FORMER FISHER HOUSE GUEST
TAKES THE LEAD IN BRINGING A FISHER HOUSE TO HIS COMMUNITY
Story and Photos by Kerri Childress
Purple Heart recipient Daniel Patrick is quick to say that one of the best night’s sleep he ever had was in a Fisher House. “I had to go to Wright-Patterson Medical Center for days of probing and testing, including psychological interviews,” said Dan, who planned to make the Marine Corps a career before his last injury. “I was dreading it and needed my best friend, Chris, with me. I was so surprised when they told me we could stay at the Fisher House because I thought it was only for family. I will never forget the kindness shown to me. Chris and the Fisher House got me through those really tough days.” To give back, Dan started volunteering with the Fisher House Michigan community group, which was working to raise money and awareness to build a Fisher House at the VA hospital in Ann Arbor. He was majoring in literature and writing at Eastern Michigan and started helping the community group with speeches, news releases and other writing assignments. Additionally, he supported the fundraising efforts of the group by talking about his Fisher House experiences to audiences throughout Michigan. In September 2017, Dan was selected to be a director of Fisher House Michigan. He is the first community group director to have stayed at a Fisher House. “I always wanted to be a Marine since I was a kid, so it was heartbreaking when my injuries prevented me from making it a
career. I loved being part of a team and taking care of my brothers and sisters. I was not done serving,” said Dan. “Working with Fisher House Michigan has given me back that sense of helping— that sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself.” Michigan has more than 650,000 veterans, according to Dan, so many must travel long distances to Ann Arbor VA for their medical care. Right now, their families have nowhere to stay. Dan focuses on reaching out and educating organizations, corporations, and state and national political representatives about the need for a Fisher House in Michigan. “I never gave the need a thought until I was there myself,” he said. Three months ago, Dan married Kayla, whom he has known since sixth grade. Now, she accompanies him on many of his travels. “I know this job means a lot to Dan,” said Kayla. “In fact, it was just what he needed.” “I am lucky to be alive,” Dan acknowledges. “And I’ve spent much of my early civilian career looking for ways to give back. Fisher House is more than just a building. It’s about creating a home and community around our veterans. I’m so proud to be part of that.”
THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • 2018
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