The Patriot Magazine 2009 Issue 1 by Fisher House Foundation

WINTER/SPRING 2009

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION, INC. TM

www.fisherhouse.org

What does it take to build a fisher house? Much more than concrete and lumber goes into making a Fisher House home

california dream come true Los Angeles fisher house dedication team fisher house High-energy fundraisers run, hike, drive and play for Fisher Houses

pro hockey helps out Washington Capitals choose Fisher House as seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charitable cause

letters

Stratton VA Medical Center Fisher House

Front Line

House Round-up

A Gift From the Heart

Meet Cecil V. Bagrow

Guest Family Profile

Fisher House Foundation

Team Fisher House

Little did I know last year when I added Fisher House to my charities that the son and daughter-in-law of very close friends would, at this moment, be utilizing your facilities at Walter Reed Hospital in DC while she is undergoing an operation for lung cancer.

Fisher House Programs

California Dream Come True

Ken Fisher Honored

Pro Hockey Helps Out

Plugged In

Making a Big Impact Over the Airwaves

What Does It Take to Build a Fisher House?

Down Range

All Talk and Plenty of Action

A Small Gesture Returns Big Dividends

Doing Good in Their Neighborhoods

Indianapolis 500 Revs Up for Special Guests

Festivities With a Focus

Maj. and Mrs. Michael Kolb, his family and friends, and I thank you for “being there” for them. It is organizations like yours, and people like your staff, that make the United States the most wonderful country in the world. – Lee Ronson

[This letter originally appeared in the USCG Reservist magazine.]

When I arrived [at the Albany, NY Fisher House] from Tampa, FL, in mid-October to care for my gravely ill father, my job, my life and my plans were in flux. I felt shaken and rudderless. I found it easier to keep my thoughts and fears inward, tentatively having conversations with other residents over coffee. Yet because of the safe, inviting atmosphere, I soon found myself drawn in by the warmth and complete kindness of strangers. The staff offered hugs, tea and cookies, warm blankets, crocheted me a cozy scarf and shared advice on parking, nurses, grocery shopping, military benefits and the city. On a recent and particularly sad night for my dad, they arrived silently in the ICU to hold my hand and pray for him. It was a moment of complete fulfillment and gratitude. Fisher House embodies the best our world has to offer, and the concept of helping one another dovetails nicely with Coast Guard core values and helping shipmates. Fisher House allows a clarity, calm and level of comfort no hotel could ever provide. It’s even more special knowing it was created for those who have served. –PA1 Judy Silverstein, USCGR

The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

Travis Air Force Base Fisher House I would like to thank the Fisher House at Travis Air Force Base for the second time for its availability to military members and their families. Without such caring staff, volunteers and committed base personnel, the term “military family” would not exist. The other military families that are using the facility seem to forget about their own trials and tribulations and are eager to assist you upon your arrival and make you feel at home. My first stay at the Travis Fisher House was in December of 1997 through March 1998. During this time my family was notified that the diagnosis was not good and that they needed to proceed to Travis for a worst-case scenario. Four months later I was learning to walk and deal with my illness, but I was alive and able to enjoy life. In our latest visit, we had one day of appointments, one day of surgery and a follow-up the next day. The Travis Fisher House alleviated the need to drive 150 miles every day from home to the hospital. We were shown the same care and respect as before. Please accept my wife’s and my heartfelt thanks and appreciation. –Jeffrey & Eleanor Snively, Sacramento, CA

Ken Fisher Chairman and CEO Editor Leslie Happ ASSOCIATE Editor Debby Lynn 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 On the cover: Gunnery Sgt. Blaine Scott, USMC, with his son Blaine, at the dedication of the West Los Angeles VA Fisher House, February 6th, 2009. Cover photo by Bowman Ashe Photography

Letter from Ken Fisher Dear Friends, It is with great pride that we welcome you to our redesigned Fisher House magazine, aptly titled The Patriot. This name is especially fitting because our founders, Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, truly defined the word. They taught all with whom they came into contact that being a patriot was not just having a love of one’s country, but also giving back to it. That was their mission when they founded our program some 18 years ago.

And through the generosity and patriotism of so many, that mission continues today, through lodging, scholarships and our Hero Miles program. We, along with so many across this nation, will continue to honor the sacrifices made on our behalf by those who wear or have worn the uniform of the United States of America. This is not to be considered charity, but rather our duty. The foundation is proud to carry on the work of Zach and Elizabeth, and will continue to

Ken and Tammy Fisher

be there when we are needed the most, all because a family’s love is the best medicine of all. God bless you,

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 • WINTER/SPRING 2009

front

line

News from the Fisher House Community

We’ve Moved After 15 years in the same location, the offices of Fisher House Foundation have moved. As the foundation has expanded its programs and as support from the public has increased substantially, the staff has grown in order to be responsive to the growing needs. There are currently 11 full-time employees in the operations office.

The new office space is almost twice as large as the former space. If you are in the Rockville, MD, area and would like to visit the offices, please stop in. While the offices have moved, the commitment remains the same: supporting “our greatest national treasure … our military service men and women and their loved ones.” Only the address has changed. The telephone number, fax number and all email addresses remain the same. The new offices are now located at:

WE'VE ! MOVED

Fisher House Foundation, Inc. 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420 Rockville, Maryland 20850 Phone: 888 294 8560 Fax: 301 294 8562 Email: info@fisherhouse.org

Pendants for Peace Fredda Golden, founder of PeaceTags, presented Puget Sound Fisher House Manager Cecile Bagrow with a check for $25,000 on February 4th. PeaceTags are beautiful sterling silver dog tag-style necklaces, inscribed with timeless quotes about peace. They are available on-line at peacetags.com. Golden, daughter of Army veteran Larry Golden, founded PeaceTags in the Pacific Northwest in 2007. Her mission, she says, is to help heal the wounds of war— physical, emotional and spiritual—and to ignite peace in our hearts, in our homes and in our world by spreading words of peace. All net proceeds from the sale of the tags are donated to charity; the VA Puget Sound Fisher House is one of two beneficiaries.

Michael Stern: August 3, 1910 - April 7, 2009 Michael Stern, a trustee of Fisher House Foundation since its establishment in 1993, died on April 7th, 2009. Mike was 98 years old and worked with Fisher House Founder Zachary Fisher from the earliest days of the program. He was a friend of every Fisher House manager, and for more than 15 years, he also served as the publisher of Fisher House Magazine. Mike enjoyed an incredibly full life: journalist, war correspondent during World War II, author, publisher, movie producer; and he was involved in many philanthropic activities. In addition to his service as a trustee for Fisher House Foundation, Mike was a founding board member for the Intrepid Museum Foundation, the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, and the Michael Stern Parkinson's Research Foundation. We celebrate his life and his many accomplishments that made this a better world. We extend our condolences to his son Michael, his daughter Margaret, and his granddaughter Margaret Ann. Michael Stern during his time as a war correspondent in the European Theater of Operations during World War II.

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A Night at the Circus Since 2006, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has been a corporate member of America Supports You, a nationwide program that highlights support for America’s service men and women and their families. It also has a long-standing arrangement with Fisher Houses: the circus’s military liaison customarily invites all guest families to attend the circus as its guests when one of its three touring units is in a community where there is a Fisher House. In March, the circus extended an invitation to Fisher House guest families at Walter Reed, Bethesda and Andrews Air Force Base to attend the opening night in Washington, DC. Special guests were wounded warriors from Bethesda and Walter Reed, plus patients from the DC VA Medical Center. Last year, the circus featured Fisher House as its charity partner and presented the foundation with a special proclamation. Says Ringling Ring Master Chuck Wagner, “In my three years as Ringmaster, I’ve had the honor of meeting everyone from privates to generals, tank drivers to fighter pilots, foot soldiers to sailors…Truly amazing are the wounded warriors who show no self pity…only an urgency to get back to the fight alongside their buddies. I’m always moved, too, by the brave families who stay behind while their loved ones take their places in harm’s way.”

Above: The Armed Forces Color Guard from Washington, DC based military ceremonial units at opening night of the circus. Right: Would there be a circus were it not for the elephants? Fisher House Foundation staff joined the guest families from Walter Reed, Bethesda and Andrews Fisher Houses, and enjoyed a night of entertainment.

Bluegrass Jammers Put the Fun in Fundraising When it’s noon in Birchdale, MN, it’s 7 pm in Baghdad. Nevertheless, the same moment was shared by all the members of the RDU Session Players, some of whom were in Birchdale and some in Iraq. Although separated by 6,300 miles, the bluegrass musicians were united by a common cause. They came together on January 31st for the second annual Marathon Jam to benefit Fisher House Foundation. The RDU Session Players, taking its name from cities of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, Raleigh and Durham, has been jamming to raise money for Fisher House ever since one of its own, Lt. Col. Greg Rawlins, was deployed to Iraq two years ago. When music lives in your heart, you don’t leave it behind when deployed, you take it with you.

Shortly after arriving in Baghdad, the dulcet tones of Rawlins’ trusty mandolin were wafting across the desert air. It was not long before Rawlins had assembled a group of bluegrass players from amongst the ranks of Army soldiers stationed in Baghdad. This adjunct to the RDU Session Players became known as the Baghdad Bad Boys, achieving immediate notoriety with stateside bluegrass players. For the January Jam, players assembled at seven diverse locations, from frigid Birchdale (population seven, except on Jam day) to arid Baghdad. They played an arduous 13 hours of great bluegrass music, raising nearly $15,000 for Fisher House through sponsorships. Sponsors agreed to donate an hourly rate to their sponsored musicians, good for as

many hours as the players could play. And play on they did. Of the 25 or so musicians at each location, several were dubbed “iron pickers” because they played the entire 13 hours. Jam locations with nearby Fisher Houses donated their proceeds directly to those houses. In spite of sub-zero temperatures in Birchdale and seven feet of snow on the ground in Coon Rapids, MN, enough players braved the elements at these two jam sessions to raise an impressive $2,000 for the Minneapolis Fisher House. Fort Bragg is relatively close to Chapel Hill, home to RDU Session Players founder John Santa. Santa and Rawlins (who was stationed at Fort Bragg when he joined RDU) together conceived of and organized the Fisher House fundraiser. Fort Bragg netted $10,500 from the Chapel Hill venue, and the Baghdad Bad Boys presented $2,000 raised in Iraq, directly to Fisher House Foundation.

