The Road to 100 Fisher Houses

THE ROAD TO 100 FISHER HOUSES

Zachary Fisher, a builder and philanthropist, turned his passion for supporting the U.S. Armed Forces into a legacy of love and service. It only took one phone call to change everything. One person, one act, can truly make a difference.

Ken Fisher, partner at Fisher Brothers, Chairman & CEO of Fisher House Foundation, and Co-Chairman of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is dedicated to honoring and supporting our military and veterans. Under his leadership, the network grew from 29 to 100 Fisher Houses.

Foreword

When my great uncle, Zachary Fisher, built the first Fisher Houses just outside of Washington, D.C., it was the realization of a dream; a way to give back to those who have served our country. Little did he know back then—more than 30 years ago—just how big that dream would grow and just how many lives he would touch.

As I reflect on the journey that has taken us along the Road to 100 Fisher Houses, I’m struck by the impact we’ve made in the lives of service members, veterans, and their families: offered more than 12.5 million days of lodging, served more than 534,000 families, and provided more than $650 million in savings to families. Those numbers give me and all who have been a part of this work over the years a great sense of pride, but it’s the people behind these numbers who continue to give us purpose.

Families staying in these homes support each other, share stories, and lift each other up. The homes become a refuge for spouses, parents, children, and loved ones of individuals facing some of the most challenging times in their lives. Through recovery from the visible and invisible wounds of war to the battle of cancer treatments, the early birth of babies requiring neonatal intensive care, and other life-saving medical interventions, Fisher Houses are a haven for families to stay close by and do what they do best: give their love. After all, a family’s love is the very best medicine of all.

These 100 Fisher Houses represent challenging times just as much as they do inspirational moments. It is our honor to stand by these families during the hard days and a privilege to cheer them on through their triumphs. The walls of these homes have seen weddings, heard children’s laughter, and witnessed the power of adaptive sports to re-instill confidence and a sense of self.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of individuals, nonprofits, and businesses who share in our passion

for serving those who have given us our freedoms. Whether through donations of time, talent, or treasure, those hours, dollars, and countless demonstrations of support are priceless gifts that have enabled us to reach this incredible milestone.

The road to our centennial house was paved with incremental achievements, with each new Fisher House marking a step towards this landmark. As we navigated the challenges of wartime and increasing demands, the Foundation reached a larger audience through the media, allowing us to share our message and mission with more people. What my great uncle started during peacetime became invaluable during wartime. Now, with 100 Fisher Houses, I can’t help but wonder if it signifies the start of a new era or perhaps, it’s time for the next generation to carry the torch. Through all the mixed emotions, what’s most important is getting to a number I never thought we’d get to.

My wife Tammy, myself, and the entire Fisher family express heartfelt gratitude to all the supporters, contributors, and the community who made this journey possible. As we celebrate the achievement of 100 Fisher Houses, we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that the future holds, continuing our commitment to be a beacon of hope and compassion for military and veteran families in their times of need.

Chairman & CEO, Fisher House Foundation, Inc.

Our Journey

MORE THAN 534,000 SERVED OVER $650 MILLION IN SAVINGS

12.5 MILLION NIGHTS OF LODGING OFFERED

These are all milestones that helped pave the way on the road to 100 Fisher Houses, but they only tell part of the story.

All of us at Fisher House Foundation who have played a small role in the road to 100 houses know that the most important numbers are the ones you simply can’t measure. Warm hugs from tireless house managers and volunteers, smiles of our youngest guests when a special visitor drops in, and tears—both happy and sad—shared with fellow guests staying just across the hall are the love found in Fisher House.

You can’t place a number on the things that make a place feel like home or a stranger feel like family, but those are the secret ingredients that make all 100 Fisher Houses so special in their own unique ways.

To see what we mean, just check out the guitar collection at the Murfreesboro Fisher House at Alvin C. York VA Medical Center, outside of Nashville, Tennessee, where you can often hear music and singing lifting spirits. Or take in the view from Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, where the lush landscape provides a calm respite after a long day. You could even flip through photos of numerous weddings and vow renewal ceremonies at Fisher Houses, like the one

officiated by Santa Claus himself at our Fisher House in Illinois at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital.

All of us, from our Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher and our Trustees, to our dedicated staff, house managers, and every volunteer who takes time to make life just a little bit easier for a military family, know that the heartbeat of a Fisher House comes from the families who stay with us. Their courage, vulnerability, and perseverance are nothing short of inspiring, and their love is the most powerful medicine we’ve had the honor to witness.

To the children who lift their loved ones’ spirits in big and little ways, the spouses who exemplify “in sickness and in health,” parents who lovingly care for an injured or ill son or daughter, and the Gold Star families who embody the meaning of ‘strength,’ it is all of you who have fueled this journey to 100 Fisher Houses and for whom we will never stop working.

It was our founder, Zachary Fisher, who said, “Remember us not for what we gave, but for the hardships we helped ease, and for the friendships we have helped to form.” While we are celebrating the milestone of this 100th Fisher House, we know our work is far from over. Whether it’s one house, 100 houses, or many more, it is our promise to never waver from this guiding principle. After all, it’s not about the numbers, it’s about the lives we’ve had the privilege to touch. This story, and this milestone, belongs to them.

Editing and Writing by Michelle Horn. Writing and Photography by David Nye. Content Review by Mary Considine and Lisa Kelley. Design by Sue Gubisch. Project Management and Writing by BRG Communications. Contributions by Maureen Higgins, Kennedy Smith, and Jory Mandell. Copyediting by Blake Stillwell. A special thanks to our many photographers

FISHER HOUSE LOCATIONS*

ACROSS 34 STATES, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND EUROPE

* As of Dec. 31, 2024

Birmingham, UK

Landstuhl, Germany

Bethesda

MARYLAND

NATIONAL NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER/WALTER REED NATIONAL MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER

5 HOUSES

Our Fisher House story began when Zachary Fisher asked then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Carlisle Trost how he could do more to help the military. When Adm. Trost mentioned this to his wife Pauline, she suggested he develop a place for military families to stay while their loved ones are in the hospital. Zachary enthusiastically agreed to help with the project. He was a builder, so he went to work building comfort homes at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and the nearby Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The first Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House is still in operation at what is now known as the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. President George H.W. Bush, a Navy veteran himself, and his

wife Barbara joined us at the dedication in June 1991 and cut the ribbon on the first home away from home for service members and their loved ones.

In 1994, we built a second Fisher House, and the two houses served thousands of families over the next 16 years.

When Congress decided to close the original Walter Reed Army facility, we worked with the Navy to build three more houses at Bethesda, bringing the total capacity at the hospital to 73 families when the new houses were opened in 2010. Support for these houses was incredible and included donors like President Barack Obama who gave the largest part of his Nobel Peace Prize in support of them.

Because the nature of injuries treated at the hospital had changed significantly since 1990, we realized the houses needed to change, too. Many guests were families of service members injured in Iraq and Afghanistan whose injuries, such as amputations, required much longer hospital stays. For many families, Walter Reed was the first stateside hospital for their wounded service members. They stayed together in the Fisher Houses while they healed and learned how to face these new life challenges by each other’s sides. With these changes,

Zachary and Elizabeth with other guests at the first Fisher House dedication. Over the years, many members of the Fisher family would gather at Fisher House celebrations. Presidents and First Ladies have shown their respect and commitment to military and veteran families by attending dedications, donating meals to Fisher House families, and visiting with guests.

“Remember us not for what we gave, but for the hardships we helped ease, and for the friendships we have helped to form.” —ZACHARY FISHER

we knew we needed to adapt to our guests’ needs, so we added elevators and made every room accessible.

We also adapted to the specialty care of the hospital. One of the three newer Fisher Houses at Walter Reed operates in support of families whose loved ones are undergoing treatment at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICOE). The NICOE is a state-of-the-art facility for the treatment of traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder that were both signature wounds of the Global War on Terrorism, so care was taken, especially with the interior design, to avoid triggers for our guests.

Today, service members, veterans, and family members continue to receive care at all five Bethesda Fisher Houses.

The Panzani Family Retired Chief Petty Officer Cynthia Panzani and her husband Vittorio say the Fisher House has been an incredible resource for more than three decades. The two fly from their home in Italy to get the necessary medical treatment one to two times per year. Prior to the house opening, she says she gave her hotel room to a pregnant woman with children because she saw them staying in their car. Cynthia remembers when the Bethesda Fisher House opened in 1990 as well as the other surrounding houses. The couple finds comfort in knowing that Fisher House is available for service members who need it, and they enjoy cooking for Fisher House guests.

The Fisher Houses at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center have supported thousands of families.

Silver Spring

MARYLAND

WALTER REED AT FOREST GLEN ARMY ANNEX

1 HOUSE

Walter Reed Army Medical Center Fisher Houses hold a distinguished place in our history. As the site of the second Fisher House, it helped lay the cornerstone for a network of compassion and care that would span the nation. In the years following, the success of that initial house inspired further growth. A second house was added in 1995 and a third in 2004, with a dedication ceremony led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard Myers. Both houses were on the main campus.

Throughout their existence, the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Fisher Houses have been more than just a place to stay; they have played a pioneering role in serving the military and veteran community, providing a home away from home for those traveling from across the country to be near their loved ones undergoing treatments.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center formed a crucial link as the

most common first stop in the U.S. for casualties injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we were honored to be there for families as they learned how to heal together. We learned that a family’s love truly is good medicine as we witnessed wounded service members recover faster because of the love and support of their families.

Though the Walter Reed Army Medical Center closed its doors in 2011, the first Fisher House continues to comfort families at the Forest Glen Army Annex while they face a medical crisis.

While the inspiration for Fisher Houses started in the Washington D.C. area, it was immediately clear that the need extended across the Military Health System. The next Fisher House, completed a year after those first two, would be built in Texas.

The Allen Family

Chaz Allen, an infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division, suffered life-changing injuries from an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, including a double-leg amputation and a fused elbow. His wife Jessica traveled to the Fisher House to support him during recovery, and that was where Chaz’s daughters saw their father for the first time after his injuries.

“It was very therapeutic because most people see their loved one inside of a cold hospital room for the first time,” Jessica said.

Being in the Fisher House helped the young girls with transitional aspects of their father’s health.

The original Walter Reed house continues to welcome military and veteran families needing a comfortable, safe place to stay while family members receive medical treatment.

BUILDING A FISHER HOUSE

Fisher House Foundation works closely with the Surgeons General of the military branches and Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary for Health to determine where Fisher Houses are most needed. The earliest Fisher Houses, designed by architect David A. Haines, were 5,000-square-foot, eight-suite houses. But as the program expanded and the profile of visitors evolved, so did the design of the houses. Today, under the direction of architect Carl A. Zarrello, houses are built in several different sizes, the largest is up to 16,800 square feet and accommodates up to 20 families, while still maintaining a residential ambience.

While the scale of the houses varies, the floor plans are similar from house to house. The intent is to create a home-like space including inviting common areas that encourage guests to interact with one another. Exterior styling, interior finishes, and landscaping are unique to each house, reflecting the local culture and architectural traditions.

Selecting the general contractor comes next. The houses are built by long-standing contractors that have built other Fisher Houses or by local construction teams based in the area where the house is situated. Construction usually takes 12 to 16 months, but is influenced by a variety of factors, such as weather and availability of materials.

Once the need is validated, the Foundation issues an offer to build a house as a gift to the government. In the early years, Zachary personally funded each of the houses. Today, money to build the houses comes from the American public—individuals, corporations, service organizations, and Friends of Fisher House community groups located all across the nation.

Site selection is the next step. Considerations include close proximity to the hospital, appropriate character of the location, and construction-specific concerns such as topography, soil composition, and access to utilities. A land survey is prepared and architectural plans are drafted for approval.

Talented interior designers, including Beverly Archer Miears, who lovingly decorated Fisher Houses from 2000 to 2021, and our current designer, Susan Sutherland, have created elegant yet warm and inviting living spaces to honor our guests and create a feeling of home.

