Cover Story: Army Vet Supports Her Navy Sister in Tough Hospital Journey 16
Fisher House Volunteer of the Year 18
Fisher House Service Branch Volunteers 19 of the Year Hearts In the Community
FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Kenneth Fisher
PRESIDENT
David A. Coker
CHIEF OF STAFF
Mary Considine
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Michelle Horn
MANAGING EDITOR
David Nye
COPY EDITOR
Blake Stilwell
LAYOUT AND ART DIRECTION
Gifted Eye Designs giftedeyedesigns.com
Address all correspondence to: The Patriot Fisher House Foundation
12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 410
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 294-8560
Fax: (301) 294-8562
Email: info@fisherhouse.org fisherhouse.org
About Fisher House Foundation, Inc.
Fisher House Foundation is best known for its network of comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital they serve. Fisher Houses have up to 20 suites with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room, and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since its inception, the program has saved military and veteran families an estimated $690 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging and transportation.
Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles program, using donated frequent flyer miles and funds to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members, as well as the Hotels for Heroes program, using donated hotel points and dollars to allow family members to stay without charge at hotels near medical centers. The Foundation also manages an awards program that helps other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses, and children of fallen and disabled veterans.
Fisher House Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Donations to Fisher House Foundation or individual Fisher Houses are tax-deductible to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Fisher House Program
BY THE NUMBERS
Days of lodging offered $690 MILLION
Savings for families in lodging and transportation costs
570,000 Families served 13.4 MILLION
100 Fisher Houses in operation
The statistics in this graphic reflect the Fisher House program’s impact since inception.
The statistics in this graphic reflect the Fisher House program’s impact since inception.
LETTER FROM KEN FISHER
Dear Friends,
As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, it’s a good time to reflect on who we are. We are a country that builds. When there is a need, we don’t wait. We step in and get to work. That’s how Fisher House began, and it’s how we move forward today.
Our military is older than the nation itself. Before there was a United States of America, there were men and women willing to stand up and defend the idea of it. That hasn’t changed. And it’s why our responsibility to the military, and to their families, can’t change either.
This year, we are expanding in important ways. We are building a new Fisher House in Montrose, New York, a replacement home in West Palm Beach to improve accessibility, and a second house in Pittsburgh to meet growing demand. We continue working with the VA on additional sites as we look ahead.
Each house means one thing. Families no longer have to worry about where they will sleep while a loved one is in the hospital. They can be there for the moments that matter.
Fisher House is more than brick and mortar. It’s a commitment. It’s our way of serving those who have served this country.
Our core mission hasn’t changed since 1990, and it won’t. As long as there is a military, there will be a need.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we make a difference.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Fisher Chairman and CEO, Fisher House Foundation linkedin.com/in/ken-fisher-fhf/
CHARITY RATINGS A+
Fisher House Foundation works hard to be a good steward of the resources entrusted to us. It is a privilege to do the work we do, and we are proud to hold the highest ratings awarded by the top national charity watchdog organizations.
Fisher House Foundation received an A+ from CharityWatch in its veterans and military category. Only four military and veteran charities currently hold this distinctive A+ rating.
Charity Navigator awarded the Foundation its coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management for the 22nd consecutive year, a rating achieved by less than 1% of the charities in the country that it monitors.
Fisher House Foundation earned the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by Candid, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information.
GUEST FAMILY PROFILE
The Thomas Family
Story by David Nye
Theresa Francis-Thomas’ son, Houston Thomas, became a tactical air control party officer, one of the elite airman who communicates with planes in combat, calling in airstrikes as well as acting as a small air control tower, but on the ground and under fire.
In 2023, Theresa got the call that Houston had been in a terrible training accident in Guam.
“His injuries were life-changing,” Theresa said. “He is now permanently paralyzed from the waist down, so his recovery in itself has been hard, with both seen injuries and also unseen injuries.”
