to raise money and awareness for Fisher House Foundation.

TRUE

Heroes

The base’s First Four Council organized its first-ever “Run For A Reason” five-kilometer race on August 8th.

by Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs “My intent was to start a legacy that would impact everyone on base,” says First Four Council President Senior Airman Jamael Skeete. “After learning about [Fisher House Foundation], I decided it would be a great organization for us to represent here at JBB. Also, a 5K gives us a great boost in morale and fitness.”

More than 1,000 service men and women from all branches of the military lined up at the Holt Stadium track at sunrise for the run. Each finisher received a Fisher House Foundation patch, and the top 50 received a foundation T-shirt. By the end of the race, the event had raised over $2,500; with donations coming in through the end of the month, the ultimate goal was to raise $5,000.

Flanked by members of the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group, Joint Base Balad, are (left to right) Fisher House Foundation Chairman Ken Fisher, President Dave Coker and Trustee Mark "Ranger" Jones. Battlefield casualties in nothern Iraq pass through "Hero's Highway" as they are brought to the Air Force-run surgical hospital in Balad. The survival rate is 98 percent.

Ken Fisher, Fisher House Foundation Chairman, addresses Joint Base Balad in Iraq.

Foundation Chairman Ken Fisher journeyed to the base to watch the run and offer his appreciation. “This foundation has been blessed,” he said. “We’ve had some really tremendous days, but this—by far—is the best. Having men and women deployed in theater take time out of their busy and stressful day to do this for us is probably the most incredible thing I have ever heard of in my time with the foundation. We look forward to the day that the foundation is no longer needed. But until then, we'll continue to be here for those who do.”

Three members of Fisher House Foundation flew to Balad, Iraq, to congratulate the more than 1,000 service men and women who "ran for a cause," raising awareness and funds for the Fisher House program. In white shirts, from left to right: Mark "Ranger" Jones, trustee; Ken Fisher, chairman; and Dave Coker, president. They are joined by the senior staff of the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group.

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e s u N o I h r O e h JTeam Fis

Q: What is Team Fisher House?

A: Team Fisher House is the online

grassroots fundraising program of Fisher House Foundation. The program enables participants to become “Champions for Military Families” through community or Team Fisher House events, or by hosting events of their own. By joining Team Fisher House in any capacity, each fundraiser is assigned a customizable donation Web page to make fundraising easy, fun and rewarding.

Team Fisher House uses a Verisign® Secured online donation system by Active.com to make your fundraising effort a total success. The system is efficient and easy to use—there is absolutely nothing to download. You can even customize your fundraising page to best reflect you and your cause, infusing your own individual touch and personality.

You can access your donation Web page from any computer.

The contribution collection process is simple and completely secure. Your family, friends, and other donors will be able to make donations online using a credit or debit card and automatically receive immediate email confirmation and a tax

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receipt email. Donations by check are also accepted. The online system tallies all the contributions, dynamically tracks all top contributors and fundraisers, and reports all donation data. Raising money has never been easier!

Q: Team Fisher House Means Running a Marathon, Doesn’t It? A: No! Although Team Fisher House supports teams competing at the Air Force Marathon, Army Ten-Miler and Marine Corps Marathon, almost 50 percent of all money raised through the Team Fisher House program comes from other online fundraisers. Here is a snapshot of some Team Fisher House fundraisers:

Supporting America’s Troops Employees of Honda’s BKC Philanthropy Committee in Irvine, TX, raise money for the foundation through bake sales and send care packages to service men and women stationed overseas. Raising $3,236 so far, the group is making a difference in the lives of military families.

Patriot Racing’s Steve Levow and John Porter race motorcycles with the Championship Cup Series and the American Sportbike Racing Association in Mid-Atlantic regional races. To date, Patriot Racing has generated $2,989 in charitable donations for Fisher House.

In addition to fundraising, the team invites combat-wounded veterans to race events in the Washington, DC, area at no charge, offering a full day of entertainment for the recovering soldiers. www.patriotracing.us.

Youth Mentorship Coaching means more than teaching the game for Woody Calleri of Burning River Lacrosse of Lakewood, OH. Fourteen teams from across the region come together each year to raise money for Fisher House and to compete in a lacrosse tournament. One hundred percent of tournament tickets, raffle tickets, program sales, program ad sales and donations benefit the foundation.

A guest speaker is brought in each year to talk to the athletes about the value of leadership, honor and sacrifice. Major Zoltan Krompecher visited this year from Fort Leavenworth, KS. The tournament raised $51,580 in 2008 and $35,330 in 2009 for the foundation.

Honoring Veterans Corporate Camaraderie Team Dreyfus for Fisher House has raised almost $250,000 for Fisher House over the last three years. The investment firm team recruited employees from its offices across the country and this year selected the ING Atlanta half-marathon on March 29th in which to run/walk. Corporate matching gifts are a big part of its fundraising strategy—Mellon Bank has matched $20,000 of the team’s fundraising dollars each year.

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) has chosen to support Fisher House Foundation with association and chapter philanthropic projects. Each chapter organizes and coordinates its own events, and comes together once a year for the Long Range Riding Platoon’s Finish the Mission Ride. The CVMA online campaign tracks each chapter’s fundraising efforts and the total for the association. To date, CVMA has contributed over $31,000 to the foundation.

Runners of all abilities are encouraged to join team fisher house, from first-time marathoners to elite runners.

In Memory of a Loved One Shellie Monraen and her family members drove a Ford Model A automobile over 1,125 miles, from Minnesota to Pennsylvania, to honor the memory of Monraen’s father, Edgar J. Houglum, an injured WWII veteran. The family decided to raise money in conjunction with the drive to show its support for America’s service members and veterans, netting $3,780.

Personal Milestones David Madden hiked from Maine to Florida with a purpose—to raise funds and awareness for Fisher House Foundation. David’s college roommate, 1st Lt. Alex Wilson, was seriously injured in Iraq and required long-term care at Brooke Army Medical Center. His family incurred huge costs to be by his side during his recovery. Madden’s efforts combined with others’ across the country can make this situation obsolete. Madden’s campaign raised over $31,000 for the foundation.

Gil Erskine is an 88-year-old WWII veteran with pep in his step. His goal is to capture public attention, particularly that of his age group, by hiking 10 miles up the Bronx, NY, River Trail from Scarsdale to Valhalla to raise funds for Fisher House. In the past he has sent out type-written letters to all of his friends, family members and

surviving war buddies. This year, he is expanding his reach to the community by having an online donation Web page as well. In 2007, Erskine raised $22,233.

Organizational Mission The Kappa Sigma Fraternity has chosen to support Fisher House Foundation in a nationwide campaign. The philanthropy chairman challenged each of the 250 chapters to plan local fundraisers to generate $1,000 in contributions through the Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Campaign. To date, the fraternity has donated $111,940 designated toward the Fisher House planned for our nation’s capital in Washington, DC.

How Can I Help?

If you or your organization would like to raise funds for Fisher House Foundation through the Team Fisher House program, visit our Web site at www.teamfisherhouse.org or e-mail Program Director Cathy Cabrey, at ccabrey@fisherhouse.org.