Once the finishing touches are made inside and outside the house, the government formally accepts the home, finalizing the gift of the Fisher House. From there, the military branch or Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the house’s staffing, operation and maintenance, and Fisher House Foundation looks to its next project.

Lackland AFB

TEXAS

WILFORD HALL AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER

3 HOUSES

Once there was a Navy Fisher House and an Army Fisher House, Zach knew he had to build an Air Force Fisher House. Enter Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Wilford Hall Medical Center, now an ambulatory surgical center, was the Air Force’s main hub for care in the 90s. Since the first was built in 1992, the complex has grown to three Fisher Houses.

The Lackland Fisher Houses are special inside and out. The first and second houses have a traditional layout with common areas that encourage families to interact and support one another. The third house, originally known as the Children’s Inn, has guest rooms connected to a playroom to accommodate families with children undergoing cancer treatment.

The Fisher House campus at Lackland features a charming gazebo with quotes from Zachary Fisher serving as a poignant reminder of the compassion and commitment that inspired its creation.

The gazebo has become a special spot for guests and visitors to reflect and draw inspiration from his words.

The campus is deeply integrated into the San Antonio community, with personnel and families from the base contributing thousands of volunteer hours each year to help maintain and support the facility. The three houses at Lackland have accommodated more than 6,000 families, providing more than 110,000 room nights and saving families millions in hotel and food costs.

Wilford Hall Medical Center was nicknamed the “flagship hospital of the Air Force” for a reason. It is now the largest Ambulatory Surgical Center in the Department of Defense and creates new systems and programs like the ALRT, short for Acute Lung Rescue Team, that flies where needed to transport acute respiratory patients. That leads to patients, and Fisher House guest families, with potentially long stays.

The three Fisher Houses at Lackland Air Force Base help illustrate the history of the Foundation leadership. The first Air Force Fisher Houses were dedicated there in 1992 and 1993 by Founders Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher. In 2001, Arnold Fisher led Fisher House Foundation while his son, then-board member and future Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher, laid one of the last bricks at the third Fisher House there.

“There is a dignity and a majesty in the efforts of all our Armed forces, and it is well for us to remember the noble deeds of those who have worn the uniform.”

—ZACHARY FISHER

John “Jack” Sullivan

World War II veteran John “Jack” Sullivan joined the Navy as a pilot in 1942. He served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam and went on to fly 51 different aircraft more than 43 years as a naval and civilian aviator. In 1994, he traveled to Lackland Air Force Base for medical appointments. He tried to sleep in his pickup in the base RV lot, but the lot manager recommended he try the Fisher House. Jack found it much more comfortable, and the retired lieutenant commander stayed at the house more than 50 times for weeks each time. His wife and most of his children have stayed as well, including his daughter, Debra Jo, pictured. Jack became famous at the house and hospital for his long service and Irish humor.

Lackland Air Force Base is home to one of the largest hospitals in the Department of Defense as well as all Air Force Basic Training. The 59th Medical Wing, which runs the hospital, serves more than 250,000 service members and family members, and the houses support families traveling there for care.

San DiegoCALIFORNIA

As military health care providers and leadership saw the impact of Fisher Houses, the demand grew. Every major military hospital deserved to have a home away from home for their patients’ loved ones. Zach and Elizabeth built the first Fisher House on the West Coast in San Diego in 1992, and we opened a second in 2008.

Naval Medical Center San Diego specializes in comprehensive, patient-centered care. It houses the only Navy Medicine amputee center in the Western Pacific.

Volunteers like Katie Barron, who has been aiding since 1992 and was named Navy Volunteer of the Year in 2019, bring warmth

2 HOUSES

and compassion into Fisher Houses. Whether it is stocking the refrigerators or just lending an ear or a shoulder to cry on, volunteers make our Fisher Houses feel like home.

Twelve hundred miles to the north, another Fisher House would soon join the network.

The Meek Family Heartwarming guest stories, such as that of Jacob Meek, who miraculously awoke from a two-week coma with his parents— both staying at the Fisher House— by his bedside, underscore the profound impact of Fisher House on families during critical times.

NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER SAN DIEGO

The two Fisher Houses at Naval Medical Center San Diego provide a combined 18 suites for military families. The houses are located in the famed Balboa Park in San Diego.

JB Lewis-McChord

WASHINGTON

2 HOUSES

Another early house built by Zachary and Elizabeth is located at Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This Fisher House has been a place of solace for military families since 1992, and we added a second house in 2015.

Often, the person receiving treatment is a family member of a service member. The JBLM Army Fisher Houses have helped families with children who are ill, mothers-to-be with at-risk pregnancies, and other military dependents who are receiving care far from their service member’s duty station.

A cornerstone of the Fisher House is its strong community support. Fisher Houses across the country receive help not only from individual volunteers, but also from groups like The Society of Military Widows who volunteer at the JBLM Army Fisher House regularly.

1992 was a busy year for us. We also opened one more house in Texas and one in Mississippi.

Barbara Baguhn

The 2015 Army Fisher House Volunteer of the Year came to us from the Madigan Army Medical Center Fisher House. She ensured that soldiers knew about the Fisher House network in case they ever needed its services or if they ever wanted to volunteer and help the families going through difficult times on JBLM.

MADIGAN ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

Fisher House II is built on the corner of the Madigan Army Medical Center complex. Fisher House I was built near the original Madigan Army Medical Center.

JB San Antonio

TEXAS (SAM HOUSTON)

We opened the doors to the first Fisher House at Brooke Army Medical Center as the new hospital was being built. Brooke Army Medical Center sees some of the most serious injuries and illnesses, so right away we knew we would need to open a second comfort home, which we did in 1995. For veterans and service members who served during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, these homes became a vital resource due to the level of care offered here.

The need continued to grow as these conflicts waged on and, in 2007, we completed the third and fourth houses on this site— coinciding with the inauguration of the Center for the Intrepid, a world-renowned center specializing in amputee rehabilitation and

The completion of the third and fourth houses coincided with the inauguration of the Center for the Intrepid in 2007, marking a significant enhancement in support for wounded soldiers and their families.

4 HOUSES

The Lane Family “I was very grateful for the staff over at the Fisher House. Because they became like family over that time because they wanted to encourage us. They may not have known who we were, but they were always saying hello to all the warriors and just encouraging them and putting a smile on their face.” JP Lane, an Army veteran and engineer who survived an IED blast.

advanced outpatient rehabilitation for burn victims.

Zach’s nephew Arnold Fisher was the driving force behind developing this center. Construction ran seven days a week, 24 hours a day so that it could open to serve our nation’s heroes as quickly as possible.

With families embarking on such a difficult healing journey, the warmth and support from house managers is a healing salve for those at the bedside of a loved one. Ken Fisher has said that Fisher House managers are the heart of the home. From ensuring the house is in tip top shape to offering a hug when a family member needs it most, these unsung heroes are an essential part of creating a homey environment. Former Fisher House Manager Inge Godfrey is no exception. During her years working at the house, she oversaw an annual BBQ in honor of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher—a staple event for 27 years bringing together volunteers and organizations in a celebration of service and sacrifice.

BROOKE ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

Keesler AFB

MISSISSIPPI

KEESLER MEDICAL CENTER

2 HOUSES

Keesler Medical Center Fisher House at Keesler AFB has been a vital refuge for military families since 1992. Keesler II, shown above, joined the first in 2017.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

1 HOUSE

In 1993, the Fort Eisenhower Army Fisher House (formerly Fort Gordon) was dedicated. At the time, the hospital was home to the Army’s Southeast Regional Medical Command Headquarters. It has provided crucial support to families of service members receiving medical care for over 30 years. At its 10year anniversary, Arnold and Ken Fisher signed a letter that said, “The network of Fisher Houses has been blessed by a superb cadre of managers, volunteers, and supporters, and this is certainly true for the Fort Gordon Fisher House. Today, you will recognize the efforts of many volunteers and supporters, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to each. While we give the gift of a house, it is the volunteers who transform our gift into a home.”

When Zachary Fisher attended the dedication of the Keesler Medical Center Fisher House at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, he probably never imagined the house would serve as an emergency operations center just over a decade later, offering crucial support during one of the nation’s worst natural disasters. A haven for families since 1992, this Fisher House played a critical role during recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Today, there are two houses at this site, with a second house dedicated in 2017. The street they are on has the special distinction of being named in honor of Zachary Fisher.

Fort Eisenhower

GEORGIA

NORTH CAROLINA

Fort Liberty

Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) is the home of the Army Airborne and Special Operations Forces, including the storied XVIII Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Division. Over 52,000 paratroopers and other soldiers call the base home, alongside over 30,000 family members. Zach knew a Fisher House was needed to support this large military population. Over the years, guests have been by the side of paratroopers injured in training accidents, service members recovering from injury overseas, or military children or spouses undergoing medical treatment.

The Fort Liberty Army Fisher House was first dedicated in 1993. In 2016, when the base built a new hospital, we built a replacement Fisher House to provide increased accessibility and bring families

VA EASTERN COLORADO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

1 HOUSE

When the Fisher House at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center opened in 1993, a young Maj. David A. Coker volunteered to support the house and formed a local nonprofit to do just that. Zachary Fisher reached out to him and ended up hiring him as Fisher House Foundation’s very first employee.

The Fisher House operations were transferred from the Army to the nearby VA hospital in 1996 when Fitzsimons closed. When the VA built a new medical center in Aurora, Colorado in 2018, we built a larger, more accessible Fisher House to support it. With every Fisher House, thought goes into making the design feel as if it belongs in the community. The stone for the exterior of the new 16-suite Fisher House that was dedicated in 2020 came from a local quarry that fits perfectly for this comfort home known as the Rocky Mountain VA Fisher House.

close enough to walk to the new hospital.

Community members like Killian White show support for the paratroopers and special operators there by supporting the Fisher House. Killian raised over $1,000 for the Fisher House as part of his fifth birthday celebration.

Aurora

COLORADO

1 HOUSE

WOMACK ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

The exterior of the Rocky Mountain Fisher House is complimented by the local scenery.

Travis AFB

CALIFORNIA

DAVID GRANT USAF MEDICAL CENTER

2 HOUSES

When we dedicated the David Grant USAF Medical Center Fisher House at Travis Air Force Base in California in 1994, it was the 11th Fisher House location. Since then, we added a second home offering a combined 24 rooms to serve military families.

In addition to providing a comforting space, the Fisher House notably embodies a sense of community and an environment where lasting bonds are built among those it supports.

A family that stayed in 2014 wrote in a journal:

“A few words of gratitude and appreciation to the Travis Fisher House and the angels that run this warm and inviting home for our Armed Services. My father has been fighting a fierce battle for the last six years of life...God Bless this house and its angels.”

At Fisher House, we know family is everything, and that’s why our support goes far beyond the walls of the houses we build. Since 1999, Fisher House has awarded more than $35M in scholarships for military children and spouses, embracing military families with that extra bit of support to help realize their dreams.

Fisher House Foundation’s scholarships include:

l HEROES’ LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP: College scholarship for children of service members who died or became seriously injured in the line of duty since 9/11.

l MILITARY SPOUSES: Fisher House Foundation partners with the

National Military Family Association to fund scholarships which can be used toward degrees, certifications, licensure, clinical supervision, for mental health licensure, CEUs, business expenses, and more.

l SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MILITARY CHILDREN: College scholarships for children of active, reserve, and retired service members. Each school year, 500 scholarship grants, each for $2,000, are awarded to applicants.

Mikaela Miles, the daughter of a Marine veteran, was awarded a scholarship in 2022, helping her reach her dream of becoming a pilot.

BEYOND THESE WALLS

The David Grant USAF Medical Center Fisher House is directly across the street from an Air Force hospital, a VA clinic, and a dental clinic.

Fort Bliss

TEXAS

Located in El Paso, Texas, the William Beaumont Army Medical Center Fisher House was dedicated in 1994 to support the military units based in West Texas. Its sunny, warm exterior hints at the warmth guests feel inside thanks to the dedicated house manager and volunteers. With eight rooms, it has served as a home away from home for countless families in need of medical care for more than three decades. While it may not be the biggest Fisher House, its impact has made a huge difference on the lives of those who have stayed here. The community created in this house provides refuge and comfort for families like the Martinos and hundreds of others.