At Birchdale, MN, it’s snow on the outside (left) and jammin’ on the inside (right). The musicians, here and elsewhere, played for 13 continuous hours, raising nearly $15,000.

The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

house

round-up Denv e

Landst

rm a uhl, Ge

r, CO

ny Fort Sa m Houston , TX

David Grant USAF Medical Center

VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System

Denver VA Medical Center

Travis Air Force Base, CA

Los Angeles, CA

Denver, CO

In early December the 60th Maintenance Operation Squadron and the 349th Maintenance Operation Flight held their seventh annual holiday tree festival and silent auction to raise funds for the Travis Fisher House. Thirty themedecorated trees were donated by various base organizations. Santa Claus made a special appearance, as well as the Air Force Band, which played Christmas music for bidders.

The February 6th Dedication Ceremony was a great success, covered by CNN and Dr. Phil, who interviewed some of the guest families. Over 500 people joined in the celebration. A special thank you goes to the Pacific Palisades Post 283, which made a generous $2.15 million contribution to the WLA Fisher House. The house opened its doors to residents on February 13th.

The Denver Fisher House is building up its volunteer force, with the addition of a volunteer coordinator on the Friends of the Fisher House nonprofit board. The organization’s 13-year-old board of directors is starting up a new fundraising campaign for a second house in Denver so it will be ready when a call for new houses is made.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center

San Diego Naval Medical Center

Washington, DC

San Diego, CA The grand opening of Fisher House II took place October 3rd, and was a resounding success. It joins Fisher House I on the grounds, which opened in 1992 and was the fourth house built by the Fisher House Foundation.

Palo Alto VA Health Care System Palo Alto, CA BAE Systems held a fundraiser that involved an entire Saturday filled with children’s games, face painting, inflatable jumping rooms and food. The company also put on display military vehicles, include several of its Bradley fighter vehicles. Eleven hundred employees and several Fisher House guests attended the event, which raised $7,120.

Ta mpa, FL Fort Bragg, NC

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America’s second lady Dr. Jill Biden visited the Walter Reed Fisher Houses on February 18th, 2009. She met with members of Fisher House Foundation and toured one of the houses. She met with guests and visited with wounded warrior Sgt. Nicholas Firth to better understand the daily experience of service men and women on their return home and the process of their recovery.

Bay Pines VA Medical Center Bay Pines, FL For the past seven months a group of mentally challenged, high-functioning young men and women from the Pinellas Technical Education Center has prepared meals for Fisher House guests every Tuesday and Thursday. They also hosted the Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day luncheons, both of which were amazing successes. This group not only provides wonderful dishes but serves as a tremendous inspiration to all of the g uests.

West Palm Beach VA Medical Center West Palm Beach, FL Indian River Mental Health Association donated “Freedom”—a patriotic turtle sculpture to the WPB VAMC Fisher House. The turtle is the official mascot for mental health, as its shell provides protection and shelter from harm—just as the Fisher House provides shelter and comfort to families enduring illness and other hardships. “Freedom” was painted by local artist Barbara Sharp.

James A. Haley VA Medical Center Tampa, FL Tampa sunshine greeted Super Bowl XLIII, and it was sunny as well inside the Tampa Fisher House. As part of the pregame activities, former Bears Coach Mike Ditka, retired football great Rocky Bryer, and several of this year's players visited poly-trauma patients and families. A good-natured rivalry developed between fans of the competing teams and the athletes. Each family received special autographed Super Bowl memorabilia.

Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center

Tripler Army Medical Center

Fort Gordon, GA

Honolulu, HI

Audriana Llinas, a student with the Greenbreir High School Navy JROTC program, presented the Fort Gordon Fisher House and the Warrior in Transition Battalion each with a check and area restaurant gift certificates. She raised funds by running the Warrior Challenge Run, a 5K race held on January 31st, 2009.

On March 18th, the Hollywood Knights Celebrity basketball team deployed nine of TV’s hottest stars to Hawaii to participate in the second annual USO Tour. Celebrities went toe to toe with some of the military’s best players. A special visit was scheduled to the Tripler Fisher Houses, where guests were treated to a picture and autograph session. During the game, Staff Sgt. Michael Payne, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained in Iraq, was brought in, crutches and all, as a substitute to shoot some free throws—which he made—for the Hollywood Knights team.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital Fort Campbell, KY Former President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Josh Forbess at Fort Campbell on November 25th. Forbess, an Army staff sergeant, has been a house volunteer since June 2006, leading Wounded Warrior meetings and mentoring veterans and their families. He is also involved with the house’s Equine Therapy Program and in fundraising and community education efforts. Forbess, himself injured in Iraq in 2003, also volunteers with Building Homes for Heroes and Bikers Who Care.

Malcolm Grow Medical Center Andrews Air Force Base, MD The Andrews Fisher House bade farewell to Tech. Sgt. Joe Dias, a steady volunteer for the past five years. He retired from the Air Force at the end of March. A liaison with the Civil Engineering Squadron, he was instrumental in getting house repairs done efficiently, providing transportation and organizing details when major efforts are needed. He will be greatly missed.

National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, MD Both Fisher Houses will soon be immersed in a renovation that will run through most of the summer and fall. The volunteers love the new furnishing selections and colors. Everyone is eager to host families in their “new” houses.

The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

Womack Army Medical Center Fort Bragg, NC | Fort Bragg Fisher House mourns the loss of Sgt. 1st Class Steven E. Wood (Woody) in September. Assigned in May 2007 to the Warrior Transition Battalion at Womack, Wood volunteered immediately at the Fisher House. He was a hands-on type of guy, once joking, “Me, the Special Forces hard-core soldier—shampooing rugs.” He always had a way of comforting the wounded staying at the Fisher House. Minneapolis VA Medical Center

USAF Medical Center Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH

Minneapolis, MN The Minneapolis Fisher House is especially excited about its newest volunteer—a professional chef. Now retired, Gary Lenising prepares dinner for the guests one or two nights a week. He makes everything from scratch; no skimping on ingredients. Inevitably after one of his wonderful meals, guests will be heard saying, “Isn’t that the best salad dressing you’ve ever had?” “When is he coming again?”

Presidents of all 280 Rotary Clubs in Ohio chose as their annual community service project Operation Fisher House. Every club donated a 30-gallon bin full of supplies such as paper towels, bottled water and other necessities, as well as gift cards and toys for guests. The amazing bounty was shared with the Cincinnati Fisher House.

Stratton VA Medical Center Albany, NY

USAF Medical Center Keesler Air Force Base, MS The Keesler Fisher House recently received a much-needed kitchen makeover. The original kitchen served the house well, but the normal wear and tear was really starting to show in scratched appliances and cracked countertops. A generous local benefactor came on the scene and provided the financial backing for the small but important project. The new kitchen is complete and in use by the residents and their families.

Spring is finally here, and the Albany Fisher House is shaking off the cold. Thanks to substantial donations from Pepsi Inc., Wal-Mart and the New York State VFW, work on the new serenity garden behind the house continues, with the Albany VA grounds crew assisting in planting flowers and shrubs. Guests will finally be able to enjoy the beautiful picnic table received from the New York State Department of Corrections last fall and a new barbecue grill. Inside, there are all new comforters, sheets and pillows for all the beds, and the rooms are starting look brighter.

Cincinnati VA Medical Center Cincinnati, OH On September 6th, UAW Local 2308 and Miller Brewing Company hosted their 1st Annual Motorcycle Benefit Run with all proceeds going to the Cincinnati Fisher House. More than 180 cyclists enjoyed a 25-mile ride on a beautiful, sunny day that ended with a picnic, complete with food, prizes and music. The total amount raised was $5,700. 6

The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

Brooke Army Medical Center Fort Sam Houston, TX The BAMC Fisher Houses have devised a room-dedication program to recognize volunteers’ outstanding service. A plaque with the individual or group’s name is fashioned and a small ceremony is conducted. The good will and appreciation is immeasurable. Our supporters feel even more motivated to continue supporting the houses and residents. As of March, 2009, nine rooms in BAMC Fisher House III have been dedicated.

VA North Texas Health Care System Dallas, TX After its dedication in fall 2008, which was attended by visionary businessman and Fisher House supporter T. Boone Pickens, the Fisher House of the VA North Texas Health Care System greeted its first guests in February. Already, the Fisher House has helped over 20 families since its opening.

Carl R. DarnalL Army Medical Center

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

Madigan Army Medical Center

Fort Hood, TX

Houston, TX

Fort Lewis, WA

On February 24th, 2009, Fisher House Ambassadors Audrey Fisher and Nancy Edelman visited the Fort Hood Fisher House. After a tour of the facility the Ambassadors were guests of honor during a luncheon at the Hood Club, which included dignitaries Lt. Gen. Lynch, III Corps Commander, Col. Jones, CRDAMC Commander, and members of the Band of Angels.

In honor of Arbor Day, April 24th, the Houston Garden Club made its annual tree donation to the Houston Fisher House in February. Everyone at the house is delighted that this is becoming a tradition. Bryan Dyck, voluntary service program manager, and his staff accepted the donation.

The Fort Lewis Fisher House has many wonderful volunteers. Marla Deere from Touch of Relief gives free massages to guest family members to help them relax after long days at the hospital. Many others bring in home-cooked meals. The house holds quarterly volunteer luncheons to honor them and recognize their service.

William Beaumont Army Medical Center El Paso, TX On February 27th, 2009, members of Fisher House Foundation and Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) Fisher House Program made a visit to the Fisher House at Fort Bliss. They met with guest families and greeted members of local organizations that help support the house. They were treated to a celebration marking the house’s 15th anniversary.

Wilford Hall Medical Center Lackland Air Force Base, TX The Lackland Fisher Houses have gone green—installing energy-efficient light bulbs. Each light bulb saves $32 a year, according to Executive Director Dwayne Hopkins. With 642 light bulbs among the three houses, he says, savings could come to $20,000 in a year. The total initial cost of the light bulbs was $1,500. Students from Galm Elementary and Lackland Airman Leadership schools helped to raise the money, and the commissary donated food for the event.

Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center Richmond, VA The Richmond Fisher House opened in July 2008. It is the fourth house built near a VA poly-trauma hospital. Fully handicapped accessible, the house can accommodate outpatients as well as their families. The house is sponsoring the engineering facility train-up for all the new approved homes in the VA, and is featured in the March/April 2009 issue of the VA VAnguard magazine.

Puget Sound VA Health Care System Seattle, WA The Puget Sound Fisher House has been a whirlwind of activity already this year. It hosted a Super Bowl party, a Valentine’s Day party with Brownie Scout Troop #2437 and an Oscar Night party. Mardi Gras featured paczki (a Polish doughnut that is traditional Fat Tuesday fare) and a gumbo dinner prepared by staff. March brought a wearin’ o’ the green and corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day.

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Landstuhl, Germany Just in time for the holidays, the Danish community at NATO’s air headquarters at Ramstein delivered $3,000 worth of Lego® toy building bricks and three fairy tale books by famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen to the Fisher Houses at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. The Danish-based Lego Group donated the three huge boxes of Lego.

Portsmouth Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA The Portsmouth Fisher House received a “facelift” with new paint, flooring, a completely new kitchen, new furnishings for all guest rooms and common rooms. The result…“absolutely beautiful,” everyone says. As well, the exterior of the house will receive fresh paint, shutters and more to match the new look inside the house. The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

a gift from

the heart

Air Force child would rather give than receive

by Linda Frost | 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs Nine-year-old Mary Rose couldn’t think of anything she wanted for her birthday. Instead of receiving gifts for herself, she decided to ask for donations to help others. On January 18th, Mary Rose Ocampo, daughter of Senior Master Sgt. Clifford Ocampo, 59th Surgical Specialties Squadron, hosted a typical birthday party with ice cream and cake at an outdoor park in San Antonio. But, instead of bringing gifts for Mary, the kids brought donations for the Lackland Air Force Base Fisher House. To her surprise, Mary received $1,445 in donations and more than $225 worth of paper products. “My parents helped me and gave me a list of different organizations to choose from. I decided to help the Fisher House because they help military families and I could get my donations to them fast,” says Mary Rose. More than 75 birthday invitations were mailed out and nearly 60 people, including

Fisher House Ambassadors Audrey Fisher (left) and Nancy Edelman (right) with Fisher House “Angel” Mary Rose Ocampo.

The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

kids, parents and relatives, showed up with checks or dry goods in hand. Donations were even received from the Ocampo family’s military friends as far away as Canada, California and Arkansas. “We try to instill the value of selflessness in our children, and that was pretty much what we expressed in the invitation card,” says Sgt. Ocampo. “Since [Mary Rose] couldn’t decide what she wanted, we gave her the option of giving rather than receiving. She made her own choice.” Mary Rose’s brother, Joseph, did the same thing for his ninth birthday. “I think it’s amazing a young girl of her age is willing to contribute to Fisher House and not benefit herself.

This is a very unselfish act,” says Dwayne Hopkins, executive director, Fisher House, Inc., the local nonprofit that supports the Lackland Fisher House. “She was smart to contribute both money and dry goods. Now we don’t have to spend funds buying those things and have the flexibility to purchase other items we need.” Mary Rose’s selfless actions didn’t go unnoticed. She is the youngest individual recipient of the Fisher House Foundation Angel Award, given for significant volunteer effort. Fisher House Ambassadors Audrey Fisher and Nancy Edelman presented the special award to Mary Rose February 25th, during a visit to Lackland Air Force Base.

Keeping It Perso nal

Fisher House Am bassadors maint ain face-to-face with guests, vo connection lunteers, staff A cornerstone of Fisher Hous e Foundation was hands-on Founder Zach , continuous co ary Fisher’s ph ntact with the ilanthropy houses he built guests, volunt . Even when hi eers and staff s health preclu at the call the houses ded him from regularly and ta traveling, he w lk with guest fa ould milies. Today, that tra dition is carried on by Fisher Ho Audrey Fisher use Ambassad and Nancy Ed ors, in the pers elman, both vi ons of Traveling at th ce chairmen of eir own expens the foundation’s e, th e two women cr bo overseas to Ge ard. isscross the co rmany, striving untry and trave to visit as man l y houses as po ssible each year Their mission is . simple: to say “thank you”—to to our nation; the guest familie to the manager s for their serv s for their selfles and the staffs ice s dedication; an of the medical d to the volunt centers who en and the individu eers su re th e success of the al houses. program In their five ye ars as Ambass adors, the wom miles, visiting en have logged each Fisher Ho more than 200, use at least tw 000 The priorities ice and most for their visits th ree or more tim ar e those houses They are quick es. with families of to tell anyone combat casual who asks that ties. they consider this duty an ho Already this ye nor. ar, the Ambass ad or s have visited Los Angeles, Da Fisher Houses llas, Fort Hood in Seattle, , San Antonio already schedu and El Paso. Up led include Ho coming visits nolulu, Palo Al to and Landstuh l, Germany.

meet cecile v. bagrow VA Puget Sound Fisher House Manager has been a VA employee for over 30 years “I’ve done just about everything except perform open-heart surgery,” jokes Cecile Bagrow, manager of the VA Puget Sound Fisher House. It’s nearly true. Beginning as a ward clerk in the intensive care unit at the Ann Arbor Michigan VA, she worked her way up the ranks—and across the country—ending up as the administrative officer in the Department of Medicine at VA Puget Sound. But the career began to lose some of its luster. Says Bagrow, “I got to a place where the job wasn’t satisfying me in the way it had; I was feeling more and more disconnected from people and the notion of service.” A volunteer trip to New Orleans in 2007 changed everything. “I went with my sister to help with the hurricane recovery efforts. It was one of the most profound and even spiritual experiences of my life,” she says. “I saw real need, encountered people who showed so much hope in the face of dreadful circumstances. And for a week, cleaning out ruined houses and mucking around, I knew what I was doing mattered. I was determined to have that feeling about my work again; I just didn’t know what that would look like.”

80 and 100 percent. Bagrow sums up her experience thus far very simply. “I’m blessed,” she says. “This is such a great job. The people we have served have been so wonderful and I’m really fortunate in the staff I have been able to bring on board.” That staff comprises Lorraine Thomas, assistant manager, and Ray Madayag and Steve McFadden, housekeepers.

“Everyone understands our mission and we have so much fun working together,” she says. “In all my years at the VA I’ve never had such a wonderful team.” Bagrow expects to retire within the next eight years. “What a way to end my career with the VA,” she reflects. “For so many years I served the veteran patients. Now I’m serving them and their families through such a wonderful program.”

“Everyone understands our mission and we have so much fun working together,” Bagrow says. “In all my years at the VA I’ve never had such a wonderful team.”

Upon Bagrow’s return to Seattle “something amazing” happened. “The Fisher House manager position posted,” she says, “and I knew right away that I had to apply.” Coming on board in the earliest phases of the project, Bagrow was able to plan the groundbreaking event and watch as the house rose from the mud. “I brought doughnuts to the crew every Friday,” she says. “I was so excited to check on the progress.” Open only since September, the VAPS Fisher House has already served more than 200 families with a daily occupancy rate of anywhere between Puget Sound VA Fisher House Manager Cecile Bagrow accepts the ceremonial key to her Fisher House from Stan Johnson, director of the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System.

The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

guest family profile Name: Lahair FAMILY House: Tripler Fisher House Home State: Hawaii Military Branch: Air Force

Staff and volunteers at all Fisher Houses strive to make every guest family feel comfortable and cared for, but a particular success occurred at the house at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii last fall. In November 2007, Shaun Lahair, US Air Force (Ret.), was working as a contractor for the Air Force in South Korea when he was rushed to the emergency room. A tumor was discovered on his brain, and his wife, Sugae, flew in from Japan. Once he was stabilized, he was transported to Tripler for treatment. Sugae, and, eventually Shaun, moved into the Fisher House, where they would remain for the next 10 months.

Tripler Fisher House fulfills a dream for the Lahair family

happy. He was so unselfish, he was like, ‘I don’t want you ruining your wedding plans for me.’” Kerry and fiancé Alex were not persuaded. But knowing that Shaun was a perennial worrier, they, together with Sugae, decided to keep the Hawaii plans secret. Just a week before their arrival, they informed Shaun. “At first he was a little upset—stressing out— but then he was happy,” Kerry says. It turns out there was a surprise awaiting Kerry and Alex, as well. Her mother, Sugae, had approached Fisher House Manager Theresa Johnson to inquire whether the wedding might be held at the house. “Since this was such a special occasion that every little girl would want her dad at, of course we granted that wish,” says Johnson. Staff, volunteers and other guests threw themselves into the planning—with guests taking on almost all the cooking and decorating. “Theresa had found us

Meanwhile, the couple’s daughter, Kerry, living in Richmond, VA, became engaged. Planning commenced for a spring 2009 wedding. “A little while after we got engaged, Dad alluded to the fact that he probably wouldn’t be there,” says Kerry, 24. “I got the hint, and we started talking about going to Hawaii to get married. Dad wasn’t happy with my decision. He’d always been very concerned with my sister and me being Above: Tripler Army Medical Center Chaplain Timothy Wilson tells Alex to kiss his new bride, Kerry. Top right: Fisher House resident Shaun Lahair gives his little girl one last kiss before he gives her away. Bottom right: Fisher House dancers Theresa, Tanya and Matalena perform a traditional Tahitian dance for the bride and groom.

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a chaplain from the hospital; we thought it would just be our immediate family and the chaplain—no big deal,” says Kerry. “I had no idea what a wonderful big ceremony and reception was being planned.” Fisher House Assistant Manager Anita Clingerman brought in her son, Zachariah, a DJ, and her sister, Mata, and her Polynesian dancers.

“I will never forget what

was done at the Fisher House.

For my parents, for me.”

- Kerry Lahair

The wedding party poses on the front lawn of Fisher House II at Tripler Army Medical Center, with its beautiful view of Honolulu.