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An Idea

Worth i c at i n g d u p l ic Severely injured by an improvised explosive device

in Iraq, British Army Capt. Peter Norton arrived at

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in July 2005.

His wife, Sue, flew in to be by his side, staying at

the adjacent Fisher House while he was stabilized.

Once back in Britain, Sue traveled from facility to

facility with Peter during his long recovery and

rehabilitation, staying in whatever accommodations she could find. Recalling how extremely well

looked after she had been at the Fisher House,

Sue recognized a need for such houses in the UK.

She began a determined campaign to make them a reality, eventually capturing the attention and

interest of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families

Association Forces Help (SSAFA), and Lady Pippa Dannatt, wife of Gen. Sir Richard Dannatt, head of the British Army.

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The group identified an existing property near the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court, in Surrey, as its first potential home. Lady Dannatt and SSAFA Director of Services Support Liz Sheldon traveled to Landstuhl to pick the brains of Fisher House staff about the logistics and practicality of opening a house. “They sat down with us and said, basically, ‘Okay, what’s a Fisher House and how does it run,’” recalls Landstuhl Fisher House Manager Kathy Gregory. “We shared our philosophy and the practical side of things. We talked about some of the challenges, gave them printouts, answered their questions.”

Sheldon remembers being immediately inspired by the trip. “We had a fantastic visit with Kathy; we toured the house, met volunteers and the staff. We were just bowled over by what they do; the wonderful environment that felt just like a home. We were so impressed with the dedication of their team, we wanted to model our house after that.”

Upon their return to England, the group surged ahead with their plans—only to hit a roadblock. Scores of residents of the quiet, leafy neighborhood where the house was located objected to the concept, fearing increased traffic and noise.

Left: The Norton House at Headley Court; Center: Sue Norton with young guests in the children's playroom; Right: Norton House Guests Marines Ben McBean (left) and Mark Ormrod

“I can’t believe their attitude—it beggars belief,” said Sue Norton at the time, in an interview with the BBC News. “This sort of facility is something that should have been in place a long time ago—they have them in America and Germany, but in the British system we have to make do…. Do people think that families visiting injured servicemen are going to be out partying?”

Once the squabble attracted national press—and a petition in support of the house that attracted close to 53,000 signatures—the project was given the green light. Just seven months later, in February 2008, the “Norton House”— named in honor of Capt. Norton—opened to its first families. SSAFA’s Sheldon says that the neighbors’ fears proved unfounded: “Since we opened, people have visited, and they haven’t had any concern.

We’ve developed great relationships with the local people and the town council.

They even come ’round with gifts of food for those using the house.”

SSAFA worked quickly to secure and adapt a second home—this one at the UK’s main military trauma unit, Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham. That home opened this February, to a warm welcome. Unlike Fisher Houses, which are turned over to the military once they are completed, the Norton Houses remain owned and operated by SSAFA.

Both homes have comparable amenities: six bedrooms, a large kitchen, open-plan dining area, laundry room and spacious garden and patio.

“In the space of 18 months, since the first house opened, we’ve had 460 people through the two houses,” says Sheldon.

“Both houses are similar in appearance to Fisher Houses, both have house managers, staff for maintenance and

“In the space of 18 months, since the first house opened, we’ve had 460 people through the two houses,” so on. We hold family support meetings for families who have lost loved ones… it has really galvanized us as a charity.

It’s a focal point for our volunteering, and we had a very successful fundraising campaign where we raised £5 million very quickly.”

Since their opening, both Norton Houses have been in constant use. Royal Marine Mark Ormrod was the first serviceman to stay at the Headley Court house. Caught in a landmine explosion on Christmas Eve 2007, Ormrod lost both legs and his

right arm. His fiancée, Becky, and other members of his family used the home regularly in the months that followed.

“The house is really a great place. It allowed us to have some quiet time on our own but also to meet and speak with others in a similar situation,” says Becky.

“It can be such a huge help at a very difficult time. The staff at the house are amazing and do a wonderful job."

The good work by SSAFA has not gone unnoticed. In June, the organization was honored with a Charity Award in the disability category—a prestigious national award that celebrates excellence in the nonprofit sector in the UK. SSAFA was commended for “the speed and efficiency with which it worked to purchase and refurbish its two ‘homes from home’ to help the families of service men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and for the quality of the service both homes offer to those staying.”

“The fact that we won the award is fantastic,” says Sue Norton. “It’s wonderful recognition of all the people who have played such an important part in getting the houses up and running. It’s such a heartfelt project and it will make a difference, it really will.”

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

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That’s because the total mileage logged at this year’s Viking Challenge was a record-setting 2,671.

The annual competition, sponsored by the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis Air Force Base is a fundraising event in support of the Travis Fisher House.

Held this year on May 9th, the Viking Challenge is a 12-hour relay race in which eight- to 10-person teams run or walk from 7 am to 7 pm. One member of each team completes a mile before passing the baton to the next team member.

This year there were 321 participants competing on 36 teams.

It wasn’t really a relay race from Washington, DC, to Los Angeles— but it could have been.

The event was originally held at nearby Fairfield, California’s Vanden High School, home of the Vikings, hence the Viking Challenge. Several years ago the event moved to the Travis Air Force Base track, but kept its name.

Each year the Viking Challenge tops the previous one, all due to the meticulous planning and coordination accomplished by the 615th Contingency Response Wing. This year the tally of miles run was precisely counted by computer, giving a quick and accurate update. A massage tent was set up to give leg massages to the runners whenever they needed it. Plenty of water, food, and Viking Challenge red-white-and-blue T-shirts were available.

Some of the participants’ children took a few turns around the track with their parents, and when they tired of that, they played in the jump house that was provided for them. Many dogs also ran gallantly with their person, sometimes trying to surge ahead. Viking Challenge was truly a family event, with everyone

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demonstrating how proud and honored they were to help the Travis Fisher House.

Records were set this year in numbers of participants, as well as total mileage logged. The 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron took top honors, again this year, completing 103 miles. It was followed closely by the 570th Global Mobility Squadron, with 102 miles.

Senior Airman Michael Durham, 9th Air Refueling Squadron, and Airman 1st Class Nicholas Dawson, 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, were both oneperson teams, pushing themselves through all 12 hours of the event. They each completed nearly 56 miles. Durham took first place in amount of money raised by an individual, but was quick to give credit to his squadron, since all his donations came from it.

The 615th Contingency Response Wing Phoenix Mobility Team received the award for the Most Money Raised by a Team. There was also an award for Best Costume, which went to Staff Sgt. Eric Thorn, 15th Air Mobility Operations Squadron, for his snorkel gear attire.

Trophies were awarded winners. These, along with the T-shirts, water bottles, and massages, were all donated for this event.

While the amount raised was still being tallied as pledges were being collected, organizers were confident it would best last year’s total of $21,900.

the sweet taste of fundraising success Fisher House benefits where chocolatier’s interests intersect Diane Pinder has no fewer than three passions, and has found a way to have one life serve all three, at the same time.