CENTER

1 HOUSE

The Martino Family Shawna Martino stayed at the Fisher House when her husband Sgt. 1st Class Manuel “Tony” Antonio Martino suffered a brain clot during a five-week senior leaders’ course.

“When we realized we were going to be able to stay somewhere like a home, we didn’t have to stress. We could just go to sleep and go to the hospital every morning with no stress,” she said.

“I have always been intrigued by what the military gave to the country, so I’ve always tried to give back to them because I know the sacrifices that have been made.”

—ALICE COLEMAN, FISHER HOUSE MANAGER

WILLIAM BEAUMONT ARMY MEDICAL

The William Beaumont Army Medical Center Fisher House serves families on the remote military installation, Fort Bliss.

OHIO

Wright-Patterson AFB

By 1994, our impact on military families was becoming well-known. That year, we dedicated the first house on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio and assisted in running the already existing comfort home known as the Nightingale House, which was replaced by a second Fisher House in 2011. The stories of families staying at Wright-Patterson AFB are a testament to the importance of ensuring that families can be by the side of their loved ones without the burden of lodging expenses. The supportive atmosphere allows families to focus on what truly matters—providing comfort and encouragement to those who have served our nation.

“We had a greatgranddaughter. She was a little over a year old, a year and a half, and we were her caregivers at that time for her parents. So, we had her, and she was brought in, just treated like one of the little ones would be, and I had a good room, and everything was provided and taken care of so well.”

—BETTY FRANKLIN

The Franklin Family

Betty and Herbert Franklin have stayed at the Nightingale House and then Fisher House since 1986 as Betty fought breast cancer multiple times and kept tabs on it when it was in remission. Herbert served in the Air Force and then Army for over 20 years. The couple, who have been married for over 70 years, usually stay at the Fisher House together, just the two of them. On occasion, they’ve also stayed with a great-grandchild and made amazing memories in each comfort home at the base, from the Nightingale House to Fisher House II.

2 HOUSES WRIGHT-PATTERSON MEDICAL CENTER

Betty and Herbert Franklin stayed at the Nightingale House and both Fisher Houses on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Honolulu

HAWAII

TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

Built on a high hill overlooking Pearl Harbor, the first house in Hawaii was built at Tripler Army Medical Center in 1994. Nearly 10 years later in 2003, we opened Fisher House II and dedicated the house to Foundation Vice Chairman Tony Fisher and his wife Anne, who were tragically killed in an airplane accident earlier that year. Their portrait is displayed in a place of honor in the living room of the 11-suite home.

In addition to serving families traveling to support service members in Hawaii, Tripler serves families traveling from islands like Guam and from Japan, where U.S. military bases and large populations of veterans live.

2 HOUSES

“I just thought it was a place that you could stay, while a family member or somebody you know is in the hospital, but it’s just so much more than that... from watching sunsets while grilling outside, to having dinner with new friends as well as old, and most of all enjoying that precious family time just sitting around together as if in our own home.”

—JOE SIMONET, FISHER HOUSE GUEST

Fisher House II is dedicated to Vice Chairman Tony Fisher and his wife Anne.

JB Andrews

MARYLAND

MALCOLM GROW MEDICAL CLINICS AND SURGERY CENTER

1 HOUSE

1 HOUSE STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER

Located in Albany, New York, our Albany Stratton VA Medical Center Fisher House marked the first site dedicated to a VA medical center and the first in the state of New York. Since its inauguration in 1994, it has provided a sanctuary for thousands of veteran families.

Founders Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher’s vision was embodied once again during the dedication ceremony of this landmark Fisher House. Their presence, marked by shared smiles and handholding, reflected the fulfillment of a promise made 18 times prior across various military installations. This occasion was special, not only as the first at a VA center but also as a testament to Fisher House Foundation’s commitment to supporting military families.

After completing a Fisher House, Zach enjoyed thanking the military and those who would be responsible for the care of the Fisher House by hosting a special event. At the dedication of the Joint Base Andrews Fisher House, Ray Charles performed for those celebrating the new comfort home. But this great entertainer wasn’t the only VIP—retired Gen. Colin Powell attended the dedication ceremony, and President Bill Clinton, returning from a trip, stopped by as well to thank Zach.

Since 1994, the Joint Base Andrew Fisher House has rolled out the red carpet for every guest that makes it their home away from home.

Albany

The Albany Fisher House came about partly thanks to a dedicated nurse who later became the first house manager. Jo-Anne Saulsbery was visiting her mother in the hospital when she learned that, just one bed over, a husband was sleeping on a cot next to his wife’s hospital bed. Jo-Anne started looking for a way to bring a comfort home to the campus and found an eager partner in Zachary Fisher.

NEW YORK

HERO MILES

We’ve seen firsthand the power of a family’s love during the healing process. While we know Fisher Houses help save hundreds—even thousands—of dollars in lodging costs, we also realize that traveling to a loved one’s bedside is not always within reach. The military provides airfare for those traveling on military orders, but sometimes additional travel is needed. The costs of airfare, along with the needs of many families to fit travel in with school schedules and other day-to-day happenings, can make it difficult for some to be with their loved one during their treatment.

traveling a long distance to medical centers or to authorized events. The program also helps people give back to Fisher House without reaching for their checkbook. Anyone can donate unused frequent flier miles to Fisher House, through partners like Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines. These partnerships are crucial in supporting our wounded, injured, and ill service members and their families, ensuring they receive the care and support they need.

BEYOND THESE WALLS

That’s why, in 2005, we established the Hero Miles program, using donated frequent flier miles to provide round-trip airfare for families

When one of the children fell ill, the Campbell family, pictured above, only had orders for one family member to travel. Thanks to Hero Miles, the entire family was able to stay together.

1 HOUSE NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER PORTSMOUTH

In 1995, a new Fisher House was built at the Navy’s oldest operating hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia. Families staying at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Fisher House have a beautiful space on the property, as Portsmouth Park offers an exterior place of reflection and peace. The garden space, donated by a community partner in 1995, is maintained by chaplains stationed at the medical center. Volunteers and staff provide love and encouragement to our Fisher House guests.

The Barrera Family

Levi Barrera was medically evacuated from Italy to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth because of a tough cancer fight. He needed his leg amputated and his mom stayed at the house as he recovered. After discharge, he used his running blade to run one kilometer in an annual run for a cancer charity and reached a personal bench press of 200 lbs.

According to Fisher House Manager Jill Thompson, “The sky is the limit for Levi. He and his family will forever be a part of the Fisher House Portsmouth’s family.”

Portsmouth VIRGINIA

West Palm Beach

FLORIDA

In 1995, as a new VA Medical Center was being constructed in West Palm Beach, Florida, there was already a need for a Fisher House. In fact, before the house officially opened, Army veteran Paul Coleman needed emergency surgery. The VA and Zachary Fisher agreed to let his girlfriend and the two pairs of boys they were raising together stay at the house just before it officially opened. Each of the four boys, who normally shared a room, luxuriated in having their own. They remember ice cream and playing in the house.

The Fisher House has provided a home away from home for veterans and their families ever since, and was even visited by notable individuals like Matt Eversmann whose heroism was immortalized in the film “Black Hawk Down.”

Since then, many more families have stayed and been able to support their family members in the hospital by taking a short walk across the street from the house.

“It is just a lot of camaraderie here. Being at the Fisher House is like being with family. Everybody sits in the dining room and talks or we sit out here and talk. You find something common with everybody we meet, but it’s always been that way here.”

—KAREN RICHARDSON

1 HOUSE

The Richardson Family

Harry, an Army Vietnam veteran, and his wife Karen have seen a lot of life together. They married 40 years ago and now have fought through disease and illness while staying at the West Palm Beach VA Fisher House off and on for 11 years. Harry experienced Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2023, Karen knew she wanted to be by his side for treatment.

The Fisher House has saved them time, money, and stress, and the couple sent the cancer into remission in 2024.

WEST PALM BEACH VA MEDICAL CENTER

The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center Fisher House supports families with a loved one needing nursing care, oncology, or more.

Minneapolis

MINNESOTA

Now that VA medical centers were open to receive Fisher Houses, demand increased dramatically. The Minneapolis VA Health Care System was dedicated in 1995. This Fisher House became the first to support a polytrauma center that opened in 2004. We added a second house in 2011 with new accessibility features such as an elevator and wider doorways, providing extra comfort for veterans and their families.

Many organizations volunteer in Fisher Houses all over the country. Whether it is a local company or a national corporation with local offices, businesses choose Fisher House when they want to give back to the military and veteran communities.

MINNEAPOLIS

HEALTH SYSTEM

2 HOUSES

Zeke

Crozier

Army veteran Zeke Crozier survived a helicopter crash in Pakistan and required evacuation to the U.S., eventually landing at the VA medical center in Minneapolis. His girlfriend Lacy stayed at the Fisher House and appreciated the warmth and proximity to the hospital. Now, they’re married and Zeke is a bottle cap artist, sometimes donating his work to Fisher House fundraisers.

VA

As one of the VA polytrauma centers, Minneapolis became the first VA location to receive a second Fisher House. The center provides inpatient rehabilitation to patients with multiple injuries, making the period of care longer than many other treatment programs and extending guests’ stays at Fisher House.

Fort Cavazos

TEXAS

CARL R. DARNALL ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

1 HOUSE

The Army’s Fort Cavazos, formerly Fort Hood, is the largest military base in the world at 342 square miles, an area used for rigorous training of soldiers either stationed at the base or rotating through its large training and mobilization area. Its hospital serves 3,000 patients every day. It’s no wonder that in 1998, the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Army Fisher House was built and dedicated.

THE TORCH IS PASSED

Zachary and his wife Elizabeth built more than 20 comfort homes across the U.S. before Zachary passed away in June 1999. On his passing, Fisher House Foundation assumed responsibility for the construction of Fisher Houses. Elizabeth passed away in 2004, but the legacy that they left behind will serve military and veteran families for years to come and ensure that our nation’s heroes and their families will be together during their medical journeys.

The Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Fisher House in Fort Cavazos, Texas serves as a true home away from home for military families in need.

The Miller Family

The Fort Cavazos Army Fisher House supported the Miller Family after Army Maj. Patrick Miller was nearly killed during the Fort Hood shooting in 2014. When Patrick briefly woke up between his first and second emergency surgeries, he wrote a note to his wife, the brigade commander, and the base commander:

“Sir, let everyone know I’m doing OK and that we are going to get through this together as a family/team.”

Landstuhl GERMANY

In the 1990s, many Fisher Houses were primarily used by families of service members who were ill, injured in training exercises and some limited deployments, or when their families needed medical care. After the attack on the USS Cole and embassy bombings in 2000, our Fisher House leadership team had the foresight to consider how troops overseas could be supported.

Situated adjacent to the largest American military hospital outside the United States, the Landstuhl Army Fisher Houses stand as symbols of compassion and international solidarity. Since the dedication of the first house in June 2001, just months before the 9/11 attacks, followed swiftly by a second in 2002, these homes have provided essential support not only to U.S. service members but also to service members from partner nations.

The Landstuhl Army Fisher Houses serve a pivotal role, particularly highlighted during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). Their doors opened during a critical time when the need for such facilities peaked due to increased military operations. Often service members injured while deployed were stabilized at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center before being sent for longer term care at military hospitals in the United States. Families flew to see their loved ones, sometimes for the last time. With open arms, the Landstuhl Army Fisher House welcomed them with a place to rest during this period of unknowns and continues to do so for the families of those protecting our country around the world.

Over the years, the Landstuhl Army Fisher Houses have had the honor of hosting noteworthy visitors who have added a touch of Landstuhl Army Fisher Houses are the only Fisher Houses located at an American base in Germany.

2 HOUSES

LANDSTUHL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

“Them being there where there was that community, where they were able to talk to other family members that had been there a while. And then, on top of that, be there for me when I needed them to be, that was just, it’s irreplaceable.”