When Theresa learned that he was so badly hurt and halfway around the world in Guam, she fought to be by his side. She headed toward Hawaii where the military would soon transfer Houston.
“The Fisher House at the time in Hawaii was under renovation, so they did not have room for me,” she said. “However, Fisher House provided a hotel room for me for six months, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that, because I wouldn’t have been able to afford it at all.”
The Hotels for Heroes program uses donated hotel points and funds to cover hotel stays for families eligible to stay in a Fisher House when the house is unavailable.
Photos courtesy Theresa Francis-Thomas
“I was at the hospital from 7 in the morning until 8, 9 o’clock at night,” she said. “Every single day that he was in that hospital, so was I.”
As Houston’s condition improved, he was able to transfer to a hospital in Florida.
“When he was sent back stateside, he went over to James Haley VA center, which is in Tampa, Florida and when he was at James Haley I would commute from Orlando to Tampa with his kids,” Theresa said.
“They had two Fisher Houses in Tampa next to James Haley because James Haley is a very large VA center there,” she said. “All I can say is that the women that work in the Fisher House supplied me with so much information that was very, very helpful to both me as a parent and to my son as a service member at that time. The Fisher House was well-appointed so there was nothing that you would need that you did not have. There is a large kitchen with two large refrigerators, two stoves, two microwaves, two kitchen sinks, everything you needed.”
In addition to the facilities, Theresa found a network with other caregivers in the house.
“People gather around during dinner time. People are in the kitchen and in the dining which has multiple large tables. The Fisher House itself is a very homey environment. It’s like a home away from home,” she said.
It was hard to watch him struggle to perform daily tasks again, but Theresa took pride in Houston’s progress and how far he has come since his accident.
“I remember him making up his own bed for the first time and the way they showed him how to make up his bed, putting on the fitted sheet, and he got to the edge and he fell,” she said. “I rushed in and he was like, ‘No mom, don’t. I’m gonna have to learn how to do this by myself, so if I need you, I’ll let you know.’ And I had to turn around and walk away.”
“You see your child even though they may be an adult, you see them, you know they may need help,” she continued. “But you’re not allowed to, so it has been heartbreaking at times and most rewarding, 1,000 percent, to see him being able to care for himself and his boys very independently without me.”
Houston now competes in archery and other sports, including at the military’s Warrior Games in 2025.
On opposite page: Theresa Francis-Thomas and her son, Houston Thomas, share a selfie together during his recovery. Below: Houston Thomas competes at the 2025 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
MEET THE MANAGER
Heather Frantz
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare
Fisher House
Story by David Nye
“I came to Fisher House on the opening day, on ribbon cutting day. I found out the day before that I was going to manage the house because the manager originally in place got a new position,” said Heather Frantz, manager of the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Fisher House.
Heather’s sudden move from her hospital system’s public affairs office to Fisher House manager was a welcome one, but she’s had to learn a lot in the 14 years since that welcome surprise.
“It was hard at first to navigate how to be there for families and sometimes, you know, we’re here for them in the hardest moments of their life,” she said.
She’s grown into the role and appreciates the level of impact that managers can have in the lives of military and veteran families.
“It’s really amazing to be in a position where you quite literally have the ability to make a difference in somebody’s life every single day.”
The families sometimes come in for relatively routine procedures only to end up facing tough times. Her guest who stayed the longest at the Fisher House was supporting her husband who faced complications during a hernia removal that cascaded.
“It was trying, it was very hard,” Heather said. “But she was a beautiful person and ended up being what I call the ‘House Mother,’ a guest who’s here for a little while and tries to take care of people around her. She was going through so many setbacks before she and her husband could finally go home, but she still came to our Christmas party, and I have a photo of her holding my youngest child.”
That Christmas party at the Pittsburgh Fisher House is an annual event, and Heather appreciates the support of her local community group that makes it possible.
“It’s usually a big to-do, we give out stuff for the families and gift cards, do a big dinner, and Jim Bruder, one of our Friends of Fisher House supporters, would dress as Santa Claus,” she said.