Her first passion is her children. Her son is a former Marine, with tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan under his belt (and now an Army Reservist). Her son-in-law graduated from West Point and has gone on to an Army career, deploying for his third tour of Iraq this coming October.

Her daughter is a civilian working for an Army contractor in a capacity that allows her to accompany her husband through his Army career. Pinder calls them “my three little soldiers.”

Her second passion is chocolate. Pinder, chocolatier extraordinaire, is the founder and owner of Donna & Company, a New Jersey chocolate shop.

Pinder’s final, and arguably most zealous, passion is Fisher House Foundation.

She first became acquainted with Fisher House five years ago when she read an article on the plight of soldiers returning from Iraq struggling to get all the way home.

The article said the Army provided funding to bring soldiers back to either Baltimore or Atlanta, but they had to find their own way home from there.

In searching for a solution to this problem, Pinder discovered the Fisher House Hero Miles program, and promptly donated her frequent flyer miles.

Her acquaintance with Fisher House Foundation broadened as a result of her then-position as a critical care nurse and mother of soldiers. She was aware of the hardships facing military families when a loved one was injured in the line of duty, and, “being a nurse and working in critical care I understood how important the family at the bedside was to a patient’s recovery and the impact on the family that a devastating injury has, emotionally and financially.”

featuring the Fisher House logo, with a donation going to Fisher House.

These days, the chocolate shop has replaced critical care nursing as Pinder’s main vocation, which allows her many more opportunities to support Fisher House Foundation. Her chocolate bars bearing the Fisher House logo have appeared at opening ceremonies for the houses, military weddings, and on the shelves of her shop. Sales are always accompanied by a donation to Fisher House. As well, Pinder is a frequent public speaker on the topic of chocolate, and uses this platform to help educate the public on the importance of supporting our military, and the value of private contributions to organizations such as Fisher House Foundation. One can only imagine she works in a word or two about her children, in order to include all three of her passions in the same endeavor.

Pinder wanted “a chance to turn my energy into something positive.” She put in a call to Jim Weiskopf, executive vice president of Fisher House Foundation, with a plan that, characteristically, included her passion for her children, for chocolate and for Fisher House.

As a result, the bridal favors at her daughter’s wedding were chocolate cards, lovingly made by the mother of the bride,

House Managers Gather to Brush Up and Bond No one skill set makes an ideal Fisher House manager.

They come from all walks of life, military and civilian, with a combination of strengths, knowledge and experience as unique as the individual. One trait they all share is dedication.

To help the managers parlay that dedication into even better service to guest families, the Fisher House Managers Association hosts an annual conference, this year held in San Francisco in May. The theme, “Building Bridges to the Community,” gave a nod to that city’s most famous landmark, but focused on improving the outreach, public speaking and presentation skills of those attending.

Several guest speakers conducted a variety of workshops and lectures, but plenty of time was set aside for peer-to-peer networking as well. “Especially for the new managers, there’s only so much you can learn from a book;” says Fisher House Foundation Liaison Mary Considine.

“You’re dealing with families, and each individual is unique. A lot of what the managers learn is from ‘what if’ situations, or sharing of stories.”

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

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ePowepraig: n m Internet ca of its buoys spir rrior wa wounded

Army Sgt. Daniel Thornhill can personally attest to the power of the Internet. Since mid-May, he has received thousands of birthday greetings from well-wishers throughout the United States and from Germany, Canada and New Zealand.

The surprise outpouring of cards, floral arrangements, edible arrangements of fruit and cookies, a DVD player, many other care packages and visitors stemmed from an e-mail sent by someone who learned of the 29-year-old paratrooper’s injuries and impending birthday from his father and step-mother. That e-mail made its way to members of many organizations that support the military, who spread the word.

Thornhill, a seven-year Army veteran from the Dayton, OH, area, says he’s been overwhelmed by the attention and is

uncomfortable with what he calls “hero worship” conveyed in many of the cards and letters. He says the only way he’s been able to deal with the deluge of mail that has been arriving daily at the Fisher House at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX, is to consider himself a surrogate for Americans’ appreciation for the sacrifices of all injured service men and women.

He says he has been touched especially by letters from combat veterans of previous wars. A Korean War veteran sent him his Bronze Star medal and he has received letters from generals and a retired FBI agent. “I was pleased that they took the time to show their respect,” he says. He’s also received several military unit challenge coins, which he collects.

Many classroom teachers also sent letters and drawings from their students. He says he appreciates help from Fisher House volunteers in dealing with the mountains of mail.

Just six weeks from the end of his deployment, he and his squad, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 173rd Special Troops Battalion from Bamberg, Germany, were coming back from a trip to the post office when a suicide car bomber T-boned their Humvee.

Two soldiers were killed, a third was injured and Thornhill lost both legs, half of his right hand and suffered burns to his arm. He says his body armor protected his abdomen, giving doctors enough donor skin for grafts.

For the past year he has been treated at the Brooke Army Medical Center and the Center for the Intrepid. Although he has a paralyzing spinal cord injury, Thornhill remains hopeful that medical advancements will one day allow him to walk. Says his mom, “I envision him being six-foot-two again.”

Thornhill, who has been staying at the Fisher House since mid-April with his mother, Susan, and brother, Matt, is recovering from injuries sustained in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on May 31, 2008.

a big night yields big returns An All-American Evening’ raises over $55,000 at Wright-Patterson AFB

was intense throughout the evening.

Altogether, the auctions raised more than $22,000.

The Fisher Nightingale Houses, Inc. (FNHI), the nonprofit supporter of the Wright-Patterson Fisher House and its sister Nightingale House, raised more than $55,000 during its sixth annual “An All-American Evening…Cruisin’ the USA.” The event was held at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on April 25th, and 100 percent of the net proceeds will go to fund the day-to-day operations of the two houses.

Guests enjoyed gourmet fare prepared

by Chef Glynn and his staff, including food stations featuring southern cooking, Cajun food, New England fare, seafood, cheese, salad and desserts. Wine and beer tasting was provided by Allied Wine and Heidelberg Distributors, and Dayton Coca-Cola provided soft drinks and bottled water.

“This is the biggest crowd we’ve ever had,” says Chris Stanley, executive director of FNHI. “We exceeded all the goals we set for this year. We sold a record 374 tickets, collected more than 160 auction items and raised more money for FNHI than we expected. Without the tremendous 24

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

support of our community on and off base, we could never make this event the success it is.”

Held in partnership with the Air Force Association and the Miami Valley Military Affairs Association, the event included live and silent auctions, with items donated by business members and individuals. Live auction items included local events and sports tickets, a flight in a YAK-52TW aerobatic plane, dinner for eight prepared in one’s own home by Chef David Glynn, and a condominium for the week of July 4th in Branson, MO, among other items. More than 140 silent auction items ran the gamut from works to art to travel and entertainment certificates, and bidding

According to Ray Marcano, Leadbelly Blog writer for the Dayton Daily News, “this was one of the best event buys of the year at $65 a ticket.” Entertainment throughout the evening was provided

by DJ Mike Glynn. Retired Maj. Gen. Ed Mechenbier served as the evening's emcee. Plans are already in the works for next year’s All-American Evening.