—TECH. SGT. AUGUST O’NIELL

The O’Niell Family

When Air Force Pararescueman August O’Niell was injured by machine gun fire in Afghanistan, his brother Robert Effler rushed to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and immediately saw that August would need a long recovery. He stayed at the Landstuhl Fisher House while he was supporting August, passing information back to his family in rural Maine, and taking comfort with the other families there. Over the following 13 years, nearly all of August’s family members have stayed at Fisher Houses in the U.S. during his surgeries, rehabilitations, and prosthetic fittings. August and Robert remain on active duty as Air Force special operators.

solace and celebrity to lift the spirits of those receiving care in their hallowed halls. In 2002, the basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal visited, bringing smiles and a much-needed distraction to those recuperating and their families. His visit is fondly remembered as a highlight that lifted the spirits of many during a particularly strenuous period.

The impact of the Landstuhl Army Fisher Houses extends beyond just providing a bed to sleep in; they serve as a home away from home where families can stay together in a supportive community. The facilities cater to the unique needs of military personnel and their loved ones serving overseas, ensuring that, despite the distance from home, the spirit of unity and care remains strong.

Congressman Bill Young, flanked by Ken and Arnold Fisher, holds the ceremonial scissors used to cut the ribbon for the opening of Fisher House I at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in 2001.

Cincinnatti

OHIO

CINCINNATI VA MEDICAL CENTER

1 HOUSE

BAY PINES VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

2 HOUSES

In 2002, not long after opening our house in Cincinnati, we opened the doors to our first comfort home at the Bay Pines VA Health System.

For two decades, house managers and volunteers greeted guests with open arms, welcoming thousands of family members with unwavering warmth and dedication. With so many veterans and their families putting down permanent roots in retirement in Florida, the need for our special brand of care continues to grow.

That’s why, in 2023, as the Bay Pines VA celebrated its 90th year, we expanded that support with the dedication of a second home, our ninth in Florida at the time. The second 16-suite house increased our capacity from eight to 24 families that can stay at the Bay Pines Fisher House on any given night.

In October 2001, less than a month after 9/11, we dedicated the Cincinnati VA Medical Center Fisher House, the first built in partnership with another nonprofit, the Veterans Guest House. With a common goal of providing lodging to families, the two organizations created a Fisher House with 16 suites. Within every Fisher House, a community forms where guests share stories, celebrate healing milestones, and console each other. For over 20 years, the Cincinnati Fisher House has provided care for the families of those treated at the adjacent medical center. The special love felt inside is nurtured by managers, staff, and volunteers. Since 2016, Cincinnati volunteers have participated in its annual adopt-a-room event, decorating rooms to make them festive for the holidays.

Bay PinesFLORIDA

Houston

TEXAS

MICHAEL E. DEBAKEY VA MEDICAL CENTER

3 HOUSES

Located in the heart of Houston, Texas, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) Fisher Houses, inaugurated in 2005, 2013, and 2017, is the first Veterans Affairs facility nationwide to host three Fisher Houses.

The initial Fisher House was dedicated in 2005, an event attended by President George H. W. Bush. This moment underscored America’s deep commitment to families of veterans and active-duty service members. The subsequent houses continued this noble legacy, each designed to offer a sanctuary and reduce the burden of expensive medical costs.

The first Fisher House at the medical center represented a major change in design, consolidating two houses into one with two large wings on either side. This design became the basis for all of our future houses. The center of the house holds the common areas where guests gather together and lean on one another for support. Families often find themselves in the kitchen standing around the large island where they share stories, special dishes, or just a cup of coffee.

The Wysinger Family

When Dale Wysinger transferred to the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston, Texas, his daughter Tia moved into the Fisher House. They’ve been back and forth ever since for stays that lasted weeks or months at a time while Dale’s medical treatment continued and he suffered various complications. She became friends with other caregivers, and they supported each other during long hospital stays.

Around the country, volunteers prepare meals in Fisher House kitchens for guests so that they can enjoy a home-cooked meal.

The design combines comfort with functionality.

Each house features a common kitchen, spacious dining room, inviting living room, a warm family room, and convenient laundry facilities. All three Fisher Houses have 20 guest suites each, all furnished with private baths and TVs, ensuring privacy and convenience for all guests. The common areas are warm and inviting, giving families a place to share their stories and lean on one another. The first house has an additional playroom that makes it ideal for families with young children.

The three Fisher Houses at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center serve veteran families.

KENTUCKY

Fort Campbell

BLANCHFIELD ARMY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

1 HOUSE

On June 6, 2006, the 62nd anniversary of D-Day, we dedicated the Fort Campbell Army Fisher House. Soldiers of one of the most well-known D-Day units, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), were then rotating through Iraq and Afghanistan and required specialized care upon returning home.

The Blanchfield Army Community Hospital features a Soldier Recovery Unit that supports soldiers with complex conditions as they transition back into active-duty service or civilian life. Additionally, its maternity ward has earned national recognition as one of the top hospitals in the U.S. for exceptional care of mothers and newborns.

The cozy eight-suite, ranch-style home provides the comfort needed for families supporting their service members or other family members undergoing treatment.

Families who stay in a Fisher House often start and end their days in the dining room. With tables and chairs set up for multiple families to use at a time, these spaces become so much more than a place to eat—they are spaces where meaningful connections happen. From starting the day with a warm breakfast to gathering around the tables with loved ones and the community of families formed in the house, the dining room is a place where strangers become friends and loved ones share quiet moments. The warmth of the dining room comes not just from the comfort of a home-cooked meal, but the light, hope, and joy of companionship found on any given day at a Fisher House.

WITHIN THESE WALLS

Palo Alto

CALIFORNIA

VA PALO ALTO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

2 HOUSES

When it opened in 2006, the Palo Alto Fisher House focused on the effort to provide specialized care for very seriously injured combat casualties with their families by their side to support complex rehabilitation needs. This home, full of love and compassion, was joined by a second Fisher House in 2019, doubling its capacity to 40 suites.

This house holds many special memories for us, including meeting our former Vice President of Communications Kerri Childress, who served at the healthcare system and championed the building of this house. She later served with the Foundation for five years before succumbing to a battle with cancer. Today, her legacy lives on with a dedicated cornerstone memorial on the house.

The Perez Family Felicia Perez Kausin shared her father and World War II veteran David Perez’s thoughts about Fisher House.

“I think that the comfort of him knowing that I had some place to stay, that I was safe, that I didn’t have to be driving back and forth. That whole concept of that, of just being able to be there, I think has been wonderful,” she said. “The comfort and the community, the sense of community that forms there. I think that’s one of the things that’s really just unbelievable. I’ll never forget this experience for the rest of my life.”

and donors, like

The two Palo Alto Fisher Houses are located steps away from the medical center, allowing families to be near their loved ones throughout treatment.

Supporters

these in Palo Alto with Kerri Childress, come together to bring Fisher Houses to their communities.

Tampa

FLORIDA

JAMES A. HALEY VETERANS’ HOSPITAL

2 HOUSES

In Tampa, Florida, there are two Fisher Houses on the grounds of the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, with the first dedicated in 2007 and the addition of a second house in 2018. The hospital is a premier polytrauma center with an expert spinal cord injury center, so accessibility features like wide doorways and thoughtful floor treatments are critical for these guests who often stay for prolonged treatments, sometimes for months, and even years, at a time. House managers, volunteers, and fellow guests become part of each family’s lives, creating a support system within the houses.

In addition to the many families who have stayed over the years, the spirit of the James A. Haley Fisher Houses is marked by notable

initiatives and artifacts, including a red Taylor 214ce guitar donated by Thom Shepherd on Veterans Day 2022. During the summer months, a volunteer program involving teens in meaningful activities like baking from scratch and making ice cream helps foster a sense of home and healing for all who stay here. These moments—a visit from a special guest, a homemade treat, or even a quiet moment talking to another guest—are what make Fisher House feel like home, even for those visiting from far away.

The Cantinna Family Nick Cantinna VI smiled as he said of his parents at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Fisher House, “It overwhelmed me with joy that they were pretty much right across the street from where I was.” Nick joined the Coast Guard as a rescue swimmer at 27 and eventually needed extensive medical care after PTSD and an accident. His parents said the community living at the house led to all the caregivers becoming a second family as they supported their loved ones.

The two Fisher Houses at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida are dedicated to supporting military families and loved ones when they need it most.

Seattle

WASHINGTON

VA PUGET SOUND HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

1 HOUSE

RICHMOND VA MEDICAL CENTER

2 HOUSES

Just over 100 miles south from the original Fisher House location on the grounds of the Central Virginia VA Health Care System, the Richmond VA Medical Center Fisher House quickly met a growing need for support for veteran families. The first house was dedicated in 2008, and a second house opened in 2020—expanding the capacity to more than 40 family suites.

The original home includes 20 suites that are fully accessible with private baths, a dining room, and spaces for relaxation. With stays ranging from a few days to a year, the house has welcomed over 2,000 families since opening its doors. With the addition of the second house effectively doubling total capacity, the Richmond Fisher Houses have welcomed thousands of families, removing the burden of expensive hotel costs.

The VA Puget Sound Health Care System takes part in research programs for traumatic brain injury, lower-body prosthetics, and cancer treatments, among others. This groundbreaking work brings patients to Seattle from across the country. In 2008, we built the 40th Fisher House to meet the growing demand for a comfortable and safe lodging option in Seattle, Washington. Since opening its doors, this Fisher House has supported guests from 46 states and the District of Columbia.

“Each evening, after spending a long day at the hospital, it was such a blessing to be able to sit around with others that are going through similar problems. These women will always have a very special place in my heart,” said Sherry, a Puget Sound Fisher House guest from Alaska.

Richmond

VIRGINIA

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles

VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

1 HOUSE

The Smith Family Navy and Vietnam veteran Randall Smith and his wife Judy were looking forward to their grandson’s Air Force basic training graduation in 2023 when he accidentally broke his femur. Their quick stop in Los Angeles became a weeks-long and then, when an infection set in, over a yearlong stay. The hospital told Judy about the Fisher House, and she was surprised at how supportive the environment has been. “It’ll tell you, those people there are wonderful, they’re a gift from God.”

The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System serves the healthcare needs of more than 84,000 veterans, many of which travel long distances for medical care. The LA Fisher House was dedicated in 2009 and has given veteran families a warm and inviting place to stay so they can be close to their loved one. Up to 20 families can stay at the LA Fisher House on any given night.

Over the years many celebrities have visited Fisher Houses to show their respect for the military and veterans. In 2023, Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex, visited families at the house just before her trip to Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023.

From initial treatment when families are staying in a Fisher Houses to cheering on the victories of their loved ones at Warrior and Invictus Games, we have been there as service members and veterans come full circle on their recovery journeys.

Fisher House Manager Erma Mickens; Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex; and Tish Stropes, Fisher House Foundation VP of Strategic Initiatives, gather near the bust of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher during a visit to the Los Angeles Fisher House.

Dallas

TEXAS

VA NORTH TEXAS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

1 HOUSE

Dedicated in 2009, our Fisher House at the VA North Texas Health Care System Fisher House in Dallas is a lifeline for more than 500 families every year. For guests like Ken and Valerie Lewis, the long commute between their home and the VA, where Ken is being treated for cancer, is one less thing to worry about.

More than a place to stay overnight, the Dallas Fisher House embodies the comforts of home with guests forming their own community and managers and volunteers going the extra mile every day to bring a smile or bright spot to their guests. During their stay, Ken and Valerie enjoy having all the amenities of home especially the well-appointed kitchen where they bake homemade cookies that bring joy to other guests.

When families stay in a Fisher House, they’re often going through a tough time as caring for a loved one with an illness or injury isn’t easy. It’s an honor to be there for families during challenging times.