FISHER HOUSE MANAGERS
Heather loves making the small differences everyday, like helping a nervous veteran secure lodging for her family to support her during an open-heart procedure, and seeing the big events that her community helps make for families, like when the community group and the Pittsburgh Pirates worked together to honor a guest family on the field during a game.
“It’s a very special mission to be a part of,” she said.
Outside of work, Heather claims she is boring, going to her kids’ events to support them, reading books, and listening to truecrime podcasts. She has Ava, 18, starting nursing school in the fall, Landon, 17, pursuing a football scholarship, and Caden, 10.
MEET THE STAFF
Fisher House Foundation is comprised of many passionate and talented people. Each issue, you’ll meet someone who helps contribute to our mission of supporting our military, veterans, and their families.
Nancy Popejoy joined Fisher House Foundation in March 2025 as Vice President of External Affairs, bringing more than three decades of experience in military healthcare administration and public service to the role.
In her position, Nancy leads the Foundation’s outreach to key partners across military, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Congress, and the private sector, helping ensure that the mission of supporting military and veteran families remains visible, understood, and supported at the highest levels.
“It’s an extraordinary opportunity to help tell the Fisher House story to those who shape policy and resources for our military community,” Nancy said. “This work is fundamentally about relationships — connecting decision-makers with the real experiences of service members, veterans, and their families.
Nancy’s connection to the Fisher House mission began early in her federal career. In 1994, while serving at Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, she witnessed firsthand the impact of a Fisher House when the family of a young resident who had died in a mountaineering accident was provided lodging during the search and recovery effort.
“During those years, the need was constant,” she said. “Fisher House — and programs like Hotel for Heroes — ensured that families could remain close to their loved ones during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. It made a profound difference in the care environment for both patients and families.”
Today, Nancy’s work focuses on strengthening partnerships that sustain and expand that support by engaging with military leaders, congressional offices, and community stakeholders to advance Fisher House’s long-standing commitment to those who serve.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Nancy enjoys traveling and hiking with her partner, Chris. She is also the proud mother of two adult children, Nicholas and Samantha, and a grandmother of two.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of an organization whose mission has touched so many lives,” she said. “Supporting military and veteran families in this way is both a privilege and a responsibility.”
Years later, while serving at Walter Reed Army Medical Center during the height of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Nancy worked closely with Fisher House Foundation aswounded, ill, and injured service members were transferred from overseas for care.
HERO MILES PROGRAM SUPPORTS
CHALLENGE ASPEN MILITARY OPPORTUNITIES
Story by David Nye
Challenge Aspen conducts adaptive athletic events in the Rocky Mountains to help Americans struggling with a disability to connect with themselves and the world around them. Their Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities program is specifically focused on veterans. For veterans like Paul Ness and Michael Bradley, that meant they could engage in outdoor programming that can help them with rehabilitation, and their travel for the program was provided through Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles program.
Paul Ness, an infantry and explosive ordnance disposal veteran who has suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries which caused him hormone issues, took part in an archery competition.
“I had actually just happened to start getting into archery when a friend of mine that was participating in the event told me about it,” Paul said. “I was able to sign up for it and get more comfortable with archery in a setting where I’m around other like-minded individuals.”
Paul flew from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Aspen, Colorado for the event.
“The first few days we kind of sighted in equipment, got the people that have never shot bows comfortable shooting the bow,” he said. “And then we also had somebody come in and help us do breathing techniques and things like that to help center our mind and get our body in control.”
After a few days of lessons, the veterans headed to an archery challenge.
“It was done at a ski resort, so we take the lift up and then you’re kind of walking around the different courses and along the top of the mountain that kind of bring you into different areas. It’s mostly community building, people dealing with TBIs and PTSD was the majority in our group. It’s just getting around those people that maybe
you’ve lost that type of connection after leaving the service to where you can kind of be yourself and be free. It’s kind of like that judgment-free zone.”