Moving On...

Their injuries grievous, their recoveries arduous, these wounded warriors have overcome daunting obstacles to lead ordinary, even extraordinary, lives.

Jessica Lynch Of the thousands of wounded service men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, few became as widely recognized as Jessica Lynch, the pixie-ish Army private who was injured and captured during the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. Intense media coverage of her ordeal and rescue followed her on her journey home and to recovery.

Suffering debilitating injuries to her back, left leg, right arm, feet and skull, Lynch was airlifted to Ramstein Air Base and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Family members met her there, and were, in turn, met by staff of the Fisher House. “We had never heard of the Fisher House, ever,” says Dee Lynch, Jessica’s mother. “We didn’t have time to bring coats with us; when we got there [Fisher House Manager] Kathy Gregory found coats for us.”

Once she was stabilized, Jessica was transferred stateside, to Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital in Washington, DC, to begin her recuperation. Her family followed, moving into the Fisher House there.

Even now, six years later, Dee Lynch gushes over the attentiveness shown by Fisher House Manager Vivian Wilson, and all the staff they encountered. “They just felt like family,” she says. “The housekeeper, Mabel—my [younger daughter Brandi] loved her. And Rene, in maintenance—just all in the family.” And, just like family might, the Fisher House guarded the Lynch family’s privacy during a difficult time. “We felt it was a safe

Jessica Lynch returned to Walter Reed a year after her discharge for the dedication of Fisher House III in 2004. She is pictured with Fisher House Foundation trustee Mary Jo Myer and Fisher House Foundation Chairman Ken Fisher.

haven from the media,” says Dee. “We could go in there and they couldn’t get to us.”

Jessica, an inpatient at Walter Reed for more than three months, was also grateful to the Fisher House. “It was a huge help—just a relief for my family to have a place of comfort,” she says, adding, “That’s where my parents cooked food for me—especially breakfast. It was nice to be able to have home-cooked food sometimes.”

Medically discharged from the Army shortly after her release from Walter Reed in the summer of 2003, Lynch returned to West Virginia to make a life for herself.

She has traveled, talking about her ordeal, and enrolled in West Virginia University.

Majoring in elementary education, she hopes to graduate next year. “I absolutely love children,” she says.

Along the way, she gave birth to a daughter, Dakota Ann, now a two-yearold and named after Jessica’s best friend, Lori Pietstewa, a private in her company who was killed in the attack on their convoy.

Lynch, now 26, still deals with the lingering effects of her injuries, including internal damage and nerve damage to her left foot. “I take it day by day; it’s still taking time,” she says. “But my main focus right now is my daughter, and finishing up school. I can’t allow what happened in Iraq to affect how I’m raising my daughter….You learn to cope with things that happen—that it’s not the end of the world. You just keep going.”

The Lynch family has stayed in touch with Ken and Tammy Fisher, and the couple of times a year when she returns to Walter Reed, Jessica makes a point of stopping in at the Fisher House.

“I appreciate everything they do; not only for the Lynch family, but for all the soldiers.”

Mother Dee Lynch concurs. “Ken and Tammy Fisher have to be the most wonderful people there are. They have the biggest heart,” she says, “and not just with Jessi. We see them this way with everyone.”

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©2009 Mychal Watts, WIRE IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

JR Martinez “Only in America,” marvels Operation Iraqi Freedom Army veteran JR Martinez. He’s referring to his remarkable journey from being trapped in a burning Humvee in Karbala to his current status of soap opera star and even, yes, heartthrob.

Two months into his deployment, on April 5th, 2003, Martinez, an infantry corporal, was driving a Humvee when it hit a landmine and was engulfed in flames.

By the time his buddies pulled him out, he was severely burned over 40 percent of his body and had internal injuries from smoke inhalation.

Waking up weeks later at Brooke Army Medical Center, Martinez was devastated when he looked in a mirror for the first time and saw his disfigurement. Just 19 years old, he didn’t think he could face the world.

His mother, Maria Zavala, pulled him through. Through 34 months and 32 surgeries, his mother stayed by his side, whiling away the hours watching her favorite Spanish-language telenovelas.

Confined to his hospital room, Martinez was stuck watching them, too. “There wasn’t a [darned] thing I could do about it,” he laughs. “I was making a joke with her, saying, ‘you know, I’m going to be a soap opera star one day.’ Right. ‘I’ll be an accident victim who rides off into the sunset with the beautiful girl.’”

Zavala was a guest at the Brooke Army Medical Center Fisher House, and later in his recovery, so was Martinez. “I can remember my mother telling me on a couple of occasions, while I was still an inpatient, how there were a couple of families there with similar situations,” he says, “and how they talked every evening, and it helped my mother have the strength she need for me.

“It was a great therapeutic thing, realizing that they’re not alone, and it was a great opportunity for me, as a patient,” he continues. “When I was in the hospital, I felt like I was the only one with these injuries. Now, at the Fisher House, I was living amongst people who were the same or worse, and I realized, hey, it’s not that bad. We discussed stories, recovery tips, and we helped each other recover without really realizing it.”

While still in treatment, Martinez began to see his injuries in a new light—as a way to attract attention to the plight of wounded warriors and to inspire others.

“I initially went to a few fundraising luncheons, and gradually I started to

notice that I had the ability to deliver a message, to express myself,” he says.

“Before I knew it they asked me to do media, and started inviting me to speak places.” Soon, Martinez was traveling the country as a motivational speaker.

That’s what he was doing last year, when he got a phone call about a casting call for the ABC soap opera All My Children. The show was developing a story line about a wounded serviceman returning from Iraq, and producers wanted to cast a real veteran. Despite having no experience as an actor, Martinez landed the part.

Originally signed for a 13-week run, Martinez’s character, Brot Monroe, is still going strong, 10 months later. And no matter what, Martinez means to keep moving forward. He plans to write a book; he’s promoting a rap song; and he intends to continue his motivational speaking if his acting career wanes.

For now, though, Martinez, 26, says, “I’m in a great place. I was able to adapt, take what was given to me and make this great journey. It’s a great opportunity to educate America five days a week, educate the people who look at me on the show and have crushes on me. I would rather say, ‘please pass that compliment on to someone else who is disfigured or disabled. They have the same qualities you see in me.’”

JR Keeps on Ticking When I first joined the Army, I found the military confusing. I was always late—and did plenty of pushups to pay for it—so I bought a watch. I was wearing my watch on April 5th, 2003, when I was injured.

It kept the skin on my wrist from being burned.

For five years I had this good patch of skin on my left wrist in the shape of that watch, so last year, on my birthday, I went out and got my watch tattoo.

The zig-zag lines signify that the watch is broken.

The time on the dial, 2:30 pm, is the time I was hurt.

It’s says SAT in a small window, a nod to that Saturday, and the year is in Roman numerals on the band.

Ironically, I was born at 2:30 pm...so I like to tell people that I died 19 years later and was reborn into the person I am today. When people ask me what time it is, I look at my tattoo and say, “last call.”