Since 2010, Fisher House Foundation has supported athletes and families in the Warrior Games and Invictus Games—adaptive sporting events for our wounded, injured, and ill service members and veterans and those of partner nations. Through these Games, we witness the competitive spirit, camaraderie, and joy families feel seeing their loved ones triumph.

these service members and athletes, but having their family members nearby during the journey is essential,” said Ken Fisher. “By supporting competitors and their families at the Games, we help them come full circle. We were there for them at the beginning when the injury or illness brought them to Fisher House, and we are there to see them celebrate their victories together.”

BEYOND THESE WALLS

“Adaptive sports play an important role in the health and wellbeing of

Joel Rodriguez competed in the 2019 and 2022 Warrior Games and the 2022 Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands. His wife Liannie and their two children cheered him on while his mother-inlaw Lilly acted as his caregiver.

Hines

ILLINOIS

EDWARD HINES, JR. VA HOSPITAL

1 HOUSE

The Hines Fisher House has seen more than 14,000 guests since we opened it in 2010. From bingo nights to holiday dinners, local community partners, volunteers, and Fisher House staff find creative ways to give our guests a break from long hours at the hospital. Some guests have an extra special reason for carrying their time at Fisher House in their hearts long after their stay because they chose to

celebrate major life events there. The Hines Fisher House has played host to multiple weddings, including one officiated by Santa, who has also made it a point to swing by for the holiday party thrown by volunteers every year.

Other special visitors have included President Barack Obama and actor Gary Sinise, longtime supporters of the military community. Over the years, many celebrities and public figures have come to Fisher Houses across the country to honor the men and women in uniform and their families.

José and Rosa Army veteran José Antommarchi García and his wife Rosa Acosta had no idea they were about to embark on a long journey far from their rural home in Puerto Rico after doctors found a rare form of cancer. José and Rosa stayed at the Hines Fisher House where he was able to receive treatment.

“We didn’t know where we were going to stay because we didn’t have any family here [in Chicago],” Rosa said. “For us, who came from the island not knowing what to expect, the way Holly received and welcomed us, our lives changed, and we felt at peace.”

Located just outside of Chicago, this 20-room suite has treated families from throughout the Midwest and beyond.

MASSACHUSETTS

West Roxbury

Ever since its dedication in 2010, the Fisher House in Boston has held a deep connection to both local and military history, evidenced by heartwarming gifts from local families, volunteer

VA BOSTON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (WEST ROXBURY)

1 HOUSE

groups, and even pro athletes. Memorabilia includes a Boston Celtics jersey with the number of Jo Jo White, a respected Marine Corps veteran and Celtics player. Another notable feature is a signed print of the USS Constitution gifted by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The print includes signatures from veterans such as Tom Finn, a centenarian Pearl Harbor survivor. The house is decorated with quilts made by “The Hugs of Love Quilters,” and it has garden beds maintained by the VA Spinal Cord Unit Nursing staff.

These special touches echo the honor and respect we want all veterans to feel when they walk through the doors of a Fisher House.

1 HOUSE ST. LOUIS VA MEDICAL CENTER—JEFFERSON BARRACKS

Visitors to our St. Louis Fisher House can’t help but pause for a few moments to take in the view. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, guests can relax on the large back patio that overlooks the great river.

Ever since we dedicated this house in 2010, volunteers and managers have taken pride in going the extra mile for the more than 12,000 family members who have called this Fisher House home. Says manager Vanniecia Brown, “As the St. Louis Fisher House program manager for the last ten years, one of the most significant accomplishments I have and will remain committed to as long as I am privileged to be here is the honor of looking for a YES for our families and caregivers of our veterans during their time of need.”

St. Louis

MISSOURI

Eglin AFBFLORIDA

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE HOSPITAL

1 HOUSE

MIAMI VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

1 HOUSE

Sports fans will love hearing about some of the visitors to our Miami VA Healthcare System’s Fisher House, which was dedicated in 2010. The Miami Marlins recognized our comfort home as a community outreach partner and volunteered to provide essential services to its guests, and the Miami Heat donated $50,000 during a community outreach event.

The Fisher family has been actively involved in the Miami Fisher House since it opened in 2010. One memorable visit was a heartwarming holiday event in 2019, where the Fishers catered a meal and offered gift cards to all guests.

The Miami Fisher House provides all the warmth that one would expect to feel in sunny Florida, but that warmth really comes from the community, staff, and the guests themselves.

In 2010, we dedicated the Fisher House at Eglin Air Force Base, bringing a new resource to Florida’s Emerald Coast. Since opening, the house has offered community and comfort to families, whether they’re visiting for a few days or much longer.

The opening of the Fisher House was marked by significant visits, including prominent military veteran, entertainer, and Fisher House Foundation Trustee

Montel Williams, who spoke with service members during his visit. The Fisher House is located just steps away from the Eglin Air Force Base Hospital and Veterans Clinic, allowing families to stay just steps away from their loved one.

Miami

FLORIDA

Camp LejeuneNORTH

CAROLINA

“I will always remember your kindness.” A grateful guest wrote these words in a journal at the Camp Lejeune Fisher House. We place journals in the rooms of Fisher Houses across the country so that families can share their experiences with staff and other guests. Many have expressed the comfort they felt as they read the pages and knew they were not alone in what they were going through.

When we dedicated the house in 2010, it became our first Fisher House to reside on a Marine Corps installation. The warmth, kindness, and love from dedicated staff make the Camp Lejeune Fisher House feel like home. In fact, this Fisher House earned the Admiral Elmo Zumwalt Award for Lodging Excellence twice, in 2016 and 2019.

At the end of a long day, there is nothing quite like the peace and quiet of a room of your own. Each guest room in a Fisher House is designed with comfort in mind. From artwork reflecting the local community to accessible, private bathrooms, these rooms offer the comforts of home. Room sizes vary throughout each Fisher House, giving managers the flexibility to support different sized families. Some houses even have connecting rooms.

Managers and staff often add additional comfort items, such as toiletries or robes, that can make a world of difference to guests whose stays weren’t planned. Often, families staying in a Fisher House do not know how long they will need to be there, so knowing these rooms are available as long as they are needed—whether it’s days, weeks, or even months—is part of the feeling of reassurance and relief these cozy rooms provide.

We know that when families are staying in a Fisher House, they are going through a difficult time: caring for a loved one with

WITHIN THESE WALLS

Dover

DELAWARE

1 HOUSE DOVER AIR FORCE BASE

The Fisher House for Families of the Fallen is the one house we never want to see occupied. That’s because this house was built as a haven for families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and are visiting Dover Air Force Base to attend the dignified transfer of their loved ones. Fisher House Foundation Trustee Suzie Schwartz was attending a dignified transfer with her husband Gen. Norton Schwartz and was appalled when she witnessed the lack of facilities to comfort Gold

Star Families—parents, spouses, children, and loved ones of those killed in combat. She advocated for the creation of the Center for the Families of the Fallen. Recognizing there were very few options for hotel accommodation when traveling to the base, Ken Fisher also agreed that building a Fisher House was a necessity. We built this house to serve as a warm embrace for families responding to the call that no one should ever have to receive.

“We arrived at Dover around nine. Raw with emotion, we were

the

Fisher House.

In those terrible days, we

were not

driven to a special location on base,

“normal’ and

needed to be surrounded by those who could both help and respect our privacy. Fisher House provided us this quiet service. I was allowed a respectful place to meet with and be guided through the hard business of death.”

—ROBERT

STANTON, FATHER OF A FALLEN MARINE CPL. JORDAN STANTON

“It’s important that these families who have made the ultimate sacrifice understand that there are Americans that are very grateful. In the end, we can never ever forget what has been done, what has been given to us, this freedom. That what we hold most dear above everything else—that came at a cost.”

—KEN FISHER

The Dover Fisher House is the only house operated by active-duty military personnel. It features nine suites, each with its own private, handicapped-accessible bathroom. The grounds also are home to a meditation pavilion for reflection and solitude.

Construction on the house began on Memorial Day and was completed in time for Veterans Day in 2010. Everyone involved in the project put in extra time to finish it as quickly as possible so that it could

provide relief for those who had lost their loved ones. It welcomed its first family on Dec. 9, 2010, and has since provided quiet comfort to more than 3,500 family members.

Ken

Fisher, Fisher House Foundation Trustee Montel Williams, Gold Star Mothers, and other supporters gather in front of the Meditation Pavillion of the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen on the day the house was dedicated, Nov. 10, 2010.

Augusta

GEORGIA

The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center is one of the VA’s main locations for spinal cord injuries, so families travel long distances to receive initial care and longerterm rehabilitation. In 2011, to meet the needs of these caregivers, we built the 20-suite Augusta Fisher House.

Fisher House Manager Courtney Deese says she and her staff are focused on providing comfort so that families can focus on their recovery plans.

“We provide for these families whatever they need during their stay—dinners, transportation. We want them to feel comfortable.”

1 HOUSE

From cozy quilts throughout the home to the beautiful garden and landscaping, families can find peace and space to relax after long days in the hospital.

This house has also hosted notable events, such as the dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Marker and visits from celebrities like NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski and actor Gary Sinise.

The picturesque gazebo provides a peaceful place for guests to enjoy the outdoors.

The Snyder Family

Navy Lt. Brad Snyder had his family by his side throughout his recovery after being injured from an IED in Afghanistan in 2011 that left him blind. It wasn’t just the proximity of the house or that there was no cost to stay that made a difference. The community support they received at the Fisher House made them feel welcome and at home.

“When my sister was at the Fisher House in Augusta, people from the community who were so touched by what was going on would bring chili, cornbread, and slow cooker meals to the house,” said Brad.

CHARLIE NORWOOD VA MEDICAL CENTER

D.CWashington .

WASHINGTON VA MEDICAL CENTER

1 HOUSE

We opened the doors to the Fisher House at the Washington VA Medical Center in our nation’s capital in 2011, with a celebration attended by guests including Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole. Since its opening, the house has welcomed more than 24,000 guests from across the United States and as far as Chile.

While the house has welcomed many prominent visitors, guests like Korean War veteran retired Col. Joseph Krebs have left an indelible mark on volunteers, house managers, and our Fisher House community. Joseph, an outspoken Fisher House supporter until his death in 2016, experienced firsthand the profound impact of the home away from home. After facing severe health challenges in his later years, he expressed his gratitude for the welcoming environment and unwavering dedication of the staff, which eased his financial and emotional burdens and allowed him to focus on his recovery. His story is one of many at the Washington, D.C. VA Fisher House.

The Krebs Family Joseph, a two-time Purple Heart recipient, made no secret of his appreciation for the service to veterans and their families memorialized by the bronze bust of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher in the Washington, D.C. VA Fisher House.

“Every morning, when I pass their statue, I not only salute, I thank them for their amazing generosity. I just don’t know what I would do without the Fisher House,” he said.

The Fisher House at Washington VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C. offers a comforting home and support for military families facing challenging times.

JB Elmendorf-Richardson

ALASKA

HOSPITAL

While visits from local officials, volunteer groups, and even a celebrity or two are somewhat normal occurrences at our Fisher Houses, there is only one house that can boast a moose as one of its frequent visitors. Alaska’s first Fisher House was dedicated in February 2012, complete with heated sidewalks, a crucial amenity given a recordbreaking snowfall of more than 110 inches in 2024. A second house was added in 2018.

Because of the challenging conditions in Alaska, it is not uncommon for guests to have longer stays than at houses in the lower 48. This house has become well known as a place for young families to stay when expectant mothers are on bed rest or babies are born prematurely and remain in neonatal intensive care unit.

Thoughtful touches to each of our Fisher Houses, like these warm pathways, demonstrate the care and thought put into each Fisher House to ensure the comfort and safety of every family who stays in our homes.

KEN

UTAH

Salt Lake City

The Salt Lake City Fisher House holds a special place in our hearts as the home is dedicated in memory of a fallen Marine, Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps. The support we provide to military families here honors his legacy of bravery and sacrifice daily. Since opening the doors to this house in 2011, this 20-suite Fisher House has provided a peaceful environment where guests can take in the beautiful view of snowcapped mountains, share stories with other families, or simply enjoy a home-cooked meal.