Paul quickly took to archery and plans to start hunting with a bow.
Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Bradley spent 20 years in special operations and suffered a number of injuries.
“The last injury was a severe TBI with damage to my spinal cord and lots of broken bones. That was the end because of the severity of it. I was not supposed to walk or talk again based on the doctors, so my mom said, ‘He’s on the prayer list at church.’”
Michael eventually emerged from a coma and was in the process of undergoing medical retirement when he spoke to Fisher House Foundation. “That’s kind of what got me to Aspen to CAMO for the first time and then going through adaptive sports with the Warrior Games.”
At the Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities program, Michael tried snowboarding for the first time.
“So I was comfortable on skis prior to the injury,” he said. “I’m still comfortable in the skis, but I have drop foot so ski boots suck and are frustrating. Because I’m not at the level I was, I wanted to try something different.”
“I have a lot of work to do on snowboard,” hesaid, “but that was kind of a week of starting something new. The instructors they had there were phenomenal.”
He said snowboarding appealed to him because of a love of the snow.
The travel support from Hero Miles was key to Michael taking part in the CAMO program.
“I wouldn’t have went without Hero Miles,” he said.
“When I was able to get back on the snowboard fresh after injury, I felt like a human again.”
Michael relies on faith as he navigates the coming life after the uniform. “I have faith. I haven’t totally understood God’s plan with me to take the uniform off. I wanted to get another at least one more deployment in, but I’m accepting I can still serve others without a uniform.”
Challenge Aspen is a nonprofit focused on adaptive sports for all people with disabilities, and their military programs are open to all veterans with a VA disability rating. More information is available at their website: https://challengeaspen.org/ programs/veteran-programs/.
Above: On Snowboard: Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Bradley, in red, learns to snowboard during a Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities program, which is tailored to work with his injuries from 20 years in special operations. With bow on the left: Infantryman and explosives ordnance disposal veteran Paul Ness took part in an archery challenge that let him learn the sport with other veterans who dealt with injuries similar to his own.
GOLD STAR SISTER reflects on time at DOVER FISHER HOUSE for FAMILIES of the FALLEN
Christina Phaneuf and her family got one of the worst calls that a military family can receive. Her brother, Air Force Capt. Ryan Phaneuf, was flying as the co-pilot in an E-11A aircraft in Afghanistan in 2020 when an engine failure led to him and the other pilot perishing in a crash. Her family was invited to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, to receive Ryan’s remains as he returned to U.S. soil.
“My brother was serving out in Afghanistan,” Christina said, “and we found out that his plane went down, and he and the other pilot didn’t survive. So, we were then told to go to the airport. The military figured it all out. They hooked us up with flights and everything.”
During this difficult time, families also have a very special place to stay that was built just for this mission, the Dover Fisher House for Families of the Fallen. The Phaneuf family went there at the same time as the family of the other pilot, Lt. Col. Paul Voss.
“Our mission here and at [Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations] is to honor and respect the fallen and to provide care, service, and support to the loved ones who come to witness them coming home to American soil,” former Dover Fisher House Manager Stasia T. Smith, an Air Force master sergeant, said in a 2020 interview.
The Dover Fisher House is specially set up to provide comfort, with two gardens and a meditation pavilion in addition to the kitchen, dining room, and other areas common to all Fisher Houses. The Dover Fisher House also has more staff support from the Air Force, including a chaplain that provides spiritual support to guests and a chef that cooks some of the families’ meals.
While the families needed the privacy and support provided by the house and staff, they also appreciated being able to meet each other. They hadn’t known each other before their loved ones’ ill-fated flight.
“I lost my brother, but my parents lost their kid,” Christina said. “So, Paul’s parents lost their kid. So that’s when we would go out. And we kind of, you talked to people going through the same pain, right? The other family, they’re going through the same exact loss that we were…honestly we hung out in the kitchen a lot.”