Johnson’s son played ukulele and sang, and a professional photographer volunteered her services. Clingerman’s granddaughters, Zaysha and Anita, served as flower girls, and Fisher House guests filled in for friends and family. Recognizing that Shaun was extremely weak from chemotherapy, Johnson thought of a final touch: “Residents decorated our golf cart as the carriage that drove the father and bride down to the aisle,” she says, “so her dad could walk those few precious steps to the altar.” In fact, Shaun was determined to do more. After the ceremony, even though he had lost feeling in his feet, he stood and proudly danced with his daughter to “Butterfly Kisses.” It was a magical event for everyone. “A couple weeks before, Theresa told me my dad wasn’t feeling good; he was in a quiet mood, feeling down,” says Kerry. “Once we got there, he was like a whole different person—wearing

bright clothing, wanting to participate in everything… I could tell my dad was really happy.” As for herself, she says, simply, “It was the best week of my life.” Kerry’s beautiful memories go beyond the precious time she spent with her father. She marvels at the efforts Johnson and other Fisher House guests made on her family’s behalf. “It was just such a family kind of environment,” she says. “Everyone helping one another, laughing. No one talked about their sickness; they wanted to keep the mood up. “Theresa,” she adds, “she’s the most amazing person I’ve ever met. She really cared about my parents, especially my dad.” A month after Kerry and Alex’s August 14th wedding, Shaun went to a hospice in Massachusetts, where he was surrounded by family. He died December 29th at the age of 50. “I will never forget what was done at the Fisher House,” says Kerry, “for my parents, for me.” Top: Fisher House guest families help to prepare the food for Kerry and Alex’s wedding reception, and (bottom) attend the ceremony as well.

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team

fisher house Families of active-duty service personnel bear a special burden. Their deep-rooted instinct to support their loved ones is often stymied by deployments thousands of miles away. Four years ago, military spouse Cathy Cabrey found a way to channel this impulse in a healthy and productive way: with the help of friends, she organized a team of military spouses and others to run in the Marine Corps Marathon as a fundraiser for Fisher House Foundation. With no formal marketing plan and mostly email correspondence, Cabrey recruited 85 runners for the 2006 run, each of whom pledged to raise $500 for Fisher House Foundation in the process. Most met that threshold and kept on going—the team raised more than $70,000 that first year. There was no turning back. Last year, Team Fisher House, now formally established as a program of Fisher House Foundation, raised $640,000, at not only the Marine Corps Marathon, but through several other foot races around the country and other athletic endeavors. David Madden, for example, hiked from Maine to Key West over seven months, raising more than $30,000 along the way. Patriot Racing, comprising Steve Levow and his

Above: Members of Team Fisher House at the Army Ten Miler. Right: Steve Levow of Patriot Racing running in the Army Ten Miler.

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High-energy fundraisers run, hike, drive and play for Fisher Houses

stepfather John Porter, raises money competing in motorcycle racing. In fact, anyone can participate in Team Fisher House, no matter where they live or what their pursuit. The web site, www.teamfisherhouse.org, is a one-stop shop for would-be fundraisers, providing everything from business cards and postcards to a customizable, individual fundraising web site. There are even training tips and a Team Coach, Stacy Toner. This year’s Marine Corps Marathon is October 25th, originating near the Iwo Jima Memorial, just outside of Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Team Fisher House holds 300 slots for wouldbe marathoners, as well as 20 slots for the companion 10K race that same day. Runners of all abilities are encouraged to join Team Fisher House, from first-time marathoners to elite runners. Participants are required to raise $500 or more for Fisher House Foundation to claim their slot (as well as pay the registration fee). In addition to fundraising assistance, training schedules and advice, Team Fisher House offers participants a private pasta dinner the night before race day, discounted lodging, team T-shirts and

gift bags, and prizes for top fundraisers. Perhaps more than anything, though, Team Fisher House provides the motivation. Paul McCollum’s inspiration to join Team Fisher House’s 2008 Marine Corps Marathon contingent was his daughter, Rebecca, a Marine deployed in Iraq. A recreational runner from Michigan, he raised over $10,000—the campaign’s top fundraiser. Finishing in about 5 1/2 hours, McCollum recounts being motivated along the way by a young soldier: “He was near me at the start of the race and I continued to see him from time to time over the course of the marathon. When I hit my personal ‘wall’ at mile 20, I lost track of him but I found out later that he went on to beat me to the finish by more than 15 minutes,” he says. “I was ecstatic for him and moved by his accomplishment because he was running on one leg, damaged from combat wounds, and a high-tech prosthesis; and he and his family had depended on a Fisher House during his recovery.” McCollum plans to reprise his Marine Corps/Team Fisher House effort this fall—starting the race, at least, with daughter Rebecca at his side.

Patriot Racing motorcycle, displaying the Fisher House logo, on the track.

Steve Levow and his stepfather John Porter, competing as Patriot Racing, also raised money while competing in motorcycle racing events.

Left: Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids Fun Run participants. Below: Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, US Army, guest speaker at the Team Fisher House pasta dinner, in the Marathon hand crank division where the participants were primarily combat wounded Marines and soldiers.

2009 Organized Fundraising Events Team Dreyfus 2009 ING Georgia Half-Marathon Atlanta, GA occurred March 29

Photo by Pamela Lea-Maida

Burning River Lacrosse, LLC’s Charity Lacrosse Showcase Lakeland, OH occurred April 25

George Washington Parkway Classic 10-miler and 5K Mount Vernon Estates, VA occurred April 26

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Long Range Riding Platoon’s Finish the Mission Ride Tulsa, OK June 17

Air Force Marathon Races— Marathon, half-marathon, 10K Dayton, OH September 19 From left to right: Team Fisher House Trainer Stacy Toner, Program Director Cathy Cabrey, and Mary Considine from the Foundation staff.

Army Ten-Miler Washington, DC October 4

Marine Corps Marathon and 10K Arlington, VA October 25

Visit the Team Fisher House web site to sign up, donate or volunteer:

www.teamfisherhouse.org

Runners of all abilities are encouraged to join Team Fisher House, from first-time marathoners to elite runners. Photo by Pamela Lea-Maida

Guests pose for a photo after the Team Fisher House pasta dinner.

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fisher house

programs Going above and beyond to unite military families during crises Gravely injured, the serviceman was airlifted to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. As his life lay in the balance, family members were summoned. At Army expense, his wife and his mother flew to his side, his father to Washington, DC, to await his subsequent arrival at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. But what of his two young children? At 10 years old, his son wanted to go with grandfather to Washington. His daughter, just 2 ½, needed someone to look after her— in-laws would have to fly in from Georgia. The military could not cover those additional expenses. One of the hard realities that Fisher Houses address is that lodging expenses can add up quickly when family members travel to be at the side of their wounded warrior. Another potentially huge cost, however, as families scramble to react to an emergency, is the travel itself. In the cases of seriously wounded service men and women, military policy provides invitational travel authorizations for up to three biological family members. But every case is unique—the service man or woman, his or her injuries, the family situation. Sometimes circumstances just don’t fit into the well-intended but rigid military regulations. That’s where Hero Miles comes in. An outpouring of good will from the American public has funded the Hero Miles program since its inception five years ago. Airline passengers may donate

their frequent flyer miles to the program, which in turn provides free air travel for wounded warriors and their families. To date, Hero Miles, administered by Fisher House Foundation, has provided more than 16,000 airline tickets, worth more than $22 million, to bring military families together during medical emergencies. Step-parents, grandparents, halfsiblings—military policy doesn’t always adequately address today’s blended or extended families, nor the obligations of working spouses or parents. Hero Miles can allow loved ones to rotate their stays in order to maintain their jobs while their warrior is recovering, or to keep children in their local school. Another important Hero Miles function is bringing the injured home in between treatments. “We do that by the boatload at Christmastime and Thanksgiving,” says Program Director Pam Lea-Maida. “Hospitals want to clear the wards out, if they can. What better way is there to spend the holidays, than at home? Those are our favorite tickets to issue.” Nine airlines currently participate in Hero Miles: AirTran, Alaska, American, Continental, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United and US Airways. Fisher House Foundation not only administers the program, but picks up ancillary costs such as taxes and security fees. To donate money or miles to the Hero Miles program, visit the Fisher House Foundation web site at www.fisherhouse.org/programs/ heroMiles.shtml.

Newman’s Own Awards Profits from late actor’s food products go to For troops on the front lines, or those just completing their service, it’s often the small things and mundane matters that make a big difference. A three-minute phone call from home can boost a service man or woman’s morale in the field for days. Help making a car payment means one less thing to stress about when a returning service person is struggling to reintegrate into civilian life. Such support is often mustered on a shoestring—an individual or a small group sees a need in their community and labors to fill it. These are the initiatives that the Newman’s Own Awards program aims to nurture. Newman’s Own products, from salad dressings and sauces to popcorn and cereals, are sold in commissaries worldwide. A portion of the after-tax proceeds from these sales comes back to the military through Fisher House Foundation and the Newman’s Own Awards program, administered by the foundation and co-sponsored by Military Times Media Group. In 2008, those profits translated into $75,000 in grants awarded to 15 volunteer organizations, in all corners of the country and abroad. Over the nine-year course of the program, Newman’s Own, founded by the late actor Paul Newman, has donated more than a half million dollars to more than 114 initiatives that improve the quality of life of military families. “We try to impress upon people that ‘innovative’ and ‘local’ are the hallmarks

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At more than 250 commissaries, in the US and overseas, store directors hosted ceremonies to honor scholarship recipients whose applications were submitted through their stores.

Scholarships for Military Children and Spouses $1 million awarded by Fisher House Foundation and partners in 2008 Last year, Fisher House Foundation and its partners helped a record number of military families pay for college, funding not only scholarships for children, but for spouses as well.

improve military family quality of life of the volunteering we’re hoping to foster,” says Program Administrator Mary Considine. “The judges try to focus on good ideas in the community which support military families that no one’s thought of before, or that address a new issue.” The grants range in scale from $1,000 to $15,000; in 2008, the overall winning entry, gleaned from 120 applications, went to the New Jersey-based Freedom Calls Foundation, for its “Family Communication at the Frontlines” program. The initiative arranges 2,000 video conferences every month to enable military families to share such milestones as birthdays, weddings, graduations and last goodbyes, as well as a million minutes of telephone calls, free of charge. Receiving an “honorable mention” award of $1,000 was “The Happy Mail Club,” created by the United Cerebral Palsy of Palm Beach and Mid-Coast Counties in Florida, in which developmentally disabled volunteers assemble care packages and correspondence for troops deployed in the most remote and dangerous locations. Applications for the 2009 awards are now being accepted; deadline for proposals is May 1st. A panel of judges will evaluate each submission, and the winners will be announced in early September. For more information on the program or eligibility requirements, visit the Newman’s Own Awards page on the Fisher House Foundation web site at www.fisherhouse.org/programs/ newmans.shtml.