A highlight of this location is the community involvement, including hosting the Corvette Club of Utah Car Show for two years in a row. Not just a fundraiser, the event is a bright spot for car enthusiasts and all who participate. Other organizations volunteer regularly to help with landscape maintenance or cook delicious meals in the expansive kitchen.

“We really need to take time out and remember what has been done for our freedom. It’s that simple.”

—KEN FISHER

The Phelps Family

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps was killed in Iraq in 2004 at age 19. Five years later, HBO brought the story of his final journey to his home in Wyoming to life on the screen with Kevin Bacon playing Casualty Assistance Officer Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Strobl. Producer Brad Krevoy aimed to honor his memory by supporting a military nonprofit. For many, it was the first glimpse of the hallowed process. With no Fisher House in Wyoming, the Salt Lake City Fisher House was chosen, and a cornerstone marks the house in his honor. Chance’s family helped cut the ribbon on the day it opened.

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GEORGE E. WAHLEN VA MEDICAL CENTER

The Fisher House at George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah is a welcoming haven of comfort and support for veteran families in need.

PittsburghPENNSYLVANIA

ALEXANDER T. AUGUSTA MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER

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We opened the doors to the Fort Belvoir Army Fisher House in 2012 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by former United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin, who was serving as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. The 12-suite home is located near the hospital in a quiet space where families can relax both inside and out. Behind the Fisher House are pathways and benches offering peace and quiet. Inside, guests can find solitude in their cozy rooms or gather in the kitchen that always has someone preparing a meal or making a cup of coffee.

Organizations from around Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. help keep the Fort Belvoir Army Fisher House in tip-top shape. Weekly groups prepare meals, help with upkeep indoors, or tend to the garden and landscaping. It truly is the community that keeps Fisher Houses feeling as special as they do.

PITTSBURGH VA MEDICAL CENTER

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Dedicated during the 2012 holiday season, our Fisher House at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center has the spirit of joy and giving on display all year round.

Just imagine walking through the doors to the smell of homemade baked goods made weekly by volunteer Lynn Coppola and being greeted with a warm smile from Richard Saulle, another volunteer who has visited every week since the house opened more than a decade ago. Children visiting the house might get a high-five from local sports heroes or even take a ride on “Heroes’ Rock,” a handmade rocking horse donated in honor of Army Spc. Alan N. Dikics.

It is little moments like these that make a significant difference for families and allow them to feel special, safe, and right at home.

Fort Belvoir

VIRGINIA

BirminghamENGLAND

This house is a uniquely special part of our family of comfort homes because it was developed in partnership with Helping Our Heroes Foundation and University Hospitals Birmingham Charity. Fisher House UK has served as a haven for British military families and other military forces since 2012. When it was dedicated, future King Charles III attended the ceremony to amplify the importance of this symbol of respect for the country’s military and veteran community.

In 2023, award-winning chef, Matt Davis, who underwent more than 60 operations at the hospital, enlisted enlisted colleagues from Michelin-Starred restaurants to cook at the Fisher House in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

Fisher Houses are known to receive delicious meals and treats from volunteers, local organizations, and even notorious cake ladies, but our Fisher House at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, England may be one of the only ones that can boast a visit from a future King and meals from renowned chefs.

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Fisher House Foundation Trustee Tammy Fisher and Dave Coker welcomed future King Charles III to Fisher House UK during the 2012 Dedication Ceremony.

The Brooks Family

Joanne and Gavin Brooks, a dual-military couple in the British Army and Royal Military Police, stayed at Fisher House UK with their two children while Gavin fought cancer.

“Our children have been able to be with us throughout Gavin’s stay at the QEB, and he is now starting a third hopefully ‘miracle cure’ treatment in the form of immunotherapy. From the bottom of our hearts, we wanted to say a a BIG British thank you,” said Joanne.

QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL AT BIRMINGHAM

San Antonio

TEXAS

At the 2013 dedication of our first Fisher House at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in San Antonio, Tommy Sowers, then-assistant secretary, public and intergovernmental affairs, VA, said, “Taking care of veterans is our central mission, but we’re not the only ones in this fight.”

This Fisher House in San Antonio fulfilled a commitment to build a home at each of the VA Level-One Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers across the country. That is the beauty of how we work in tandem with the VA and Department of Defense to create a home away from home for military and veteran families.

2 HOUSES

“I don’t know what we would have done without the Fisher House, because the Fisher House has been not just a place to go to sleep, but it’s been like a home. It’s so beautiful. And having literally a home to go back to, and everyone here is so wonderful and making us meals and being a shoulder to cry on, and you feel like you have family here and friends, too.”

—ERICKA HEWITT

The Hewitt Family

At the dedication of the second Fisher House at this site in 2024, Ericka Hewitt told the story of her son’s medical journey after being in a motorcycle accident. She stayed at the Fisher House while her sister and husband took turns rotating back and forth to their home in Colorado.

“I’m good at taking care of Skyler, but I’m not really great about taking care of myself. Fisher House is wonderful for that,” said Ericka. “My sister is here to make sure that I’m also being taken care of so that I can take care of Skyler.”

AUDIE L. MURPHY MEMORIAL VETERANS’ HOSPITAL

The San Antonio VA Fisher Houses feature drought-tolerant land scaping with pebbles instead of grass in the flower beds and native plants to handle the hot, arid conditions of the area.

Murfreesboro

TENNESSEE

Dedicated in 2013, the Murfreesboro Fisher House is located on the historic Alvin C. York Campus, named after one of the nation’s most decorated WWI heroes. York’s family even attended the dedication ceremony for the house.

With its proximity to Nashville, the house boasts a unique guitar collection, including one signed by notable songwriters and artists from Music City. All Fisher Houses have elements that reflect the cultural heritage of the local area where they are built, making their ties to their communities even stronger.

The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System supports veterans from Tennessee and the surrounding states, but with specialty services in organ transplants and prosthetics, Fisher House guests travel from all over the country.

Rebecca Wood

Adding to its rich history, the house is managed by one of our longest-serving Fisher House managers, Rebecca Wood, who has served in the Air Force, Navy, and VA Fisher Houses. Remarkably, she is one of only two managers still serving who personally knew Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher.

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ALVIN C. YORK VA MEDICAL CENTER

A resident of the Murfreesboro Fisher House plays guitar in the cozy living room, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere for fellow guests.

Gainesville

FLORIDA

1 HOUSE

1 HOUSE NAVAL HOSPITAL CAMP PENDLETON

The Camp Pendleton Fisher House is one of only two Fisher Houses on Marine Corps installations. Guests can draw extra inspiration and comfort from a special bronze bell donated by VetArt. Designed with the Fisher House logo using ancient bronze casting techniques, this bell, resonating with Navy and Marine Corps traditions, symbolizes honor, courage, and commitment.

Established in 2015 in Oceanside, California, this Fisher House has received support from local artists, organizations, and well-known businesses. Artist Heidi Peterson’s painted rocks with inspirational words and bright colors bring joy to many families. The creative staff at the Camp Pendleton Fisher House even hid them around the grounds for guests to find, helping to turn ordinary moments into delightful discoveries.

When Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, José Rios, an 81-year-old Korean War veteran, was airlifted to safety and medical care at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, José and his son Ernesto Nieves found solace at our Gainesville Fisher House. As Ernesto put it, the Fisher House is “not a hotel, it is a home.”

Located on the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center’s campus, the Gainesville Fisher House has provided a comforting home away from home since 2014. The facility ensures families of veterans are just steps away from their loved ones receiving medical care. Unique to this house is the “Walk of Courage,” a special brick pathway connecting the Fisher House to the hospital with memorial bricks honoring special loved ones or those who have served.

CALIFORNIA

MALCOM RANDALL VA MEDICAL CENTER

Tucson ARIZONA

TUCSON VA MEDICAL CENTER

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Fisher Houses are often designed to reflect the region where they are located. Set in the desert of the Southwest, the landscaping at the Tucson VA Medical Center was specially chosen to include arid plants such as cactuses and pebbles instead of grass.

Among the many heartfelt moments at this Fisher House over the years include a surprise family reunion. One of our former guests, Arlene, dropped by with a cookie donation and unexpectedly reconnected with her niece Karen, who she hadn’t seen in more than three years.

Fisher Houses are designed to build community inside the home where families often find comfort from other guests, and the houses also become part of the greater community in the cities where they are located.

“Not only is Chris giving us awareness, which means a lot more veteran families will know we are here, but he is also increasing donations. One hundred percent of our donations go to our families.”

—KELLY LAURICH, FISHER HOUSE MANAGER

Another notable story is of Air Force veteran Chris Cobb. Driven by his dedication to supporting fellow veterans, he raised approximately $50,000 for the Tucson Fisher House by climbing Mt. Everest and Mt. Denali.

Chris Cobb

Since 2015, the Tucson VA Fisher Houses has provided families with a safe and comfortable home away from home.

Long BeachCALIFORNIA

TIBOR RUBIN VA MEDICAL CENTER

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The 16-suite Fisher House at Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center in Long Beach, California, opened its doors in 2016. As a haven for veteran families in times of need, this facility has provided comfort and stability for those far from home, like one family who traveled 260 miles without water or electricity in their RV to get the medical care needed for their veteran.

Guests have consistently praised the well-maintained, beautifully appointed house and the accommodating staff. Stories highlight the supportive environment during extremely demanding times, from a mother’s stay during her son’s sudden illness, to a three-week stay for a mother’s radiation therapy, where the compassionate staff made the experiences more bearable.

The kitchen is often thought of as the “heart of the home,” and Fisher House kitchens are no different. On any given day, Fisher House kitchens are filled with the aromas of fresh coffee and a fortifying breakfast, homecooked dinners shared among loved ones and new friends, and gifts of warm baked goods and holiday meals provided by volunteers. Each kitchen is equipped with several cooking areas, allowing multiple families to use the kitchen at a time, providing not just convenience, but the opportunity to connect with others.

WITHIN THESE WALLS

Vancouver

WASHINGTON

VA PORTLAND HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

1 HOUSE

The VA Portland Fisher House is located at the Vancouver VA Campus in Vancouver, Washington. It offers all who visit the quiet respite of a home away from home. Delicious meals and baked goods are often waiting in the kitchen, and families staying here spend time trading stories, offering a listening ear, and building lifelong connections.

The Fisher House stands as more than a building; it is a sanctuary where hope, strength, and compassion converge, and where families find comfort in shared experiences and mutual support during some of their most challenging times. For countless veterans and their loved ones, it’s a place of refuge and a vital source of community—a true home that continues to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s heroes.

The Caldwell Family

Sue Caldwell has supported her husband at the Portland VA Fisher House for more than four months and counting. “The other guests, we are almost kind of going through the same thing, with our spouses, our brothers, our moms, our dads. So, we share a lot of stories amongst each other. It is really comforting. I’m really glad places like this exist so we can be there peacefully while we are going to see our families in the hospital every day,” Sue said.

This warm environment can be found in every Fisher House and is reflected in the words spoken at this home’s dedication in 2016 by Todd Burnett, then-acting director of the VA Portland Healthcare System:

“I do not know how to put into words how Fisher House Foundation has helped enhance the healing experience of our nation’s veterans for decades to come—but myself, our VA Portland staff, our veterans, family members, and community thank the Foundation for it. We are eternally grateful.”

The VA Portland Fisher House is a warm and comfortable place of respite for veteran families during some of the most difficult times.

Milwaukee

WISCONSIN

CLEMENT J. ZABLOCKI VETERANS’ AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER

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“I felt safe, I felt secure, and I felt everything here is meant to have all your needs met.” That was the sentiment Laura Urquhart, daughter of a Cold War veteran, shared about her stay at the Milwaukee Fisher House.

Fisher House provided the invaluable opportunity to be by her father’s side during his final days. Laura found comfort in the small, thoughtful details that made a difficult time more bearable.

Upon arrival, Laura found a quilt with her name on it in the corner of her room, providing warmth and reassurance. Since its dedication in 2016, the Milwaukee Fisher House has provided comfort to hundreds of families just like Laura’s.