“I don’t think, if we never went to Fisher House, we would even know who [the Voss Family] is,” Christina said. “But for our circumstance where, it was just my brother and this other pilot, you have people that are going through the exact same thing. And oddly enough, that makes them best friends. I mean, we all talk to them. I have them on Facebook. I know one of his daughters graduated college. Like we’ve met up with them a couple
Story by David Nye
Photos courtesy of Christina Phaneuf
Above: Christina and Capt. Ryan Phaneuf pose by a plane. Top right, top to bottom: Ryan poses as he enters his jet. Christina included Ryan in her engagement photos with a memorial bracelet. Ryan sits on his motorcycle which he later left to Christina.
Immediate right: Christina poses with her father while on the motorcycle she inherited from Ryan.
of times actually at Arlington in Virginia. So that’s all because of Fisher House.”
Christina appreciated how the house staff balanced giving the families space while also helping where appropriate. She gave high praise to the chef’s omelets.
The family members are the guests of honor at the dignified transfer ceremony where the remains of the fallen arrive back in the United States. Senior government and military leaders attend and offer their condolences during the ceremony. The Phaneufs had decided to dress up for the ceremony, but Christina’s dad discovered that he had forgotten to pack a belt.
Christina said, “So my dad goes to the front desk and asks the airman, ‘Hey, do you guys have any extra belts or anything that I could just borrow? I forgot mine.’ And they’re like, ‘Well, no, sir, we don’t, we don’t have any extra belts. But if you’d like, we could run to Walmart.’ And my dad says, ‘No, no, don’t worry about it. It’s not that serious. It’s fine.’ So we all go back to our rooms, we’re all getting ready. And then all of a sudden, someone knocks on the door, and it’s one of the airmen, and he’s got something like five different belts in his hands, and he says ‘Sir, I didn’t know what size you wear.’”
The airmen offered to let him keep all of the belts, but the father, laughing, told them to please hold the rest of the belts for later guests who might need them.
Christina now rides Ryan’s motorcycle in his memory, including at motorcycle rides in his honor. She wears a bracelet memorializing him, even in her 2025 wedding.
FISHER HOUSE SALUTES
Military service members, veterans, and their families are supported by countless organizations that acknowledge their sacrifices. We feature a top-tier organization each issue.
FISHER SERVICE AWARD TOP
RECIPIENT:
Story by David Nye
The Caregiving Youth Student Leadership Program in Central Texas, supports high school students in caregiving roles from all military branches. It equips them with leadership skills, resources, and confidence for college, careers, and life readiness after graduation. By fostering resilience and potential, the program prepares future leaders. It is administered by the Military Child Education Coalition.
“At MCEC, we recognize the often-overlooked courage of military-connected youth who take on caregiving responsibilities at home. Established in 2023, the Caregiving Youth Student Leadership Program is designed to empower these young leaders—to connect them with vital resources and equip them with the confidence and skills they need to thrive,” said Mary Bier, President and CEO of Military Child Education Coalition. “Our immersive, five-day leadership training provides a supportive environment where they can grow, learn, and be seen. We are proud to stand alongside these remarkable young people as they transform challenges into leadership, resilience, and opportunity.”
The Fisher Service Awards for Military Community Service provides funding toward innovative programs created to improve the quality of life of veterans. In 2025, it awarded grants to the Military Child Education Coalition and four other organizations, featured on the page at right, that make real improvements in the lives of military service members, veterans and their families.
“Congratulations to the 2025 Fisher Service Awards recipients,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. “Each of these programs represents the best of what it means to serve — making a real, lasting difference in the lives of military and veteran families. We are proud to stand alongside them in this work. My sincere thanks to our partners at Military Times and to
our dedicated panel of judges for their unwavering commitment to honoring those who give so much back to our community.”