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

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Fiercely competitive before an improvised explosive device upended his world in Iraq, Capt.

Daniel Gade wasted little time getting back to setting and achieving goals. First were the small, but grueling, daily goals of healing and rehabilitation.

Nearly killed on January 10th, 2005, when a roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee outside of Ramadi, Gade doesn’t remember any of the next three weeks as he was medevaced to a surgical unit, then to Landstuhl Regional Army Medical Center, and on to Walter Reed in Washington, DC. During that time, doctors determined that to save his life, they would have to amputate his right leg at the hip.

Maj. (then Capt.) Daniel Gade and his wife Wendy pose with then Virginia Sen. John Warner, and then Joint Chiefs Chairman, Gen. Richard B. Myers, and his wife Mary Jo.

When he awoke, he had lost 80 lbs., and was, he says, “weak as a kitten.”

“I was in terrible, terrible shape,” he said in an interview with the Athens, GA, BannerHerald, recently. “I had to work through basic strengthening exercises, getting to where I was strong enough to hold a pencil again.”

But slowly and steadily, through 40 surgeries and five months as an inpatient

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The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

“I remember having the peace of mind knowing we didn’t have to worry about housing; we could worry about things much more important,” Gade says. ”If you’re staying in a hotel room, using a hot plate, struggling just to do the day-to-day things, you can’t focus on the important things, like getting well.”

The Fisher House was a great environment for little AnnaGrace. “Our daughter did really well there,” says Gade. ”We had enough room to do our own thing, to raise our daughter the way we wanted, but there was also fellowship with others around you, if you wanted it.” In fact, AnnaGrace celebrated her third birthday at the house, along with a boy who also turned three around the same time.

Once untethered from physical therapy at Walter Reed, the family went home to Georgia and never looked back. Still on active duty with the military, Gade enrolled in the masters in public administration program at the University of Georgia, earning his degree in 18 months and the rank of major in the Army.

After that, it was a one-year stint at the White House, serving as the associate director for domestic policy responsible for disability issues.

Now back in Georgia, Gade is working on his PhD, preparing for a faculty position at the US Military Academy at West Point, his alma mater. Meanwhile, he has returned to triathlons, a sport he enjoyed before his injury. With only a year of training, he finished 15th at the ParaTriathlon National Championship at the Nautica New York City Triathlon in July. And in June, he celebrated the first birthday of his twin sons, William and Tyler.

While it’s true that Daniel Gade hasn’t looked back in terms of letting his disability hold him back, he hasn’t forgotten the kindness he was shown at the Fisher House. “I think the Fishers are patriots, heroes, who have done something totally selfless,” he says.

“I think that’s pretty great—they’re an inspiration to others who are maybe less generous.”

Justin Shellhammer Losing a leg in Afghanistan has barely slowed Justin Shellhammer down—by just 45 seconds, in fact.

“I used to run two miles in 13 minutes flat,” he says.

“Now I do a 13:45.”

An Army staff sergeant, Shellhammer was on patrol on April 5th, 2005, when he spotted a mortar round just ahead of his men. When he put out his arm to warn them off, he was jostled forward and stepped on a land mine. His men quickly applied a tourniquet to his injured leg, and helped him back to his vehicle, where he himself called in the incident.

A few days later, doctors at Walter Reed amputated his left leg below the knee.

“I was depressed for probably a day,” recalls Shellhammer, “because when I was a little kid, my grandfather lost his leg in a car accident, and I grew up knowing you could still be a productive member of society.”

His wife, Tracy, and their five-and-a-halfmonth-old daughter, Lexi, flew in to be near him, at first staying at the Mologne House hotel on the Walter Reed campus.

Photo courtesy of Bev Banks

Daniel Gade

at Walter Reed, Gade pushed himself through every physical therapy session, so that by May, he was cleared to use crutches. Soon thereafter, he joined his wife, Wendy, and toddler daughter AnnaGrace at the Fisher House.

Now a medically retired Army staff sergeant, Justin Shellhammer, with his wife Tracy and two children.

Soon, a room at the Fisher House became available, and, less than three weeks after his injury, Shellhammer wanted out of the hospital.

“My wife and I went to look at the Fisher House; the room was on the second floor and there was no elevator,” he says. “They said if I could get up to the second floor; if I thought I could handle it, we could have the room. I was still all stitched and bandaged up, but I hopped out of my wheelchair and crawled up to the second floor, and said, ‘We’ll take it.’

“That left a big impression on me,” Shellhammer concedes. “I had to go do something they didn’t think I could do, and I surprised them and myself.”

It was the first of many such tests. Says wife Tracy, “At the Fisher House, he compared himself to every other one-leg amputee. Whether they had been injured six months ago and he’d been injured three weeks ago, he wanted to be where they were” in their recovery.

The Fisher House was positive in other ways, as well. “I saw my daughter do the monumental things, like when she started crawling, interacting with other kids, playing with blocks,” Shellhammer says.

“We stayed and left as one family.”

After just five months and 20 days of rehabilitation, the Shellhammers left the Walter Reed campus—a record for an amputee.

Since then, Shellhammer, now 30, has continued to set records. A year-and-ahalf ago, he became the first amputee to be accepted into a police academy in his home state of South Dakota. The governor came to his graduation.

Justin and Tracy were guest speakers, and when the collection plate was passed, the donations were split between the church and Fisher House Foundation. “Any chance we get to somehow give back to them, we do,” says Tracy. “I can’t imagine going through that time in our life, that crisis, without the staff and the people we lived with at the time.”

Tammy Duckworth

She begins her story in the cockpit in northern Iraq. “The last thing I remember was trying desperately to land the helicopter,” she says. “I did not know I was hurt. I mean, how many times do you look down at your legs? I thought I was the only person in the aircraft who was not hurt. The aircraft was shaking, it filled with smoke, it lost all its avionics….

All I knew was that I was trying to fly it.

I was coming to, passing out, coming to.

I thought I was in control of the aircraft, and the last thing I remember was landing; knowing we were on the ground.”

Ladda “Tammy” Duckworth is bound and determined to fly helicopters again.

No matter that she lost both her legs and nearly her arm while on a Black Hawk mission in Iraq in 2004.

This plucky major in the Illinois Army National Guard has already attained her FAA Statement of Demonstrated Ability for small airplanes. And along the way she’s racked up a remarkable string of other achievements, both personal and professional.

Thirteen months after the helicopter she was co-piloting was hit by a rocketpropelled grenade, Duckworth and her husband Bryan Bowlsbey left Walter Reed for their home in Hoffman Estates, IL, where she promptly staged a run for the US House of Representatives.

Now a police officer in Belle Fourche, SD, and a father again to son AJ, Shellhammer says, “Everyone has some things they’ve got to overcome. A lot of people don’t wear it on their sleeve, but I do. I wear shorts a lot, so people can see it, can see that it doesn’t take two arms or two legs—it takes a heart, dedication, mindset. I’m proud of what I did for my country—I tell people [my injury] is a paper cut.”

