BAMC RENOVATION HOUSE II

Winter storm of February 2021

By Robyn Stewart, JBSA Army Fisher House Manager

Temperatures plummeted into the teens causing freezing precipitation to develop through most of Texas in February 2021. Snow blanketed majority of all areas causing electrical and water outages for days. Texas came to a complete stand still. The staff at the JBSA Army Fisher House was not able to gain access to the installation for almost 5 days after the historical weather event began. Fisher House II was closed due to COVID and did not have residents staying there at the time.

The fire suppressant system froze causing pipes to rupture and the house to flood. So, staff was unaware of the situation until it was too late. The house had to be completed gutted, furnishings, appliances, everything. Damage was estimated to be roughly $1.5 million. Thanks to the Richards family and Fisher House Inc. We have been able to revamp the house and restore to it to its original state prior to 2021 Winter Storm Uri.

Fisher House Inc. provided over $330K to furnishing and reconstruction of Fisher House II. They were able to do this thanks to all the generous donations provided to them. The house will be opened soon thanks to Fisher House Inc., and their supportive donors.

Philip Harralson was born in Tucson, AZ and graduated from Fairfield High School, Pierce College, and San Antonio College. Phil has been married for 11 years to SFC (RET) Krendra Harralson and is father to Daniel, Christian and James.

MEET THE MANAGER: Phil Harralson, JBSA Lackland Fisher House

Phil served in the US Army on active duty from 1994 to 2014 working in such positions a 1SG, Platoon Sergeant, Senior Drill Sergeant and Senior Instructor. Phil deployed several times while on active duty consisting of two tours to Iraq, two tours to Afghanistan and two tours to Kuwait. After retirement Phil continued his military service with the Washington and Texas Military Departments and currently serves as the SEA Senior Enlisted Advisor for his unit. All in total Phil has nearly 29 years of federal and state military service. Phil continues to serve the community through volunteer search and rescue and several service, philanthropic and fraternal organization.

Phil started his Fisher House work in April of 2016 and absolutely enjoys supporting the Fisher House mission of providing a home away from home for military families seeking medical care. For Phil it is about giving back to the military community, continuing to serve and helping others. Phil enjoys the outdoors, travel, road trips, walks and family time.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT, CIRCLE K FUNDRAISER

Circle K Texas has been a great supporter of Fisher House, Inc. For the past few years, during the month of November, they raised money at Circle K stores in Texas. Their latest fundraiser raised an incredible $72,788.19. Words cannot express how grateful we are!! THANK YOU, Circle K for all that you do to support our military members, veterans and their families staying at the Fisher House!

SOUTH TEXAS VA FISHER HOUSE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 2013-2023

The 10th year anniversary of the South Texas VA Fisher House. South Texas Veterans and employees gathered around as John Mendoza; Deputy Medical Center Director for the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) shared a few words.

“We are grateful to have the generous support from Fisher Foundation and the support from our community partners like the ones we are proud to have with us today to support our Veterans and their families in South Texas.”

Many businesses such as United Rental, Bank of America, and USAA came out to support today’s event by providing bagged lunches, flavored popcorn, and Fisher House tote bags. As people enjoyed their meals, many people happily danced as “Fort Sam’s Own” 323D Army Band played New Orleans-styled music. Donations that are given from numerous companies throughout the year help continue to maintain the upkeep of the South Texas Fisher VA Fisher House.

The San Antonio VA Fisher House opened its doors in March 2013 as the 60th facility worldwide and the eighth in San Antonio, creating the largest concentration of Fisher Houses in a single city.

The Fisher House Foundation Inc. story begins with one man with one vision and idea. Zachary Fisher made it his mission to support the U.S. Armed Forces in a major way, designing and building homes for families to stay in while their loved ones recover at the hospital. Fast forward to today, that one idea grew to the first Fisher House that has grown to 94 Fisher Houses and is on the road to 100. Fisher Houses have supported hundreds of thousands of families. This network of comfort homes was created to provide a sense of normalcy during a medical crisis.

Over the course of ten years, the South Texas VA Fisher House has made quite a name for itself in a positive way, accommodating over 8,000 individual guests, including over 6,000 families, saving those guests over $656,000 in lodging costs. Additionally, the South Texas VA Fisher House volunteers contributed over 31,000 volunteer hours of their time to help support our Veterans and their families.

Fisher House Manager, Mr. Douglas Dickson, was excited to see all of the smiling faces come out to support this event. “I am so thankful for all of the people that have gathered here today to support the ten-year anniversary of the South Texas VA Fisher House. Because of your support, and financial donations, we will continue to provide a “Home Away from Home” for our Veterans, Active-Duty service members, and their families.” He said. “But don’t rest easy thinking our work is complete; we are just beginning.

The 13,400-square-foot South Texas VA Fisher House has 16 guest suites, a kitchen, dining, and a family room area alongside a patio area with Pergola, Gazebo, and covered outdoor pavilion with a kitchen. There is no cost to stay at the Fisher House while a loved one is receiving care.

When asked what the best part is about managing the South Texas VA Fisher House, Dickson said “The guests. I love interacting with the guests, hearing their stories, and at times offering encouragement.” “Because Veterans and Caregivers have a stressful hospital environment, I want the Fisher House to be a stress-free “Home away from Home” environment where lodging is free, food is free, the staff are welcoming, and the accommodations are excellent.” Dickson added.

The Fisher House Foundation Inc. plans to break ground this year for its second South Texas VA Fisher House, which is expected to be fully constructed by 2024.

ByKeonaRaynor,PublicAffairsIntern

Volunteers are an essential and valuable part of the Fisher House mission. We can’t do what we do, without their support, dedication, and countless hours. Fisher Houses are always in need of volunteers, from a few hours making a meal for the guests or volunteering every week, their presence is always felt and needed. In this issue, we are highlighting Art Vazquez, who has been a dedicated Fisher House volunteer for many years.

“When I graduated from college in 1970, what I wanted most was to serve in the military. I drove to the US Army Recruiting office in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, and went in, excited to sign up. I can still remember, I spoke with SGT Johnny V McCoin, who happened to be the Recruiter of the Year at that time. He put an end to my dreams when he told me with my four older brothers being active-duty military, he could not allow me to enlist because I could be a sole surviving son. He explained the US Congress had passed a law sometime back that made it illegal for a sole surviving son to enlist in the military.

The closest I could get to serving in the military was to serve the military through my job at USAA (United Services Automobile Association). As an employee of 17 years, I gained even more respect for the military community, both active duty and veterans, and learned some life lessons along the way, like treating the members as I would like to be treated, doing what is right for the members because it is the right thing to do, and Going Above for those that Go Beyond.

After retiring from USAA, I became a member of theUSAA Golden Eagle Club, which is an organization for retirees of USAA. I was an active volunteer, and in 2019, I was elected to serve as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Club. As volunteers, we continue to support the military and have enjoyed supporting the Fisher Houses - Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB and Audie Murphy.