“Military Times is proud to support military-connected families and organizations that strive to improve the lives of those in this community. Our support of the Fisher Service Awards is just one of the many ways we underscore the Military Times mission of service to the community we serve” said Kelly Facer, SVP Sightline Media Group/Military Times. “As is the case every year, our honorees exemplify the power of community, cooperation, and innovation in tackling the most important issues for our nation’s heroes and their families.”
The Fisher Service Awards began in 1999 as the Newman’s Own Awards and have now awarded more than $3.8 million across 215 non-profit programs.
Learn more about the Caregiving Youth Student Leadership Program and MCEC at militarychild.org.
Above: Mary Bier, President and CEO of Military Child Education Coalition, in blue, accepts the top 2025 Fisher Service Award.
The Caregiving Youth Student Leadership Program received the top Fisher Service Award, but there are another four grant recipients each year whose programs have a great impact on the quality of life for veterans and their families. Learn about the other four recipients below.
DINÉ NAAZBAA PARTNERSHIP (DNP), A PROGRAM OF AWP
America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP), Inc. — Augusta, GA
The Diné Naazbaa Partnership (DNP), a branch of America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP), was created in 2018 as the first community-based program dedicated to empowering the Navajo Nation to empower veterans. DNP is a veteran-focused, community led initiative to proactively connect with all veterans and ensure access to quality resources and opportunities available in collaboration with existing programs. The program focuses on eight holistic quality of life areas: housing, employment, relationships, spirituality, education, access to earned benefits, health, and recreation. DNP aims to cultivate an integrated, resilient, and prosperous veteran community by improving veteran quality of life and preventing veteran suicide.
Americaswarriorpartnership.org
OPERATION REBOUND
Challenged Athletes Foundation — San Diego, CA
The Challenged Athletes Foundation established Operation Rebound in 2005 to specifically meet the needs of military veterans of all eras and first responders nationwide. Operation Rebound is a unique program model focused on providing empowerment and independence through access to sports and a strong and supportive community. By eliminating the most common barriers to sports participation, the program opens doors for veterans to use sports re-engage after service across a depth sports and recreational activities and at the time and place of their own choosing. Last year, Operation Rebound distributed 723 grants to veterans and first responders for adaptive sports equipment and sports participation totaling $805,000 in support.
Challengedathletes.org
EXCEPTIONAL FAMILIES MATTER GRANT PROGRAM
Exceptional Families of the Military — Marana, AZ
Exceptional Families of the Military aims to ensure no military family with exceptional needs is left behind. We do this by offering peer-to-peer support, direct case assistance, and our newest grant program: Exceptional Families Matter Grant, to provide immediate, tangible relief. The stories and challenges they hear are collected through research and surveys. With the data and stories they collect, they advocate for reforms that improve care and support for all military families.
exceptionalmilitaryfam.com
WOUNDED WARRIOR UMPIRE ACADEMY
Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy — Daytona Beach, FL
The Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy (WWUA) empowers veterans by providing professional-level baseball umpire training as a pathway to renewed purpose and community. Founded and led by veterans, WWUA combines skills development with peer-to-peer support, helping participants rebuild confidence, strengthen family connections, and find camaraderie with others who understand their struggles. Since its founding, the Academy has trained and mentored hundreds of veterans, many of whom describe the program as life-changing and even life-saving. More than an umpire school, WWUA is a lifelong network of support that continues to serve veterans well beyond their time at camp.
woundedwarriorua.org
In Memory of Nancy Edelman
A beloved member of the Fisher House family, Nancy Edelman, passed away on February 7, 2026.
For 22 years, Nancy served as a dedicated board member and passionate ambassador. She visited numerous Fisher Houses, met countless families, and supported our mission with extraordinary compassion and heart.
We are deeply grateful for her service, her advocacy, and the lasting impact she made on so many lives.