Since 2001, the Scholarships for Military Children program, a partnership of the Defense Commissary Agency and Fisher House Foundation, has awarded more than $6.4 million through more than 4,000 scholarships for undergraduate education. Funded by commissary suppliers and the public, the program last year awarded $1,500 scholarships to 600 recipients. Every commissary with at least one qualified applicant awarded a scholarship. Nyssa Glenn is one beneficiary, earning her scholarship in 2003. “When I received this scholarship, it definitely gave me confidence for college in addition to the monetary support. It was encouraging to me that the people who read my application had some faith in what I could do at Virginia Tech,” she says. “I was extremely thankful for the assistance I received that helped make my loans more manageable for me now. “ She earned a bachelor of science degree in engineering science and mechanics and now works as a bridge engineer in Denver. In recent years, the foundation felt it was time to expand the reach of its scholarships beyond children of military families, to spouses, as well. “After we did some looking around, we concluded that the National Military Family Association had a very efficient model for spouse scholarships with minimal overhead,” says Jim Weiskopf, Fisher House Foundation executive vice president of communications, “and they were reaching the same demographic we wanted, so our board approved a $100,000 grant to NMFA for spouse scholarships in 2008.”

NMFA’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program scholarships range from $500 to $1,000, so the Fisher House Foundation grant has made a big impact. “In previous years, we were always scraping together funds; our very first year, we only gave out $20,000, and had a pool of several hundred applicants,” says Kathleen Burke, NMFA director of development and membership. “Now we get between 5,000 and 8,000 applications—the Fisher House grant has made it possible for us to award 100 scholarships.” Whereas recipients of the Scholarships for Military Children program must be enrolled full-time in a four-year degree program, the NMFA spouse scholarships offer more flexibility—including vocational, technical, distance learning and English as a Second Language courses. “Part of our goal is to spur people on who have stalled in their education,” Burke says. “We realize that if their spouse is deployed, they may have to interrupt their studies. There are different nuances because of the military lifestyle. We respect that fact.” A case in point is 2008 scholarship winner Andrea Filipkowski. “I had just graduated and was en route to medical school when my husband suffered a traumatic brain injury in Afghanistan,” she says. “The medical school two hours away was no longer an option, so instead I decided to attend a local program for physician assistants in order to accompany him to his appointments, take notes for him, and be there if he has a setback…In light of the dire predictions for patients with TBI, like early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, we realized how important it was for us to ensure that I can be the sole breadwinner of this family and provide for ample medical care if it comes to the worst.” While deadlines for applying to both programs for 2009 have passed, interested students should visit the Fisher House web site in the fall to apply for next year. The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

California dream

come true

A beacon of hope for military families opens in the City of Angels

He was certainly feeling unwell, but when Charles Arron Jones, Jr., U.S. Army (Ret.), arrived at his local clinic for a chest x-ray, he never imagined the news would be so dire—a severe lung infection, with fluid in his lungs, around his heart. Jones, 50, was rushed to the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, his wife, Danita, at his side. Danita spent that day, Friday, pacing the waiting room, and was grateful that hospital staff allowed her to stay there overnight. By the next morning, it was becoming clear that her husband would not be going home soon. Danita pleaded with staff to let her continue staying in the waiting room—her home in Wasco, 140 miles away, would be a two-hour trip, best case; in bad Los Angeles traffic, it could easily stretch to three.

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Left inset: Tim Byk, with daughter Caitlin and wife Alexis. Tim spearheaded the fundraising efforts for the new Fisher House. Left: CNN’s Larry King congratulates all at the February 6th dedication ceremony.

Bowman Ashe Photography

But Danita finally got a piece of good news: a Fisher House had opened just days earlier on the campus, and she could stay there. “The Lord just blessed me,” says Danita quietly. “I came with nothing; I mean, we were going to the clinic. I didn’t have transportation, food or anything. The Fisher House gave me a place to shower, to lay my head, to keep warm. They’ve been taking good care of me.”

Bowman Ashe Photography

Below: Tammy Fisher helps Army Specialist Jarod Hancock, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran receiving care at the Los Angeles VA Medical Center, cut the ribbon to officially open the newest Fisher House.

Christian Lee Photography

The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System is the largest in the Department of Veterans Affairs, a sprawling network serving a population of 1.4 million veterans stretching across southern California into southern Nevada. Last year it admitted nearly 8,000 inpatients. Yet, until early February of this year, it had nowhere for families of patients to stay while their loved ones were being treated. The hospital campus neighbors Beverly Hills and Hollywood, and nearby lodging can be prohibitively expensive. So the opening of Fisher House Foundation’s newest home, right on the hospital grounds, was an eagerly

awaited event. “We are so grateful to have this available on our West LA campus for our veterans’ families,” says Donna Beiter, director of the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. The house was dedicated on February 6th, and the day was a perfect metaphor for what Fisher Houses mean to military families: a steady rain fell all morning, with the skies clearing to radiant sunshine just before the ceremony began. For guests, Fisher Houses are that ray of sunshine in an otherwise dark day. “We are facing life-and-death situations,” says Fisher House guest Cindy Barnett. “Here, we find that little bit of joy we can have.” cont'd on page 18…

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…cont'd from page 17

Despite the uncertain weather, more than 500 people attended the ribbon-cutting, including CNN’s Larry King, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Richard Pittman, USMC, wounded marines from Camp Pendleton, and Ken and Tammy Fisher. The 40th Infantry Band set a festive and patriotic tone, and a Marine color guard provided a dignified introduction to the ceremony. This was the 43rd Fisher House to open, and the only one this year. Within the next three years, however, 15 more are slated to open. Fisher House Chairman Ken Fisher spoke about the enduring need for the houses:

“Over the past few years, as we look at the newspapers and watch television, we must be reminded by the reports from Iraq and Afghanistan of the huge cost of freedom—of the debt we owe to the families of the men and women who serve and have served; we must be reminded of how grateful we are for the sacrifices made on our behalf, and of our duty to support those who have paid the price defending our way of life.” Fisher Houses, he said, are one way to honor that sacrifice. “There can be no better medicine and treatment for our service men, women and veterans than the

An Extraordinary Gift from the American Legion Over nearly eight decades, American Legion Post 283 has been a low-key but solid supporter of good causes in and around Pacific Palisades, CA— community improvement projects, youth programs, and, of course, service to veterans. Astute investments in local real estate over the years have provided a steady stream of income to the post, allowing it to build up a sizeable nest egg. So when members learned about Fisher House Foundation and the efforts to build a house at the VA’s West Los Angeles campus, they were in a position to help.

presence and love of their families,” he said. “This new house will ensure that those who have paid that price will get just that.”

Much more than a place to lay one’s head Key to that mission is Fisher House Manager Sharon Hudson. Bubbling with energy, enthusiasm and empathy, Hudson was anxious to throw her doors open. “The dedication was fantastic,” she says. “There was such cooperation from the people here—everyone at the VA has been really excited about it. I’m glad that we’re open now and able to meet the needs of people coming through here.” Indeed, within two weeks of the house’s opening, Hudson had already hosted 12 families, a few staying just two or three days, but several staying a week and longer. As more administrators and social workers at the VA and members of the community learn about the Fisher House, however, the house will fill quickly and a waiting list, as is common at other houses in the system, is expected. The home serves, says VA Director Beiter, “as a home away from home for family members of veterans as they receive care at our medical center. It is a magnificent structure with 21 suites that can house

Local businessman Tim Byk spearheaded the fundraising effort for the Fisher House, founding the West Los Angeles Fisher House Foundation for that purpose. He approached Post 283’s Louis Cozolino and Scott Erickson, eventually appointing them to his nonprofit board. The post made an initial donation of $50,000. As the foundation’s fundraising efforts slowly began to bear fruit, the post was ready to make a more serious commitment. Cozolino and Erickson approached their executive committee with an outsized proposition: how about a $2 million donation to the Fisher House project? No American Legion post in the country had ever made such a generous gift—and the ask went far beyond anything Post 283 had considered before. What sort of reaction did the pair incur?

Bowman Ashe Photography

“Actually, to my knowledge, there was pretty much unanimous approval when the executive committee met,” recalls Erickson. “The need here in Los Angeles is so great; no one could contest it.” That contribution was the trigger that allowed construction on the house to begin. Nineteen months later, they celebrated the ribbon-cutting and a job well done. Not that their work is finished. Byk, Cozolino, Erickson and Post 283 are already looking ahead to planning for a second Fisher House, right next door to the first. Of the post’s extraordinary commitment to the Fisher House, Erickson is demure: “We’re just a bunch of old vets trying to help the new ones coming along.”

The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

Christian Lee Photography

Above: Los Angeles Councilman and Legionnaire Bill Rosendahl and (below) other members of American Legion Pacific Palisades Post 283.

up to 42 family members. It is spaciously designed and beautifully decorated.” All Fisher Houses follow a similar plan, with an exterior designed in the style of the individual locale. Whether they have eight suites or 21, they exude a homelike environment rather than that of an institution or hotel. Hardwood or ceramic tile floors, cherry cabinets, granite counters—the houses feature first-class appointments along with welcome facilities such as a kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals and a laundry room where they can wash clothes. Photography by Bowman Ashe

Probably the feature guests most appreciate, however, is the common areas— comfortable living rooms and intimate dining rooms. This is where the magic of the Fisher Houses happens. “Just having a roof over their heads—that’s key,” says Manager Hudson, “but I believe the guests really appreciate one another—having each other to lean on. It’s like having an inhouse support group; here, residents find other people with similar fears, challenges and experiences. It’s very comforting for families when there is someone here who understands what they are going through.” Guest Cindy Barnett, whose husband Donn Erickson is being treated for a serious heart condition, will be spending several more weeks at the house. She echoes Hudson’s thoughts. “We can empathize, we have each other’s shoulders to cry on,” she says. “We’ve formed lasting relationships. When I leave, I’m going to keep in touch with [fellow guest Danita Jones]. And I don’t know what I’d do without Sharon. She’s a gift from God.”