Although her campaign was narrowly unsuccessful, it helped launch a public service career with her appointment in 2006 as director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. Earlier this year, the Obama Administration tapped her as an assistant secretary for the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Shellhammers remain committed to Fisher House Foundation. In 2008, the family attended the Easter morning sunrise service at Mount Rushmore.

While Duckworth didn’t dwell too long in self pity, she admits to a feeling of crushing devastation when she first woke up at Walter Reed. But not, as it turns out, for the loss of her legs.

Still a member of the Illinois Army National Guard, Tammy Duckworth relaxes in the living room of Fisher House III, Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

So when she awoke at Walter Reed, and heard the doctors and nurses talking about an “accident,” she concluded that she must somehow have bungled the landing. “That was the depth of my despair,” she says. “I can’t explain what it was like to think that I had hurt my own men; that I had failed as an officer, a soldier, a pilot. I didn’t want to live, I was so ashamed.”

In fact, she and pilot Chief Warrant Officer Dan Milberg did land the chopper safely.

To prove it, her husband produced a photo. “Here was this picture showing the aircraft from above; and it was pretty as can be except for this big hole where my seat was.”

With scores of surgeries and agonizing rehabilitation ahead of her, Duckworth cont'd on page 30...

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

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...cont'd from page 29

insists that mentally, emotionally, at least, “I’ve been fine ever since.”

By mid-February, three months after being wounded, Duckworth was able to join her husband at the Fisher House.

“We were thanking God for this place,” she says. “It was a place I could go that didn’t smell like a hospital. I was still hurt, needing hospital care, but it was an oasis from everything happening around you.

“While I was still in the hospital,” she continues, “my husband would run back there at three in the morning, throw some laundry in the washer, and someone would have left some food out for him.

He’d rush back to the hospital at 0600, come back to the Fisher House 48 or 72 hours later, and someone would have moved his laundry for him. Later, as we got better, we did the laundry and left the food out.”

down

range There are currently 43 Fisher Houses in operation throughout the US and overseas in Germany. In addition to these 43 houses, the following are active projects: VA Medical Center Washington, DC Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center Miami, FL Eglin Hospital Eglin Air Force Base, FL Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Augusta, GA Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital Chicago, IL Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (three houses) Bethesda, MD Boston VA Health Care System West Roxbury, MA VA Medical Center (Fisher House II) Minneapolis, MN

30

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

Early on, Duckworth began to advocate for her fellow wounded. “In 2004, we were the first group of patients coming home from Iraq after being hurt. And a lot of stuff at Walter Reed was not working,” she says. “The doctors and staff were great, but you could see the administration in place had not given any thought to caring for the wounded. Because I was an officer, it came naturally to me, and to the sergeants, to look out for the lower ranks.”

She recalls egregious cases of soldiers being denied benefits, and she began calling her senator, Dick Durbin, saying, “we’ve gotta fix this stuff.”

He was eventually responsible for her entrance into politics. “By the end of the year,” she says, “the senator called me and said, if you feel this strongly about the treatment of veterans, if you feel the voices of those in uniform are not being represented, why don’t you run for office.”

Fisher House Foundation is building on its commitment to help military families St. Louis VA Health Care System Jefferson Barracks, MO Camp Lejeune Camp Lejeune, NC Womack Army Medical Center (replacement house) Fort Bragg, NC USAF Medical Center (Fisher House II) Wright-Patterson AFB, OH The following are medical centers with an immediate need recognized by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs: VA Medical Center Birmingham, AL Elmendorf Air Force Base * Anchorage, AK VA Long Beach Health Care System Long Beach, CA VA Connecticut Health Care System West Haven, CT

Now at the US Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, Duckworth finds her work “incredibly fulfilling,” she says.

“I’m thrilled to be here. It’s not an easy job; it’s a tough job. But I get to come to work every day and hopefully make a difference every day.”

Despite her busy job and her disabilities, Duckworth remains as active as ever. She’s returned to scuba diving; completed the Chicago Marathon using a hand-cranked bike; and she still fulfills her commitment to the National Guard, one weekend a month, two weeks a year. And one day, she aims to once again be at the controls of a helicopter.

The Veterans Affairs crisis hotline is available 24-7, at (800) 273-TALK (8255).

VA Medical Center Gainesville, FL VA Medical Center Lexington, KY USAF Medical Center, Nellis AFB Las Vegas, NV VA New York Harbor Health Care System Brooklyn, NY Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center Cleveland, OH VA Pittsburgh Health Care System Pittsburgh, PA VA Tennessee Valley Health Care System* Murfreesboro, TN South Texas VA Health Care System San Antonio, TX VA Salt Lake City Health Care System* Salt Lake City, UT Madigan Army Medical Center (Fisher House II) * Fort Lewis, WA Clement C. Zablocki VA Medical Center Milwaukee, WI * Scheduled to begin construction in 2010.

Taking Chance One Marine’s final saga inspires a family, a memoir, a movie and a nation For Gretchen Mack, it was just about being “an ordinary person making a difference” when she and her daughter, former Navy Petty Officer Kelly Orndoff, set off on incredible 1,500-mile walkathon.

It took over three months for Mack and Orndoff to complete the walk. They traced the route from the mess hall at Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base in California to their home in Dubois, WY, in memory of Mack’s son and Orndoff’s brother, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2004. Phelps had deployed from Twentynine Palms, and in 2006, the mess hall was dedicated to his memory.

Mack organized the walkathon “to honor Chance, the Marine Corps, and all of the military,” adding that our enlisted men and women “need all of our help and support as they face quality-of-life issues when they return.” To this end, she donated a portion of the walkathon proceeds to Fisher House.

Mack’s walkathon eventually evolved in the form of the Chance Phelps Foundation and the Run4Chance Initiative, which raise money for various charities that support quality-of-life issues, including Fisher House Foundation.

Emily Fink of New York City is a runner, who after completing her first marathon this past May, decided if she was going to run at this level, “it should count for something.” While she was considering charities to run for, she happened to watch the HBO movie “Taking Chance,” the true story of the return of Chance Phelps’ remains home for burial.

The story is based on a memoir written by now retired Lt. Col. Mike Strobl, USMC, who volunteered to escort Phelps’ remains home to Wyoming. During the eight days he spent traversing the country, Strobl found himself on his own personal journey of discovery.

What was initially a routine government trip report evolved into a moving account of Strobl’s encounters with ordinary

Americans touched by his mission.

Upon returning from his solemn duty, Strobl shared his story with others, and it eventually came to the attention of Brad Krevoy.

A prominent film producer, Krevoy says, “I don’t usually get involved with dramatic stories, but…I couldn’t believe how powerful it was.” He agreed to produce the movie, saying he wanted to bridge that gap between the American public and the military. As HBO’s most-viewed film, “Taking Chance” has certainly achieved that goal.

In addition to reaffirming Krevoy’s own patriotism, the film afforded him an opportunity to become familiar with Fisher House Foundation. A conversation with Ken Fisher was the springboard for a relationship Krevoy describes as “a lifelong thing. Fisher House is one of my charities."

Krevoy and HBO remain active advocates of Fisher House, currently supporting the building of a Fisher House at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, UT, to be dedicated to the memory of Chance Phelps.