Nancy will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
HERO MILES KEEPS
FAMILY TOGETHER AFTER AIRMAN’S MULTIPLE SURGERIES
Story by David Nye
Amber Wolfe supported her son through multiple surgeries on his abdomen after ulcerative colitis changed his life. She helped him with nearly every daily task and his medical care for weeks at a time as he navigated recovery from the surgeries and, temporarily, life with a colostomy bag.
“I had a flow chart of when he could take medicine, when he couldn’t take medicine because he was on so many different medicines at the same time” she said. “I cooked his meals, because he had his colon removed, so he had to eat a special diet. He had to eat six to eight meals a day. I would do his laundry, and he had a lot of laundry as he got used to his colostomy bag. I helped with hygiene, with everything.”
Navigating all of that was hard, but Amber and her son, Senior Airman Morgan Stoneking, found humor in the situation, even cracking jokes after accidents like when he drank soda and the carbonation ruptured his bag.
“It’s just something you have to look at and laugh, like, ‘Oh, okay, we won’t make that mistake again,’” she laughed.
They also shared easier moments, like sitting on Morgan’s apartment patio.
“We would sit out on his back patio, and his view off his apartment is of the mountain range,” she said. “So we would sit there and just look at the mountain range and enjoy being outside.”
Amber flew from Springfield, Missouri to Albuquerque to support Morgan two times, for three weeks each time. While the Air Force flew Morgan to Cincinnati for his surgeries and back to Albuquerque, it was Fisher House’s Hero Miles program that made sure his mom could fly to meet and support him.
“I told him, ‘I’ll find a way to get out there. If I have to drive there, whatever. I will be there. I just need to know when you’re going to be there so I can be there at the same time. I’ll figure the rest out,’” she said. If she’d
actually had to drive, it would have been 12 hours each way from St. Louis.
Amber worked with New Mexico VA Fisher House Manager Carlos Velasquez to plan her flights through Hero Miles. With United Airlines, those long drives became short flights so she could focus on Morgan.
“Flying was absolutely phenomenal. Carlos, in Albuquerque, he would send me the vouchers in an email, and I would just walk in, go through security. We were on time and had no delays other than weather, and [United] even held my connecting flight in Denver to make sure I made it on time when my first flight was delayed for de-icing.”
Those flights made a tough time easier for the family.
Morgan ultimately needed three surgeries to remove sections of his colon and rebuild it. He no longer needs the colostomy bag and is having a great recovery. Unfortunately, a new clotting issue can only be managed with medicine, which will likely push him into medical retirement. Mom and son are looking at the next phase of his life as he pursues new training and work.
Through the Hero Miles program, Fisher House uses donated frequent flyer miles and money to purchase roundtrip airfare for wounded, injured, and ill service members on ordinary leave from the medical center to home or an authorized event; loved ones of wounded, injured, or ill service members to visit the authorized medical center; and loved ones to attend the Dignified Transfer of Remains at Dover Air Force Base.
Photos courtesy of Amber Wolfe
The Gift of Breath and the POWER of Family
Story by Michelle Horn
Photos provided by the Schellberg Family
The Schellbergs embraced their roles as grandparents, feeling fortunate for the life they had created together. After many relocations during almost 28 years of military service, Michelle and Steve were delighted that their children and grandchildren lived nearby, enabling regular family gatherings in Port Matilda, Pennsylvania.
Steve, a retired Naval helicopter pilot and Iraq veteran, thrived on golfing and spending quality time with his grandkids. However, in the summer of 2024, he started to feel unwell. By September he received a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and in October he was referred to the Pittsburgh VA. His health declined rapidly, leading to a lung transplant screening by March 2025.
In June 2025, Steve underwent evaluation for a double lung transplant at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. What was intended to be a follow-up appointment in July turned into a hospital admission and extended stay that concluded with his double lung transplant surgery in September.
Throughout this difficult period, Michelle stayed at the Fisher House where she felt a deep sense of security and belonging.