The community responds Many more people—virtually invisible to the guest families—have played and continue to play a vital role in the West Los Angeles Fisher House as well. Among the most instrumental is Tim Byk, a local businessman who spearheaded the grassroots fundraising for the house. “I’m a local guy; grew up next to the VA, and when they asked me to help, of course I said yes,” he says, referring to former Los Angeles VA Director Charles Dorman’s approach to him. “I, as a civilian, could work every day for the benefit of veterans, and I still would not have paid my debt to them.”

The interior of the newest Fisher House features soft pastel colors, with a calming beach palette.

In four short years, Byk, starting from scratch, created a nonprofit specifically for the construction and operation of the West Los Angeles house, and it has raised nearly $3 million to date. His goal is $6 million—both to fund operations and extras for the existing house and to lay the groundwork for a second house. And while the brand new Fisher House is functional, beautiful and welcoming, Manager Hudson is already formulating a wish list. “Some of our family members told me it would be nice to have a newspaper subscription. It would be great if someone donated a year’s supply of laundry detergent, or a coffee service; we also need folding cribs for when babies are here. We don’t have any high chairs, and we could probably use a playpen,” she says. Given today’s demands, it would be beneficial to have a computer in each suite, and, she adds, “One day I’d like to have a van, so we could provide some transportation.” She also mentions additional storage space, and an outdoor shelter for smokers. Fortunately, as word about the Fisher House spreads, the community is embracing the cause. “People have

begun calling, asking ‘what can we do,’” says Hudson. “They’ve brought children’s books, loads of DVDs; we’ve received two laptop computers so far—things that are very helpful to us. The Red Cross brought hospitality kits for our guests.” For Tim Byk, that’s confirmation of what he’d hoped and suspected. “This house gives people some good reasons to get involved; it’s an opportunity for the community to do something for veterans.” He thinks the possibilities are limited only by the imagination. “People can go out and buy gift cards for the grocery store, or phone cards. They can donate turkey dinners at the holidays,” he says. “I can see a high-end restaurateur coming in and teaching a cooking lesson. People don’t necessarily know how to give back to veterans. But the sky’s the limit.” For military personnel, veterans and their families, every gesture, large and small, is noticed and appreciated. Says guest Danita Jones, “This is a lovely place, truly a home away from home. When you don’t have anywhere to go, it’s home.”

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ken Fisher Honored University recognizes outstanding public service Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA, named Fisher House Foundation Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher its 2008 National Public Servant of the Year. SU’s Institute for Government and Public Service chooses an honoree each year based on recommendations of a 42-member advisory board. For 2008, the advisory board wanted to place the award with a citizen working to promote the welfare of our military service members. Fisher served on the president’s Commission on Care for Returning Wounded Warriors, which was co-chaired by Sen. Bob Dole and the Hon. Donna Shalala. Approached by the institute’s director, Dr. Travis Sample, Shalala recommended Fisher for the award. In a style typical of Ken Fisher, when Dr. Sample called to ask him if he could take time to come to Shenandoah and speak to the student body, Fisher said simply, “I’ll be there.” He spoke eloquently to SU students attending the award presentation about the importance of public service, encouraging them to contribute. “I truly don’t think that you can be successful unless you give something back,” he said. “That could take any form—it could be along the lines of what I do with the military, it could be anything that has to do with helping to give back.”

Ken Fisher and Donna Shalala, flanked by other dignitaries at Shenandoah University.

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Pro Hockey Helps Out Washington Capitals choose Fisher House as season’s charitable cause You might not think a bunch of professional hockey players would line up to paint and rake leaves after an arduous session on the ice practicing their slap shots, but that’s just what happened one day last fall at Fisher Houses in Washington, DC. The Washington Capitals Hockey Team developed its Courage Caps Initiative to support those whose courage inspires others. For the 2008-2009 season, Courage Caps partnered with Fisher House Foundation, donating 100 percent of the proceeds from team-branded ball caps and knit caps to the foundation. To launch the program, five Washington Capitals players arrived at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on a bright day this past November. They pitched in to spruce up the three Fisher Houses on the grounds. Team Captain Chris Clark and his teammates Mike Green, Brooks Laich, Tom Poti and David Steckel applied themselves vigorously to the work at hand, and soon the grounds sparkled with their efforts. “We here at the Capitals are excited to support these truly courageous men and women and want to thank our fans for their support of the Courage

Caps program,” said Clark. “We are honored to be here and to help out the Fisher House families.” When the leaves were raked, the paint freshened, and the fall beds planted, our now-hungry hockey players settled back to survey their work and enjoy a tasty burrito dinner with guest families, donated by Chipotle Mexican Grill. Courage Caps can be purchased at home games or online at WashingtonCaps.com. Additionally, a limited number of autographed caps are available online.

Washington Capitals team Captain Chris Clark thanks his teammates for participating in several landscaping projects at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Fisher Houses.

The 16 suite Fisher House at the VA Medical Center in Cincinnati.

Plugged In Retailer ensures Fisher Houses are high-tech Fisher Houses are noted for their homey charm. Guests can relax and regroup in the warm atmosphere of a real home, rather than a cramped and banal hotel room. But more than that, their supportive infrastructure provides guests with a link to the regular lives they have temporarily left behind. Computers and internet access mean guests can check their email and communicate with work colleagues and contacts, mitigating the impact on their careers during what can be a protracted absence. And for everyone, staying in tune with events in the world at large can make them feel less displaced. One of America’s largest consumer electronics stores, Best Buy, has been instrumental in outfitting Fisher Houses

with the equipment they need to help guests stay in touch and stay informed. For the past two years, Best Buy launched early summer campaigns to support the Fisher House program. In sales fliers, at the check-out and online, the company urged its customers to contribute and its employees to volunteer. In 2007, Best Buy, in collaboration with vendors such as Samsung, Toshiba and Gateway, donated 300 laptop computers and several large flat-screen TVs to Fisher Houses. In addition, Best Buy has helped assure all the amenities of home are available by furnishing some Fisher Houses with needed appliances. Karrie Hagan, Fisher House manager at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, was recently the

Making a Big Impact Over the Airwaves They say “it takes a village,” and the success of Fisher House Foundation rests on many “villages” of committed, involved sponsors. One of them is Washington, DC’s WMAL Radio. The station launched its “Operation Fisher House” after becoming familiar with the foundation’s mission at the 2004 annual FOSE (Federal Office Systems Exposition) held in Virginia. It began by naming Fisher House its charity partner for the holiday season. That initial campaign raised $2.3 million. “That exceeded our wildest imagination,” admits Chris Berry, WMAL’s former president and general manager. The cause resonated with the listening audience, and Berry can see why. “Troops who have sacrificed the way these men and women have sacrificed shouldn’t have to worry about things like where they’re going to stay,” he says. It was the beginning of a lasting relationship. Now in its fourth season, WMAL’s Operation Fisher House has

delighted recipient of two new state-ofthe-art washing machines and dryers. When it was built in 2001, the Cincinnati house was outfitted with a pair of good, solid Kenmore commercial washers. But nothing lasts forever. The house serves, on average, 80 to 90 families in a month, generating a veritable mountain of laundry. After eight years of rigorous use, “the washers were on their last legs” says Hagan. She remembers when Best Buy got in touch with her and asked, “What might you want or need?” “WASHERS!” was her immediate reply. “The new Whirpool front loaders with all electronic controls,” she adds, “are really wonderful.”

Listening audience in nation’s capital answers the Fisher House call

earned the commitment of everyone at WMAL. Says Operations Manager Paul Duckworth, “We’re thrilled to have forged a partnership with Fisher House. Our generous listeners and advertisers have stepped up in extraordinary ways over the years to raise well over $3 million for our friends at Fisher House.” Jerry Kline, now marketing director for WMAL, has been involved with Operation Fisher House at every level, from manning telethon phone lines to hosting shows. His personal commitment includes visits to area Fisher Houses. Upon hearing the personal stories of the guest soldiers and their families, he feels “touched in a way nothing else could touch me,” he says. Kline exhorts his listeners to support these service members, telling them, “No matter how you feel about policies and issues, it is imperative to support our troops and their families.” His listeners respond, and, he says, “the phones light up.”

At this WMAL event in support of Fisher House, a listener won a Harley Davidson motorcycle, donated by Patriot Harley of Fairfax, Virginia.

Duckworth sums up the feelings of everyone at WMAL, saying, “While it seems like Americans have fewer and fewer heroes these days, we’ve had no problem finding them. Between Fisher House, the service members and families who sacrifice for our freedom and 630 WMAL’s generous listeners, we know who the real heroes are.” The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

Much more than concrete and lumber goes into making a Fisher House home Although the generosity and hard work of so many have allowed our foundation to expand our programs and initiatives, the core of what we do remains lodging itself. To accommodate the growing number of families needing our support, we have expanded the size of our new houses from 10 to 20 rooms, encompassing more than 16,000 square feet.

The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

This presented challenges for us, as we did not want to lose the “home” feeling that our houses are known for when they grew in size. Our architect, Carl A. Zarrello, AIA, has accomplished this through his creativity and dedication. “Regardless of where the different house is, or the environment it’s in, we strive to provide a certain feeling of recognizable comfort,” he says, “so that when people come in, they don’t feel alienated, they feel immediately at home.”

by Ken Fisher the branches of the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs, who educate us as to where the needs are the greatest. Once the need is validated, we issue a proffer, or an offer of a gift to the government. Once signed, the process begins in earnest.

But many of you may wonder how this complicated process of house construction actually works, and what actually goes into the finished product of which we are so proud.

Once the gift has been accepted, we conduct a site visit to the hospital to determine where the house will be built. We look for the best possible location that will be within walking distance to the hospital. Once the site is selected, we start the site work by doing a survey of the land, both above and below ground. The architectural plans are then drafted for approval.