After learning about Fisher House and Run4Chance, runner Fink says, “The movie moved me, and I decided I absolutely have to do this. I have so much respect for everyone that goes over there and fights for our country.”

In Fink’s first Run4Chance, a New York City half-marathon in August, the 15-member Run4Chance team raised $14,000. Says Fink, “It’s pretty cool to be able to contribute to this.”

Fisher Houses Get a Boost From Kevin Bacon Lt. Col. Mike Strobl’s touching account of his military escort duty, and the HBO movie it spawned, “Taking Chance,” leave a deep impression on all who encounter them. The film was named a 2009 Sundance Film Festival Official Selection, and has been nominated for no fewer than 10 Emmy Awards. It has become HBO’s most-viewed film.

Lead actor and Emmy nominee Kevin Bacon was among those inspired. In a July interview with Access Hollywood, he said, “When we were making this film there was a feeling amongst all of us that we were doing something a little bit larger, a little bit more important.”

So when Fisher House Foundation approached Bacon about a small project of its own, Bacon agreed. The Combined Federal Campaign, the world’s largest annual workplace charity campaign, is critically important to the foundation and individual Fisher Houses across the country. Foundation executives envisioned a short video promoting their cause during the campaign, and Bacon became its narrator.

The video, which appears at www.cfcvideospeakersbureau.org can also be viewed on the Fisher House Foundation Web site: www.fisherhouse.org.

Team Fisher House has designated the 2009 Marine Corps Marathon as a Run4Chace event, with funds going to help build the Fisher House dedicated to Phelps’ memory. The planned Fisher House will stand as a tribute, not only to an American hero, but to the American patriotism which went into building it.

The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

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by Victoria Hurley-Schubert Collecting toys for the children of wounded soldiers and educating her community about Fisher House Foundation earned 17-year-old Amy Soltes the Girl Scout Gold Award.

“Not coming from a military family, I learned much more about the military community and what it takes to be a part of a military family,” says the recent graduate of Ocean Township High School in Oakhurst, NJ. “I wanted to create awareness about the Fisher House because not many people outside of military families know what the Fisher House does; many children live at Fisher Houses and they do not have many toys to play with.”

Soltes ran a collection drive in her area and delivered the toys she collected to the Foundation’s headquarters in Rockville, MD. She also helped younger Girl Scouts earn the “Model Citizen” badge, which teaches girls what it means to be a good citizen and their rights as citizens.

“I tested my leadership and organizational skills with this project and learned that if I strive for something, I can achieve it,” she says. “I had no idea what kind of response I would get from my community, but it went beyond my expectations.

I collected 200 coloring books, 310 packages of crayons, 295 stuffed animals, 60 small toys and 55 winter hats. All of these donations filled an entire minivan; I couldn't have been happier with the outcome of this project.”

Soltes is one of more than 60 girls from Monmouth and Ocean counties who have already earned a Gold Award this year from the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. The Gold Award is the highest achievement available to a teen Girl Scout. The program is designed to help girls, ages 14-18, create a foundation for a lifetime of active citizenship.

Although it’s called an award, the Gold Award is earned, not given, and it isn't easily achieved. Each recipient must spend at least 65 hours completing a project that combines organizational, leadership and networking skills with community service. The girl must feel passionate about the project in thought, deed and action. The project should also have an impact in the girl's community that ideally will continue even after her involvement ends.

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The Patriot • SUMMER/FALL 2009

Retired Army Major Richard S. Agnew, Distinguished Service Cross,

has served as the chairman of the VA North Texas Fisher House Advisory Council since 2006. He and fellow council members demonstrated remarkable fundraising efforts and were instrumental in bringing the largest state-of-the-art Fisher House in Texas to the VA North Texas Health Care System.

Agnew devoted most of his time to searching out community partners and other dedicated individuals who had the financial resources and love of veterans to help make this happen.

Through Agnew’s leadership, the necessary funds were raised, and enhancements since the house’s opening in February include a spacious outdoor kitchen, an outdoor water feature, two deluxe golf carts for transportation to the medical center and rocking chairs along the back porch.

Harold Lewis, a retired Army Master Sergeant and Vietnam War veteran,

has been volunteering through the American Red Cross at the Fort Gordon Fisher House for about two years, at least three days each week.

He answers phones, helps families check in and helps House Manager Francisco Cruz Jr. educate the public about the Fisher House mission. He has made presentations during the Combined Federal Campaign at Fort Gordon, Fort Stewart, GA, and Fort Jackson, SC. He’s also there to be a shoulder to lean on, when a guest family just wants someone to listen. “As a retiree, a master sergeant, he has a wealth of military knowledge,” says Cruz. “It’s also one of those unique things a veteran has— it’s always good for an old soldier to talk to a new soldier.”

Fine

Teen collects toys for Fisher House families

volunteer spotlight

A Unique

Looking Out For the Little Ones

Judge T. Jackson Bedford Jr. runs a tight ship.

He demands his courtroom remain focused on the proceedings and he suffers no distractions. So when a detective’s cell phone rang off one day this summer, the Fulton County, GA, Superior Court justice levied a fine—of $25—to be paid to the charity of the offender’s choice. The detective—who shall remain nameless— dashed off a check to Fisher House Foundation, which of course was pleased to receive the donation, no matter the circumstances.

Fisher House Directory CALIFORNIA West Los Angeles VA 11301 Wilshire Blvd. (10AF) Building 512, Office Los Angeles, CA 90073 (310) 268-4457 Fax: (310) 268-3449 Manager: Sharon Hudson Email: Sharon.hudson4@va.gov Palo Alto VA Healthcare System 3801 Miranda Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94304 (650) 493-5000 x 60384 Fax: (650) 849-1269 Manager: Tram Le-Nguyen Email: tram.le-nguyen@va.gov San Diego Naval Medical Center I, II 34800 Bob Wilson Dr., Bldg. 46 San Diego, CA 92134-5000 (619) 532-9055 Fax: (619) 532-5216 Manager: Belle Esposito Email: belle.esposito@med.navy.mil David Grant USAF Medical Center 100 Bodin Circle Travis AFB, CA 94535-1804 (707) 423-7550 Fax: (707) 423-7552 Manager: Charlene Hall Email: Charlene.hall@travis.af.mil

COLORADO Denver VA Medical Center 1954 Quentin St. Aurora, CO 80010 (303) 399-8020 x 2049 Fax: (303) 364-4882 Manager: Jann Griffiths Email: jann.griffiths@med.va.gov

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Walter Reed Army Medical Center I, II, III 6900 Georgia Ave., NW, Bldg. 56 Washington, DC 20307-5001 (202) 545-3218 Fax: (202) 545-3202 Manager: Maurice Borde Email: Maurice.borde@us.army.mil

FLORIDA Bay Pines VA Medical Center 10000 Bay Pines Blvd.