Located on a historic VA campus, the Fisher House has a large back porch with views of American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. Guests can enjoy the beautifully appointed sitting areas inside or relax outdoors when they are not visiting their veterans in the hospital.

“I’m a long way from home. I don’t have any family in the area, but I feel safe and well-taken care of so that I can focus 100% on my dad.”

—LAURA URQUHART

Laura Urquhart

Laura, daughter of a Cold War veteran, was able to spend the final days of her father’s life by his side while she stayed at the Milwaukee Fisher House. She shared how the little things, such as a quilt and the proximity to the hospital, brought her comfort during this difficult time.

“I just felt so secure knowing that I’m a five-minute walk away and I can get up there immediately,” Laura explained.

Along with the proximity, being able to have a routine each day—making a coffee, sitting on the patio, packing some snacks, and then visiting her dad—made a big impact. She appreciated the extra touches that let Fisher House her focus on her dad.

The Milwaukee Fisher House welcomes families of veterans traveling for care not only from Wisconsin, but from all over the country.

As Fisher House Foundation celebrates the milestone of our 100th House, the need for our support continues to grow. It’s our aim to ensure all military families have the opportunity to provide support to their loved ones, even when a room in a Fisher House is not available at a given location. When this happens, we turn to our Hotels for Heroes program.

Much like Hero Miles, Hotels for Heroes gives people a way to give back to military families by donating an oftenuntapped resource: their hotel points. These points help Fisher House ensure that our service members, veterans, and their families have a comfortable place to stay during their time of need. Fisher House Foundation uses donated hotel points and tax-deductible monetary

donations to book hotel rooms for service members, veterans, and their families.

The Hotels for Heroes program partners with major hotel groups such as Best Western, Choice Hotels, Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham. Through these partnerships, the Foundation ensures that those qualified to stay at a Fisher House have a place to stay close to their loved ones, even when a house is full.

Vietnam veteran Jim Graham and his wife Susan travel from their home in Mexico to San Diego for post-cancer care. When the Fisher House is full, they use the Hotels for Heroes program. “[The program] has been a real lifesaver for us,” said Susan.

BEYOND THESE WALLS

1 HOUSE NORTH LAS VEGAS VA MEDICAL CENTER

Fisher Houses receive support from all kinds of people: local officials, famous athletes and musicians, volunteer groups, and so many more. Some of our most memorable supporters, however, are people moved to give back to those who have given so much. Our Fisher House at the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center, which we opened in 2016, received that support from local teen Kyler Mathews in 2023.

When Kyler was thinking about what he would like to do for his Eagle Scout project, he approached the house manager and came up with the idea of building an “Honor Bench” that families visiting the house could use to read, relax, and reflect. Dedicated to Dr. Richard Small, a physician who saved many lives during the Vietnam War, the bench is a daily reminder of the ways we can help serve and give back.

North Las Vegas

Charleston

SOUTH CAROLINA

RALPH H. JOHNSON VA MEDICAL CENTER

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While every Fisher House has its own little touches that reflect the community it serves, our house at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center has an extra-special look to it as we designed it to reflect the stunning federalist architecture of historic, Charleston, South Carolina. It is our first three-story home, and the only one to boast its very own renovated historic carriage house, which now provides additional storage space for the house.

Dedicated in 2017, the Charleston Fisher House may have a lot of unique features, but the most essential elements can be found in every single one of our homes. Whether it is the camaraderie of others staying in the house, a word of encouragement from the house manager, or just a quiet room to yourself after a busy day, this is a house that feels like home.

Pat Sherrod-Elliott

Army veteran Pat Sherrod-Elliott stayed at Fisher Houses in Charleston and Maryland while her son United States Marine Sgt. Sean Joseph Victor was treated for a fatal and previously undiagnosed genetic condition. She provided love and support, cherishing every moment until he passed.

“It gave me peace of mind because if I had to travel every day, I think I probably would’ve lost it because the stress of his condition… I want everyone to know that the Fisher House, as I said, and I can’t say it enough, it’s truly a blessing to families during their time of need.”

—PAT SHERROD-ELLIOTT

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Fisher House radiates a unique charm, designed to mirror the stunning architecture of historic Charleston, South Carolina.

West Haven

WEST HAVEN VA MEDICAL CENTER CONNECTICUT

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In a touching event on July 12, 2019, Fisher House Manager Amanda Salthouse and her father Mark Morin ensured that former Staff Sgt. Constantine “Gus” Cocoltchos received his final wish to be buried in his Marine dress blue uniform. The uniform, complete with proper rank insignia and medals, was presented to Gus through their dedicated efforts.

Moments like this, home-cooked meals, a hug, a shoulder to cry on, and a soft pillow to rest a weary head on show the level of dedication and care families at the West Haven VA Medical Center Fisher House have experienced since the house opened its doors in 2017.

Fisher House staff, volunteers, and supporters put their heart into making sure caregivers know they are valued and supported as they look after their loved ones receiving care.

The outdoor spaces at our Fisher Houses are thoughtfully designed by our landscape architect Rik Haugen to offer families a peaceful retreat from the stresses of hospital visits and medical concerns. Waking up and looking outside to a peaceful and relaxing environment can create a calming atmosphere for all guests. After a long day with a loved one, these environments provide a muchneeded opportunity to recharge, breathe in fresh air, and find comfort in the beauty of nature. Our patios and outdoor areas invite guests to step away from the emotional demands of caregiving, play equipment gives our youngest visitors a space to release some pent-up energy, and gardens and gazebos have even played host to weddings and vow renewals.

WITHIN THESE WALLS

Orlando FLORIDA

ORLANDO VA MEDICAL CENTER

1 HOUSE

DAYTON VA MEDICAL CENTER

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The VA Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio is one of the oldest in the United States. Originally the Central Branch, it was signed into being by President Abraham Lincoln. The Fisher House, dedicated in 2018, supports this medical center and provides comfort to all who have stayed there. It honors our Fisher House guests and the significance of the historic grounds it was built on.

One heartfelt note from a guest in Dayton expressed gratitude to staff for turning “what could have been a nightmare into a dream.”

That’s how we want everyone who stays in a Fisher House to feel the moment they step through our doors—that they can put some of their worries aside, they are surrounded by people who care, and they can feel at home for as long as they need us.

Our Fisher House at the Orlando VA Medical Center greets every guest with the same warmth you would show to any loved one visiting your home. Not long after the house was dedicated in 2018, a new house manager described the emotional response she received from a grateful guest:

“During my first week as manager for the Orlando Fisher House, I was conducting orientation paperwork for a guest that had been staying in a local hotel because she was not aware of the Fisher House. She was in complete disbelief the entire time that I was describing the home and could not believe that it was ‘real.’ When I took her to the room and we opened the door, she just stood there and cried. Her gratitude and appreciation has stayed with me since that day, and it was a perfect example of what the Fisher House is all about.”

Fisher House managers are the heart of the home.

Dayton

OHIO

BUILDING A LEGACY

At every Fisher House, families are welcomed by a bust of our founders, Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, in the foyer. What you may not know is that Felix de Weldon, who also created the iconic Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), sculpted the statue of Zachary and Elizabeth.

“Elizabeth and I have dedicated our lives to serving the men and women in the military. We do this because it is you who have stood ready to defend our freedom.”

—ZACHARY FISHER

Cleveland

OHIO

LOUIS STOKES CLEVELAND VA MEDICAL CENTER

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In June 2019, nearly 200 supporters, former guests, hospital employees, and friends gathered to dedicate the two new Fisher Houses in Cleveland at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. Given the deep need in this location, we built two homes at once but used different designs in order to maximize the space and serve as many families as possible.

While these two homes may look different on the outside, anyone who has spent time on the inside has felt the same warmth of a home away from home. Families form a community together over homecooked meals, and house managers and volunteers greet everyone with reassuring smiles that help peel some of their worries away.

Established in 1999 through a partnership with Newman’s Own, the Fisher Service Awards celebrate outstanding organizations and innovative programs dedicated to uplifting the military community. Recipients provide essential services ranging from PTSD recovery support to workforce training in agriculture and technology, combatting veteran homelessness, and offering vital educational resources for military and veteran family members.

Now co-managed by Fisher House Foundation and Military Times Foundation, the program annually awards $400,000 to nonprofits making a profound impact. With more than $3.4 million awarded to

more than 210 programs, the Fisher Service Awards continue transforming lives through dedication, compassion, and expertise, helping military families thrive.

Fisher House Foundation knows that it can’t be all things to all people in the military community, and the Fisher Service Awards let us support those who are making an impact while maintaining our own purity of purpose. It is truly a great thing to be part of a community that cares for those who have chosen to serve our country and the loved ones who stand by their sides.

BEYOND THESE WALLS

Bronx

NEW YORK

JAMES J. PETERS VA

MEDICAL CENTER

2 HOUSES

“Today, we dedicate the first Fisher House in my own backyard, here in the borough of the Bronx, where I actually grew up, went to public school, played stickball, learned how to ride a bike,” Ken Fisher told the ceremony attendees. “This one is special because it’s home.”

We hope everyone who steps foot in a Fisher House feels right at home. The 2019 dedication of our Fisher Houses at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, in the Bronx, was an extra special homecoming, as it marked the milestone of opening our first comfort home in the Fisher family’s hometown.

The site of groundbreaking exoskeleton research, the James J. Peters VA Medical Center provides hope and recovery for veterans who travel from all over the country to receive treatment there. Our Fisher Houses on the medical center’s campus offer the peace and quiet of home for their guests.

Each boasting an elevated Tudor-style exterior, our Fisher Houses in the Bronx reflect the local community while providing a warm environment for families from near and far.

“It

is our duty to do everything we can to contribute to these families and their veterans’ speedy recovery. We are honored to build these Fisher Houses in the Bronx that will serve the veterans and their families who travel to the Bronx VA for medical care.”

—KEN FISHER

“They thought of everything you don’t think about that you’re gonna need when you’re rushing to get to the hospital or to take someone somewhere,” said Jessica Gasko, who married her husband while they were staying at the Fisher House. “You’re so focused on what they need and what they’re gonna have to do that most of the time you forget things and something simple. ‘I forgot my toothbrush. Where can I go buy one?’ ‘Oh, don’t worry. Here’s one,’ you know? And it’s, I know it sounds like it’s something so menial, but it really does mean so much.”

Jessica Gasko

Fisher Houses at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center offer a home away from home for veteran families.

Albuquerque

NEW MEXICO

RAYMOND G. MURPHY VA MEDICAL CENTER

1 HOUSE

Families staying in our Fisher Houses can always count on receiving attentive, comforting care from house managers and volunteers. Sometimes, special visitors help take that to new levels with gifts of music to lift the spirits. Country music star and former rodeo cowboy Chancey Williams did just that when he visited the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center Fisher House in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which we opened in 2019. During his visit, he gave families a sneak peek of new music and shared stories about his rodeo days. While most of our managers and volunteers may not have stories from the rodeo circuit or stage to share, their listening ears, warm hugs, and even home-cooked meals and treats are often just what the doctor ordered. From the very beginning, the local community has been celebrated at the Albuquerque Fisher House. The black and white photographs taken by Daniel Ashe highlight the many aspects of Southwestern culture that come together in the city and make the Fisher House feel especially welcoming to everyone who walks through its doors.

“The staff and I had just finished blowing up our last balloon when Ben walked downstairs and into the dining room and you could just see the joy on his face.”

—CHRISTINA RAMÍREZ, FORMER ALBUQUERQUE FISHER HOUSE MANAGER

The Holloway Family

In 2020, the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center Fisher House greeted its youngest guest to date, 6-year-old Ben Holloway, along with his mother Jennifer. When Ben’s 7th birthday came around, the Fisher House staff and community group worked together to give him a great day with his favorite comic characters from Marvel’s Avengers. The Marvelous birthday party brought high spirits for all the guests, young and old.

The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center Fisher House opened in 2019 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and provides comfort and care for veteran families in need.