The first steps are keeping our dialogues with the service Surgeons’ General and

Selecting the general contractor is the next step. Architect Zarrello oversees this

process. “The priority for me is to get these houses built as efficiently and quickly as possible, so we can get the families in to use the houses,” he says. “We use a team approach, and we get everyone on the same page, and everyone’s target is to do the best we can for these families. When we have that overriding principle, people tend to get very creative, not lose focus, and we get a much better result at the end.” Once the contractor is on board, construction begins. Materials vary from house to house. For instance, the interior and exterior finishes vary depending on the local architecture. Our interior designer, Beverly Archer Miears, does a fantastic job incorporating this concept into the design itself.

She believes that the mission of the Fisher Houses creates a special bond among all those who work to build them. “You would think there would be a colossal potential for errors, but we all respect one another and communicate really well,” she says. “We get to the end of the line without a lot of headaches or heartaches, and I think it’s because this is a fabulous cause. The stars are in alignment because it’s such a wonderful thing we’re doing.”

Miears has been doing the Fisher House interiors since 2000. “No two houses are alike on the inside,” she says. “We do research and make sure each house belongs in the environment in which it is located, from the furniture to the fabrics.” The goal is trying to anticipate the needs of our families in the most aesthetically pleasing but cost-effective environment.

The result is something we believe is a beautiful, warm and welcoming refuge that provides military families not only a bed to sleep in, but an environment that encourages families to interact. One of the byproducts of these houses is the support system that is formed in each and every house we open. Carl Zarello and Construction Director Jim Scully have done a remarkable job keeping that feeling constant from house to house. Even though the design has grown from 5,000 square feet to more than 16, 000 square feet, Fisher Houses still feel like homes. The intimacy did not vanish because the house has grown in size.

Final touches are important. “Whereas the furniture and wall coverings, in say, pale green, grays, sage colors, may give us the serenity,” says Miears, “we use art and photography to bring personality into the house. Art adds life, humor, vibrance.”

More importantly, the houses are the dividends that donors can see, and ultimately feel proud of, because their generosity can be measured not only by statistics but also by the way people are touched as a result of their generosity.

The challenges are many, but a team effort invariably wins out. Says Zarrello, “I’ve never run into a contractor or consultant who did not feel it was a privilege to work on these projects, who didn’t feel good doing this work.” Miears concurs: “This is a labor of love. We absolutely love what we’re doing, and we find it a huge, huge privilege. We never take it for granted.”

Fisher Houses are built by general contractors selected by Fisher House Foundation. It takes approximately 14 months to build a 21 suite Fisher House

Each Fisher House has a comfortably furnished living room in addition to a family room.

The Fisher House at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System takes shape. The house opened in 2007. It supports the polytrauma unit at Palo Alto and is almost always 100% occupied.

Actual construction takes 12 to 16 months, but this can be influenced by a variety of factors. For instance, the construction of our Houston house was delayed almost six weeks due to excessive rain and wind. Wherever possible, materials are preordered so that the process is not delayed waiting for specialty items called for in the design. “We try to keep all of our resources local,” says Miears, “so we have a good relationship with our vendors, and can be as efficient as possible.”

The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

down

range

Fisher House Foundation is building on its commitment to help military families

With the dedication of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Fisher House in West Los Angeles on February 6th, 2009, the network of Fisher Houses now numbers 43. On March 10th, ground was broken for the Miami VA Fisher House, and plans and construction continue apace for more than two dozen more homes across the United States.

Boston VA Health Care System West Roxbury, MA

Based upon known requirements and Fisher House Foundation policy to give priority consideration to those military and VA medical centers treating combat casualties, the foundation has broken ground for future Fisher Houses in the following locations:

Madigan Army Medical Center Fort Lewis, WA (2nd house)

Miami VA Health Care System Miami, FL VA Medical Center Washington, DC Eglin Hospital Eglin Air Force Base, FL Hines VA Hospital Chicago, IL Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda, MD (3 houses)

St. Louis VA Health Care System Jefferson Barracks, MO Camp Lejeune, NC USAF Medical Center Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH (replacement house)

In addition, the foundation has received approval to build houses at the following locations: Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Augusta, GA VA Medical Center Minneapolis, MN (2nd house) Womack Army Medical Center Fort Bragg, NC (replacement house) Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK

By the time each of these houses is built and dedicated, the network will number 55.

The following locations are recognized by Fisher House Foundation as immediate needs, but they have not yet been proffered: VA Medical Center Birmingham, AL VA Long Beach Health Care System Long Beach, CA VA Connecticut Health Care System West Haven, CT VA Medical Center Lexington, KY USAF Medical Center Nellis Air Force Base, NV VA New York Harbor Health Care System Brooklyn, NY Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center Cleveland, OH VA Pittsburgh Healthcare 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 Clement C. Zablocki VA Medical Center Milwaukee, WI

When each of these houses is built and dedicated, the network will number 68.

Architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rendering of the Fisher House at the West Los Angeles VA Health Care System.

The Patriot â&#x20AC;˘ WINTER/SPRING 2009

Top: Local Boston area Marines present the colors at an evening concert in support of the new Fisher House to be built in Boston.

all talk and plenty of action Radio station raises big bucks for Fisher House Boston

Middle: Fisher House Foundation President Dave Coker chats with listeners during Michael Graham’s WTKK radio thon.

Michael Graham, Boston’s high-profile radio talk-show host, has been passionate about the goals of Fisher House Foundation ever since meeting listener David Coker, the organization’s president, in 2004. “I recognized a cause which speaks to my heart,” he says, and he told Coker, “We have to make this my charity.” His commitment to the Boston area’s veteran community inspired him to lobby for a local Fisher House. The VA hospital in West Roxbury, MA, was designated in 2006 and is expected to open in 2010. Graham has been a tireless advocate and fundraiser. Last fall, Graham convinced his radio station, WTKK, to dedicate a three-hour radio-thon to Fisher House Boston to kick off his holiday charity drive. His goal was to raise $50,000 for the project before the end of the year. The program far exceeded his expectations, raising $50,000 in three hours, with total donations for the season coming to $225,000. Graham attributes this tremendous groundswell of generosity to his listeners’ “determined support of, and sincere compassion for, our troops on duty.” He also credits “the great work of the Fisher House Boston committee and radio station WTTK” as part of the success of the Fisher House Boston fundraising drive. Michael Graham is presented with a check for Fisher House during his radio thon.

A Small Gesture Returns Big Dividends Gift cards brighten Fisher House families’ holidays Originally formed in 1985 in response to the Department of Defense requirement for an ATM network to support military banks and credit unions, the Armed Forces Financial Network operates a network of ATMs that stretches all over the world. Its board of directors and management team comprises a very small group of dedicated individuals with a personal interest in supporting our troops—a commitment that goes beyond providing them with handy and ready cash. AFFN initiated its Military Community Support Program six years ago—a happy offshoot of a personal effort on behalf of Executive Vice President John Broda. It all began when Broda “adopted” an elementary school class. Dannie Andrews, wife of Broda’s then fellow AFFN board member, Wayne Andrews (Columbus Bank & Trust Co.), was a Department of Defense schoolteacher. Broda became acquainted with her students at Wilson Elementary School in Fort Benning, GA. After seeing her class featured in a CBS newscast, Broda realized the unique hardships children of deployed parents face, and began reaching out to them in simple ways. Mrs. Andrews’ class soon had little gifts, such as AFFN logo pens.

Then Broda decided to throw her class a pizza party, and, in the interest of fairness, included the whole school. The party, funded out of Broda’s own pocket, came to the attention of AFFN’s CEO, David Weber.

affiliated military banks and credit unions and asked “What can we do? You know best where these troops need support.” His heartfelt plea was, “Please take care of those troops and their families.” The ensuing holiday gift card program fit the bill. Says Broda, “The board is extremely excited about this program, because it goes right down to the troops and their families.” For the 2008 holiday season, AFFN donated $50,000 directly to families staying at all 42 Fisher Houses. The donation was in the form of $50 gift cards that could be used at any retail establishment or ATM in the AFFN network.

Broda chuckles when he relates Weber’s remark: “You have to submit an expense reimbursement form to the company because you just created an AFFN program.” Adds Broda, “We took my initiative and Dave’s idea and went from a pizza party to over a million dollars in giving.” Today, AFFN’s Military Support Program is a multifaceted charity that includes a strong commitment to Fisher House. This particular commitment began when Broda, on behalf of AFFN’s board, approached its

An affiliated financial group, Fidelity National Information Services, generously donated the entire cost of the program, including the cards themselves, program implementation and the ongoing costs of program management. In an email shared with Fisher House managers, Broda wrote, “This program speaks to the core of the AFFN Bank and Credit Union partnership, demonstrating the commitment of our on-base financial institutions, taking such great care of the troops and their families. The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

doing good

in their neighborhoods Local Wal-Marts adopt Fisher Houses with donations of time and supplies Wal-Mart, America’s largest retailer and private employer, maintains a commitment to support charitable causes important to customers and employees in their own neighborhoods. Additionally, Wal-Mart has a long history of supporting America’s troops and veterans. Over the 2008 holiday season, Wal-Mart Foundation granted Fisher House Foundation $280,000 in the form of gift cards and checks for all 42 Fisher Houses. “Everybody here during the holiday season got a $100 gift card,” says Vivian Wilson, house manager of the Fort Campbell, KY, Fisher House. “For families faced with a severe medical crisis, the Wal-Mart cards helped normalize the holidays. Families may not have otherwise been able to buy holiday gifts.” House managers used the checks, in amounts ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 per house, to provision their houses with everything from pot holders to nursing rockers. Wal-Mart takes pride in being a “store of the community,” and that philosophy has resolved into a personal commitment on the part of Fort Campbell’s local Wal-Marts, one in Oak Grove, KY, and one in Clarksville, TN. “They have taken ownership of our