Bay Pines, FL 33744 (727) 319-1350 Fax: (727) 319-1106 Manager: Rich Kippings Email: richard.kippings2@va.gov James A. Haley VA Medical Center 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 910-3000 Fax: (813) 910-3088 Manager: Paula Welenc Email: Paula.Welenc@va.gov

West Palm Beach VA Medical Center 7305 N. Military Trail – Route 136 West Palm Beach, FL 33410 (561) 422-5554 Fax: (561) 442-8793 Manager: Theresa Ringel Email: Theresa.Ringel@va.gov

GEORGIA Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center Fisher House Rd., Bldg. 280 Fort Gordon, GA 30905-5650 (706) 787-7100 Fax: (706) 787-5106 Manager: Francisco Cruz Email: fheamc@aol.com

HAWAII Tripler Army Medical Center, I & II 315 Krukowski Rd. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 433-1291 x 28 Fax: (808) 433-3619 Manager: Theresa Johnson Email: Theresa.Johnson@ amedd.army.mil

KENTUCKY Blanchfield Army Community Hospital 652 Joel Dr. Fort Campbell, KY 42223 (270) 798-8330 Fax: (270) 798-8804 Manager: Wendy J. Carlston Email: wendy.carlston1@us.army.mil

MARYLAND Malcolm Grow Medical Center 1076 West Perimeter Rd. Andrews AFB, MD 20762 (301) 981-1243 Fax: (301) 981-7629 Manager: Janet Grampp Email: janet_grampp@msn.com National Naval Medical Center I, II 24 Stokes Rd. Bethesda, MD 20814-5002 (301) 295-5078 Fax: (301) 295-5632 Manager: Becky Wood Email: bwood@mwrbethesda.com

MINNESOTA Minneapolis VA Medical Center 1 Veterans Dr. Minneapolis, MN 55417 (612) 467-5602 Fax: (612) 970-5864 Asst. Manager: Marge Oslund Email: Oslund.Marge@va.gov

MISSISSIPPI Keesler Medical Center 509 Fisher St. Keesler AFB, MS 39534-2599 (228) 377-8264 Fax: (228) 377-7691 Manager: Larry Vetter Email: larry.vetter@keesler.af.mil

NEW YORK Stratton VA Medical Center 113 Holland Ave. Albany, NY 12208 (518) 626-6919 Fax: (518) 626-5452 Manager: Jerry Jensen Email: jerry.jensen@va.gov

NORTH CAROLINA Womack Army Medical Center 12 Bassett St. Fort Bragg, NC 28307-5000 (910) 432-1486 Fax: (910) 432-3825 Manager: Paula Gallero Email: fhwamc@aol.com

OHIO Cincinnati VA Medical Center 3200 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220 (513) 475-6571 Fax: (910) 432-3825 Manager: Karrie Hagan Email: karrie.hagan@med.va.gov Wright-Patterson Medical Center I, II 415 Schlatter Dr. Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433 (937) 257-0855 Fax: (937) 656-2150 Manager: Karen Healea Email: karen.healea@wpafb.af.mil

TEXAS Dallas VA Medical Center 4500 S. Lancaster Rd. Building TT-9, Room 110 Dallas, TX 75216 (214) 857-2574 Fax: (214) 462-4923 Manager: Lydia Henderson Email: Lydia.Henderson1@va.gov William Beaumont Army Medical Center 5005 N. Piedras St. El Paso, TX 79920-5001 (915) 569-1860 Fax: (915) 569-1862 Manager: Harry Hicks Email: fhwbamc@aol.com Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Bldg. 36015 Fisher Ln. Fort Hood, TX 78254 (254) 286-7927 Fax: (254) 286-7929 Manager: Isaac Howard Email: Isaac.howard@amedd.army.mil

Brooke Army Medical Center, I,II,III,IV 3623 George C. Beach Dr. Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 (210) 916-6000 Fax: (210) 916-6488 Manager: Inge Godfrey Email: fhbamc@aol.com Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center 2002 Holcombe Blvd.

Houston, TX 77030 (713) 794-8095 Fax: (713) 794-7194 Manager: Frank Kelley Email: frank.kelley@med.va.gov Wilford Hall Medical Center 1445 Foster Ave., Bldg. 3865 Lackland AFB, TX 78236 (210) 671-6037 Fax: (210) 671-6020 Manager: Paula Lewis Email: plewis-fisherhouse@ sbcglobal.net

VIRGINIA Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth 853 Fisher Dr., Bldg. 287 Portsmouth, VA 23708 (757) 953-6889 Fax: (757) 953-7174 Manager: Loretta Loveless Email: FishrHouse@msn.com Richmond VA Medical Center 1201 Broad Rock Blvd.

Richmond, VA 23249 (804) 675-6639 Fax: (804) 675-5979 Manager: Wayne Walker Email: wayne.walker@va.gov

WASHINGTON Madigan Army Medical Center 9999 Wilson Ave. Fort Lewis, WA 98433 (253) 964-9283 Fax: (253) 968-3619 Manager: Jodi Land Email: Jodi.Land@us.army.mil Puget Sound VA Medical Center 1660 South Columbia Way Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 768-5353 Fax: (206) 277-1415 Manager: Cecile Bagrow Email: Cecile.bagrow@va.gov

GERMANY Landstuhl Regional Medical Center I & II CMR 402, Box 669 APO, AE 09180 011-49-6371-6183311 Fax: 011-49-6371-866679 Manager: Vivian Wilson Email: Vivian.wilson@amedd.army.mil

Fisher House Foundation, Inc. 111 Rockville Pike Ste 420 Rockville, MD 20850-5000

It takes real courage to build these homes for the brave Make a difference this year: CFC Code In all CFC Campaigns

Through the generosity of the American public, Fisher House Foundation has succeeded in building more than 40 Fisher Houses throughout the US and overseas in Germany. And more are on the way.

Fisher Houses strive to support our wounded service members and their families, offering comfortable living situations in their times of medical crisis and utmost need. From the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan, these brave young men and women return, many with life-threatening injuries, to seek treatment in a military or VA medical facility far from home. A Fisher House nearby is often their greatest hope for a home away from home.

Thanks to the courageous efforts of people just like you, we are building more facilities at a record rate. Please consider making a donation to Fisher House Foundation or to any of the individual houses directly through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Our brave heroes now have a home, thanks to you.

To find out more about the Fisher House program, please visit www.fisherhouse.org or call (888) 294-8560.

Fisher House Foundation In select CFC Campaigns* Andrews AFB Fisher House Brooke Army Medical Center Fisher Houses Denver VA Fisher House Fort Bliss Fisher House Fort Bragg Fisher House Fort Campbell Fisher House Fort Gordon Fisher House Fort Hood Fisher House Fort Lewis Fisher House Keesler AFB Fisher House Lackland AFB Fisher Houses National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda Portsmouth Naval Medical Center Fisher House San Diego Naval Medical Center Fisher Houses Travis AFB Fisher House Tripler Army Medical Center Fisher Houses Walter Reed Army Medical Center Fisher Houses Wright-Patterson AFB Fisher Houses

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*Please verify the participation of a specific Fisher House in your campaign.

Š2009 Fisher House Foundation | Creative services donated by ds+f, Washington, DC www.dsfriends.com | Bowman Ashe Photography