Fisher House Foundation CEO Ken Fisher (center) is pictured with television personality and former naval intelligence officer Montel Williams and the American Gold Star Mothers during the dedication of Delaware’s Fisher House for Families of the Fallen on November 10, 2010.
When he learned that there was no lodging for these families on Dover’s base, Fisher House Foundation Chairman Ken Fisher made construction of the Dover house top priority. “We didn’t want another day to go by without these families having a place to grieve,” he said. In only six-and-a-half months, the stately home was completed and dedicated— the day before Veterans Day—along with an adjacent meditation pavilion. Nearly two dozen Gold Star Mothers from across the country joined Fisher, military brass and other VIPs for the ceremony. In addition to Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Commander Col. Thomas Joyce, television personality and Marine Corps and Navy veteran Montel Williams delivered remarks at the dedication.
“I support our troops’ is not just some token phrase,” Williams said. “I wanted to do something tangible, so that we could give something back to families. “’I support our troops’ is not just some token phrase,” Williams said. “I wanted to do something tangible, so that we could give something back to families. When I connected with the Fisher House Foundation, I immediately wanted to get involved.” By adopting the Dover house for their campaign, the Gold Star Mothers attracted enthusiastic support from their membership as well. They easily surpassed their fundraising goal of $50,000—in the end topping $80,000. “Having Dover as our project, I think that energized our membership in a way
that perhaps fundraising for the general pool couldn’t have done,” said Morel. “This house touched our hearts in a very special way.” The Gold Star Mothers’ donation was added to many others—including part of President Obama’s Nobel Prize money— to make this special project a reality. “It meant more to the American Gold Star Mothers to participate,” Morel said. “For the few dollars we raised, we’ve received such a huge reward—knowing that this house is there for families like ours. It was a wonderful experience.”
THE PATRIOT • WINTER/SPRING 2011
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