Fisher House, and pledged to do so for an indefinite period of time,” says Wilson. As part of their ongoing support, the two stores take turns providing a monthly $100 gift card to purchase needed household items for the Fisher House. Further, the Oak Grove store employees volunteer their time each week to prepare a meal for the regular wounded warriors and spouses luncheon. Using food donated by their store, employees cook up tasty and nutritious menus, such as chili, corn bread, and salad. “Wal-Mart has been incredibly supportive,” says Wilson. “Their generosity has allowed us to give a super quality of life to our soldiers.” One of Wilson’s concerns for the recovering soldiers in her care is providing goodquality protein. She knows extra protein is beneficial to the healing process. Wal-Mart’s distribution center in Shelbyville, TN, has stepped up to the plate. Each month, it allows Wilson to order whatever she needs in the way of meat, without charge. “The Shelbyville distribution center sends us cases of steaks, stew meat, bacon, and whatever else we need,” says Wilson. She likens the Fisher House–Wal-Mart cooperation to a family. Staff and residents

of her house have become good friends with store employees who generously give of their time on a regular basis. One of those friends is Tim Weeks, manager of the Clarksville Wal-Mart. His commitment included organizing his employees as volunteers for “Operation Deck the Walls.” They arrived in mid-December, and, using materials donated by his store, brightened the house with festive holiday decorations. “Tim personally hangs all the icicle lights on the house and sets up the huge outdoor Christmas tree complete with lights and ball ornaments,” says Wilson. “We are filled with gratitude for their community spirit and their personal commitment to the Fort Campbell Fisher House.” Ken Fisher, chairman of Fisher House Foundation, echoes Wilson’s sentiments. “Wal-Mart is a true champion of our military,” he says. “We are grateful that they join us in recognizing the need to support our military families during their time of need.” Many other Fisher Houses are beneficiaries of Wal-Mart’s generosity as well. “In these difficult times, the work that we do to support the communities we serve is more important than ever,” says Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation.

Left: Wal Mart associates from Landover, MD present a ceremonial check for $280,000 from the Wal Mart Foundation to Fisher House Foundation President Dave Coker. Above: Country singer Tracy Byrd, in the living room of Fisher House III at Walter Reed, entertains guest families as Wal Mart associates decorate the house for the holidays.

The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

A 230-mph Salute to American Heroes With its first foray into IndyCar racing, the National Guard is sponsor to Panther Racing’s coveted no. 4 car. Unveiled last June, the car, driven last year by Vitor Meira, sports the vibrant red, white and blue of the National Guard logo. And, thanks to Panther Racing CEO John Barnes, it features the Fisher House Foundation logo as well. Sergeants Nick McCoy and Dale Beatty, both wounded warriors medically retired from the US Army, are interviewed for the jumbo television at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

indianapolis 500 revs up

for special guests Wounded warriors treated to race day; funds raised for Fisher House Foundation For open-wheel racing fans, Memorial Day weekend is synonymous with the Indianapolis 500. Once again this year, more than 100 Army National Guardsman and Fisher House guests will enjoy rail-side seats at the race, courtesy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as well as VIP pit and garage passes.

to sell commemorative “Become Their Hero” T-shirts and dog tags. The Reebok-designed tee featured a stylized soldier’s portrait on the front and both the Fisher House and Best Buy logos on the back.

Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Dale Beatty, of the North Carolina Army National Guard, was a guest at last year’s race. Beatty was a squad leader in Iraq in 2004 when his HUMVEE drove over anti-tank mines. He sustained grave injuries, including the loss of both legs, which required a year of healing and rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital.

The partnership was the brainchild of Best Buy Operations Supervisor Jacob Brown. Brown’s personal passion to help military service men and women was founded on his family ties to the military. “I grew up around Camp Lejeune, the son of a Marine officer. My dad is a disabled vet,” he notes. “I take pride in working for a company that supports our military personnel.”

A great comfort to him was having his family by his side during his recovery— Fisher House provided Beatty’s wife and two small children with a homey and nurturing place to stay during his lengthy convalescence. Today, he says, “I feel strongly about the Fisher House, and am at the Indy 500 to build awareness for them.” During his Indy visit, Beatty got a chance to get up close to the no. 4 National Guard car and star driver Dan Wheldon. Beatty, who spent part of his tour of duty with British soldiers, “got a kick out of messing with Dan” about being British. In addition to inviting soldiers to attend the race as guests of honor, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway partnered with Best Buy

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the shirts went to Fisher House Foundation. As part of Brown’s program, Best Buy employees volunteered to staff the sales booths. In turn, Best Buy donated money for every volunteer hour. Over 100 employees from the 14 stores in Brown’s district volunteered, earning an additional $13,700 in matching funds for Fisher House Foundation.

When the franchise paid a visit to the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, several members of the Panther team visited the Fisher House on the grounds and got a chance to visit with returning warriors and their families. Barnes found the visit “a life-changing experience,” and came away “wanting to do anything the team could to increase public awareness of the Fisher House program.”

Realizing the car is a 230-mph billboard, the team decided to donate space on the car for the Fisher House logo. Now, there’s even a 1:18 scale diecast model of the car available for purchase. IndyCar superstar Dan Wheldon, who returned to the Panther team last year, will pilot the car in this year’s Indy 500. The decision to feature Fisher House is part of the Panther Racing commitment to our National Guard heroes. “It’s such an amazing thing, to be aligned with more than 350,000 soldiers and their families,” says Barnes. “And in some way, to be a little part of their family means more to myself and this team than I could ever put into words.”

Driver for Car No. 4, Dan Wheldon. The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

FESTIVITIES WITH A FOCUS Washington, DC, charity entertains the well-todo with Fisher House fundraisers In a tremendous show of support for our military personnel and their families, CharityWorks DC named Fisher House Foundation its 2008 charity partner. The organization raised over $2 million toward building a Fisher House on the grounds of the Washington, DC, VA Medical Center. In CharityWorks DC, founder Leah Gansler’s concept was to form a “bridge between donors and charities” by uniting corporate leaders, donors and volunteers in a coordinated effort to capitalize—and realize—visionary philanthropic projects. Gansler structured CharityWorks DC with a small but powerful base of advisers and donors. Explains Executive Director Miriam Pollin, “We are a very small organization with a strong level of support from volunteers. When we connect to a nonprofit partner, we dedicate a year to driving the mission of our partner to donors, community friends and our volunteer supporters.”

The Patriot • WINTER/SPRING 2009

Each year, CharityWorks DC invites nonprofit organizations active in the Washington metro area to apply for an exclusive partnership. For 2008, after a rigorous selection process that began with close to 150 applicants, Fisher House Foundation was chosen. Pollin cited the Fisher House’s compelling mission—noting that this was the first year the selection committee’s choice was unanimous.

One hundred point wines—those determined to be the very best in the world by the influential The Wine Advocate newsletter, formed the focal point for the evening. A spectacular five-course dinner, with five of the area’s top chefs creating a dish to perfectly compliment one of five chosen wines, resulted in what Pollin calls “an absolutely over-the-top, incredible dining experience.”

Two million dollars far exceeded expectations for the year’s fundraising efforts, representing the largest donation in CharityWorks’ history. Monies were raised chiefly through two “signature events”—functions produced every year for which the organization has become well known. One of its signature events is the 100 Point Vintage Wine Tasting.

As much as the wine tasting was a hard act to follow, Dream Ball 2008 did so with aplomb. This black-tie affair provided the perfect balance of entertainment, glitz and good will for DC’s power elite. Entering the elegant colonnade of the National Building Museum’s great hall, guests were dazzled by a glittering, starry tribute to American patriotism, themed Wish Upon a Star.

The 100 Point Vintage Wine Tasting dedicated to Fisher House was held this past summer at the Middleburg, VA, estate of Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET entertainment network and president of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. It was a must-attend event for Washington socialites and wine aficionados. “The event has a great deal of cache for a small, key group of philanthropists in the DC area,” says CharityWorks chief Pollin. “Tickets are so coveted, we don’t even have to print invitations.”

A moving presentation by a Marine honor guard set the tone for the evening, which Pollin felt helped raise the visibility of our men and women in the service. Festivities included a high-stakes auction, with a veritable who’s who in philanthropy outbidding one another on big-ticket, oneof-a-kind items. The event was a brilliant success, both for CharityWorks and Fisher House Foundation.

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 1055 Clermont St. Denver, CO 80220 3873 (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 Asst. 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 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 650 Joel Dr. Fort Campbell, KY 42223 (270) 798 8330 Fax: (270) 798 8804 Manager: Vivian Wilson Email: Vivian.wilson@amedd.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

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

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

Dallas VA Medical Center 4500 S. Lancaster Rd. Bldg 79 Dallas, TX 75216 (214) 857 2574 Fax: (214) 462 4923 Manager: Lydia Henderson Email: Lydia.Henderson1@va.gov

MINNESOTA

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

Minneapolis VA Medical Center 1 Veterans Dr. Minneapolis, MN 55417 (612) 467 2157 Fax: (612) 970 5864 Manager: Maggie Swenson Email: Margaret.Swenson@med.va.gov

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center 26000 Darnall Loop 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 Run Blvd. Richmond, VA 23249 (804) 675 663 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: Kathy Gregory Email: mary.gregory@amedd.army.mil

become a hero

to a hero

PFC Matthew Zajac, US Army, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado and his father, Mike, photographed at a Fisher House in San Antonio, Texas.

The Hero Miles program reunites families during times of tragedy by providing free air travel to wounded or injured service members, their families and loved ones. Since its inception four years ago, the public’s generosity has allowed us to distribute more than 16,000 free airline tickets, saving our heroes and their families more than $22 million. Free Hero Miles tickets have been issued to fly service members home from military/VA hospitals and to transport loved ones to military medical centers while their wounded family members receive urgent care. But the program is completely dependent upon the caring of frequent flyers like you. Help reunite America’s heroes with their families this year by donating your frequent flyer miles to Hero Miles. It will leave you with a feeling that will send you soaring. For more information, visit www.fisherhouse.org and click on Hero Miles. The Hero Miles program is grateful to our generous partners, including: AirTran Airways ★ Alaska Airlines ★ American Airlines ★ Continental Airlines ★ Delta Air Lines Frontier Airlines ★ Midwest Airlines ★ Northwest Airlines ★ United Airlines ★ US Airways Hero Miles is a program of the nonprofit Fisher House Foundation. More information on the Foundation can be found at www.fisherhouse.org.