LIVING ROOMS

Augusta

1 HOUSE TOGUS VA MEDICAL CENTER MAINE

House managers and volunteers at our Togus Fisher House have made a special impact on the lives of the families they’ve hosted. Serving a relatively rural area, including about a dozen offshore islands in Maine, the Fisher House is so much more than a home away from home for our guests, many of whom left behind beautiful words of gratitude. One guest shared the following about her stay.

“For the past eighteen nights, I have left my husband’s hospital room sometime around midnight and walked across the street to this beautiful retreat called Fisher House. It’s always such a relief to enter this lovely place, which offers welcoming support as well as the freedom of restful time alone.”

Laughter, tears, and words of encouragement can be heard every day in Fisher House living room areas. Families who stay at Fisher House use the living room as a home base. Our living rooms provide a unique way of fostering connection, support, and community. For our Fisher House families staying together, a living room represents a shared space of understanding. Families facing similar challenges come together, finding strength in each other’s presence. Whether it is a chat with someone who knows exactly what you are going through or a quiet moment of reflection, the living room plays a vital role in creating a supportive environment.

WITHIN THESE WALLS

Ann Arbor

LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHARLES S. KETTLES VA MEDICAL CENTER

1 HOUSE

When we break ground on a new Fisher House, we often capture a photo of the “shovel line,” the individuals integral to bringing a Fisher House to the area. The Ann Arbor Fisher House ceremony featured the largest shovel line in Fisher House history, showcasing the community’s strong support. Dedicated in June 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the house has stood as a testament to resilience and the legacy of care since day one. In May 2023, a guest discovered a poignant connection to the Fisher family. Her late husband was killed in the 1989 USS Iowa turret explosion, after which Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher provided her family with significant support. Decades later, she found solace at the Ann Arbor Fisher House while supporting her son, realizing the Fisher family’s enduring impact on her life.

OMAHA VA MEDICAL CENTER

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Every Fisher House includes a bust of founders Zach and Elizabeth Fisher. Below it, a plaque reads, “This gift is dedicated to our greatest national treasure, our military service men and women and their loved ones.”

Those words had a special impact on Carla Carlson, one of the first guests to stay after we dedicated the Omaha Fisher House in 2021. “This house is to care for our nation’s greatest treasures, our military and their families. I love that,” she said.

Carla stayed at Fisher House while her husband Curt, a Vietnam veteran, received treatment for mesothelioma. For families like the Carlsons, whose stay lasted more than six weeks, part of the care we provide is the reassurance and comfort of home, whether it is sharing a warm meal after a long day or just a quiet place to unwind.

NEBRASKA

New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS VA MEDICAL CENTER LOUISIANA

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We made our official debut in Louisiana when we dedicated our Fisher House in New Orleans. The hospital is a hub for veterans who live across 23 parishes across the southern part of the state, many of them rural areas, and has two major medical affiliations with Louisiana State University and Tulane University Medical Schools, both known for robust research programs.

Our interior designer, Beverly Archer-Miears, decorated the home with colors that matched the feel of the city known as “The Big Easy,” including art that features jazz musicians, bright colors, and black and white tiled floors. With music provided by a New Orleans brass band, the dedication of our first comfort home in Louisiana was just the start of the famous southern hospitality families staying in this house experience.

Imagine being a military parent staying in a Fisher House far from home and knowing you do not have to go to a laundromat to do your laundry. While this might seem minor, the relief can be quite large. While laundry rooms may not be a favorite space in most households, they play a vital role in Fisher Houses. A basket of freshly cleaned laundry, the feeling of warm linens, and the comfort that comes from having your own things translate to a sense of normalcy and dignity during a vulnerable time. As families and guests may stay longer than anticipated, in many ways, the laundry rooms serve as a quiet backbone, helping to ground our guests as they navigate the unknown. The presence of clean clothes and familiar scents fosters a sense of home, reminding families that even in difficult times, small comforts can make a world of difference.

WITHIN THESE WALLS

WEST VIRGINIA

Huntington

HERSHEL “WOODY” WILLIAMS VA MEDICAL CENTER

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1 HOUSE KANSAS CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER

“You just come here, and it’s home.” That’s what Nicky Rohlfing, a family member of a Vietnam veteran, said about her stay at the Kansas City VA Medical Center Fisher House.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Fisher House Foundation continued to build houses. In 2020 alone, six houses were completed, and construction began on the Kansas City Fisher House, which opened in 2021. Throughout the pandemic, we supported the military and veteran community with gift cards and donations of Facebook portals to keep families connected, and some houses even provided a safe place to stay for critical hospital staff when the houses were closed to guests.

Today, the house stands proud, welcoming families with the trademark Fisher House warmth and hospitality as guests enter our doors.

Affectionately called the “Red, White, and Blue” Fisher House, our West Virginia Fisher House is known for its patriotic decor. Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, for whom the hospital was named, attended the groundbreaking ceremony, and later stayed there toward the end of his life. Since opening in 2020, this charming house displays its patriotic spirit not only through the decor, but also the care the house manager, staff, and volunteers show to all their guests.

One particularly poignant story comes from Brent Casey, Woody Williams’ grandson. Brent shared how invaluable the Fisher House was during his grandfather’s final days, offering peace and comfort amid their grief. The Fisher House staff’s understanding and support were immeasurable to the family during this challenging time.

Kansas City

MISSOURI

PLAY AREAS

Lexington

VA LEXINGTON FRANKLIN R. SOUSLEY CAMPUS KENTUCKY

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Standing alongside Assistant Under Secretary for Health and Patient Services

Dr. M. Christopher Saslo, our president, Dave Coker was on hand for the dedication of our second house in Kentucky. Dedicated in 2022, the house embodies the warm spirit of community found in Lexington. The home, its managers, and volunteers serve as reminders for military families that they are not alone during the healing process. Whether connecting with another family going through similar challenges or sharing coffee with a staff member, the space provided at our house in Lexington is deeper than the 16 suites it offers to visiting families. Artist Jane Athey designed unique art for a number of our Fisher Houses. For the Lexington Fisher House, she solicited help from her friends in the horse-riding community for extra bridal bits and assembled a beautiful piece for the foyer entitled “Every Bit Counts.”

The play areas at some of our Fisher Houses are thoughtfully designed to bring joy to children during challenging times. These spaces provide a haven where kids can interact, explore their imaginations, and simply be children while their loved ones receive care. With toys, games, playful seating, and climbing structures, the areas encourage creativity, play, and connection among children going through similar experiences. A special play area was created by Gold Star Mother Cynthia Garcia to honor her son Adam’s memory through the creation of “Adam’s Corner,” a special space where children can find comfort and entertainment. This dedicated area in several houses offers kids a sense of normalcy and joy, providing a much-needed escape during difficult moments.

WITHIN THESE WALLS

Columbia

SOUTH CAROLINA

Fisher Houses help make joyful moments—both big and small—and our house at the William Jennings Brian Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina is no exception.

Just ask Latessa and C.J. Johnson, a family who filled the house with the delicious aromas of the home-cooked meals they made to share with fellow guests night after night, including Latessa’s famous 16-bean soup.

Or ask James and Lucille Hayes, who stayed with us while James received cancer treatment. Their 23-night stay took place during James’ 78th birthday and the couple’s 53rd wedding anniversary, events that staff and other guests celebrated with a party.

Moments like these are what Fisher House is all about. Whether it’s the simple pleasure of a favorite recipe from home, or a new community coming together to celebrate life’s milestones, all who stay in a Fisher House benefit from the happy moments that help represent a family’s love. Families at Fisher Houses have ups and downs, but moments like these can provide some relief even in the toughest of times.

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The Hayes Family

James and Lucille Hayes stayed at the WilliamJennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center for 23 nights during a cancer fight that required James go to the hospital every day. They wrote in the journal in their room, “Thanks be to God for allowing such a facility to exist. The Fisher House truly fills a real need for veterans and their families. We will share our experiences with other veterans and their families. We are 78 years old and I am a Vietnam veteran. I cannot thank you enough for the assistance rendered to us.”

WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN DORN VA MEDICAL CENTER

The William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina provides comfort and support to veteran families from throughout South Carolina and beyond.

VIEWS

Living in a Fisher House, families have come to appreciate not only the warmth inside but also the beauty that surrounds them. Whether it is a desert landscape, a waterfront view, mountains in the distance, or the bustling city, the views from Fisher Houses nationwide reflect the beauty of the local area. While the interior of our homes holds great significance, the exterior is equally important, offering a serene and safe environment for our guests. Together, the indoor and outdoor elements form a nurturing environment that not only comforts but also inspires hope. In such a setting, families are more likely to connect with one another, share laughter, and forge lasting friendships, all of which are crucial for navigating the emotional aspects of caring for loved ones.

HARRY S. TRUMAN MEMORIAL VETERANS’ HOSPITAL

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“When a hot shower makes you whole again…” These were the grateful words expressed by Carolyn S., who stayed at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Fisher House. Before finding out about Fisher House, Carolyn was sleeping in her car due to the high costs of lodging near the hospital. For many families like hers, our homes provide more than just a place to sleep—they provide the dignity, community, and a sense of normalcy that comes from staying in a place that feels like home.

Another guest at this house summed up our mission beautifully:

“Everyone has a unique reason for coming to the Fisher House and we share emotions, struggles, prayers, meals, and stories. It is a community where understanding and encouragements are shared by many people coming from different backgrounds and experiences and also provided by the staff. Now, that’s good medicine.”

Columbia

MISSOURI

WITHIN THESE WALLS

TENNESSEEMemphis

LT. COL. LUKE WEATHERS, JR. VA MEDICAL CENTER

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JOHN D. DINGELL VA MEDICAL CENTER

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The Detroit Fisher House at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center joined the VA Ann Arbor Fisher House as the second Fisher House in Michigan. This milestone was celebrated in spring 2024 with a “Topping Off Ceremony” hosted by Medical Center Director Chris W. Cauley and Fisher House Foundation President Dave Coker. The ceremony marked the placement of the final beam, with Rep. Debbie Dingell in attendance to honor the medical center named after her late husband, Rep. John D. Dingell. The house was completed later that same year.

The Detroit Fisher House is one of three houses with a threestory design. The 13,000 sq. ft. home offers 16 suites, a kitchen, communal living spaces, and more, providing free lodging for families of veterans receiving medical care.

The Fisher House at Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee, became a part of the Fisher House network in 2024. This Fisher House stands as a symbol of the collective effort and generosity of countless individuals and organizations committed to supporting those who have served.

The state-of-the-art home features 16 suites, provides a place to stay at no cost for veterans and their families during hospital stays, and embodies the spirit of compassion and community that aligns with Fisher House Foundation’s mission.

As a special treat, a supply of “blue suede” slippers was provided upon opening to bring a smile to guests staying at this house in the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll.

Detroit

MICHIGAN

ILLINOIS

North Chicago

The 100th Fisher House is located at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, Illinois. As a milestone house, it is fitting that the hospital it supports is the only federal healthcare facility with integrated medical care to support the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. Service members and their families from Naval Station Great Lakes and veterans from Illinois, Wisconsin, and beyond share this beautiful home away from home.

Guests caring for their loved ones know they aren’t alone in their fight. A knowing smile from other families staying in the house, sharing a morning coffee with a house manager, or simply the ability to retreat to a quiet room are the little things that happen at this house to let families know they aren’t alone.

The Lovell FHCC Fisher House offers all the comforts of home for the families of our service members and their loved ones who we want to honor every time they step through our doors, just as Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher intended.

We know our mission doesn’t end here. We will continue to build wherever there is a need so that our greatest national treasure: service men and women, veterans, and their loved ones receive the respect and gratitude they are due for all they have given to our nation.

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The progression and development of the 100th Fisher House located at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, Illinois, showcases the remarkable milestone in supporting military families.

CAPTAIN JAMES A. LOVELL FEDERAL HEALTH CARE CENTER

“I

look back and I know that I have made a difference in someone’s life. I look forward and feel certain that we will be making meaningful changes in many lives.”

—ZACHARY FISHER

Our Journey Continues…

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