“I’m a country girl at heart,” she said. “It feels like coming home, a true home away from home, and it only takes me about five minutes to drive from Fisher House to park in the UPMC garage, which is such a blessing.” And, just 12 days after his surgery, Steve joined her there. With multiple post-transplant appointments each week, it was essential for Steve to remain close to UPMC for two months until he was well enough to return home.
Throughout their nearly five-month stay, many family members and friends visited, including Steve’s brother, sister, their three children, and numerous grandchildren, along with Michelle’s mother. Yet, it was the sense of community at Fisher House that left a lasting impression. Michelle formed meaningful friendships with other families, connections that endure to this day.
“The social bonds created here are invaluable,” Steve emphasized.
“When you’re at Fisher House, everyone is a veteran family, and nothing else matters. It’s as if you all served together, and you truly become family,” Michelle added. “That’s the essence of it — you really are family here.”
Reflecting on their time at the Fisher House, Steve remarked, “[Fisher House Managers] Heather and Tessa have been wonderful. The entire staff and the many volunteers create an incredibly supportive atmosphere. All the logistical worries about where to stay and eat were lifted from our shoulders — it was a tremendous relief. Feeling helpless during that time, knowing that Michelle had a safe place to stay and food to eat was crucial.”
As they contemplated the future, Steve stated, “We’re rethinking our bucket list, but the top priority is getting home. Home is what matters most, and if I can celebrate Thanksgiving with the whole family, that would be a perfect start.”
Michelle and Steve made it home for Thanksgiving, happily resuming their treasured family life, grateful for the love and support that surrounded them.
" " That’s the essence of it — you really are family here.
Above from Left to Right: Michelle and Steve at the Pittsburgh Fisher House. Steve and his crew in Iraq. Special visitors enjoying the fall decorations at the Pittsburgh Fisher House.
COVER STORY
ARMY vet supports her NAVY sister in tough hospital journey
Story by David Nye
Photos by Craig Orsini
“I went to Japan and I was ready to spend the next 20 years there,” Kayla Saska said, a former sailor describing her first duty station. “I loved it, the people, the culture.”
Kayla, a high school athlete who scored well on the military entrance exams, excelled in the Navy school for her job, fire controlman aegis. She picked Japan so that she could do her job where it really mattered, and she did great in early exercises.
“Then they sent me straight to the ship and we had to launch missiles in like a month and a half,” she said. “So I did that, I earned a [Navy Achievement Medal] from fixing the radar to launch intercept missiles. So that was cool. I just loved it.”
Kayla’s promising Navy career was cut short when a shipboard accident and follow-on medical complications sidelined her. It started when her team was moving equipment cases weighing about 100 pounds down the ladders inside the ship. A fellow sailor controlled a box from above as Kayla Saska held it below.
“I was kind of bracing it and, as soon as I got a couple steps down the ladder, I heard, ‘Sas, I don’t have it,’” she said. “I looked up and saw the case coming down.”
The case slammed into her, causing a brain injury, and she was pushed down the stairs and hurt her left leg badly.
The Navy sent Kayla back to the states for the medical care she needed. She enjoyed initial progress until she had a rare reaction to an iron infusion. The reaction to the iron infusion damaged some of her internal organs, leading to multiple emergency room visits and ambulance rides before doctors could figure out what was happening. As her condition worsened, she found herself needing a familiar face to support her.
“I thought I was going to die, and I called my family saying, ‘I need someone here,’” she said.
Kayla’s sister, Patricia Rowledge, rushed to her side.
“She was in and out of the hospital,” Patricia said. “I think it was her seventh time in the hospital, and my dad called me at work and said, ‘You need to get to Kayla.’”
“I think it was a matter of three minutes to where my sister was packed, ready to go,” Kayla laughed.
Patricia, an Army veteran, rushed to Maryland. When she arrived, Kayla was back in the emergency room at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. They met in the waiting room as Kayla returned for a bag and Patricia was sitting there, with a Fisher House folder in her hand.
“Some people from the house were told that I was coming, and they came and found me in the ER and gave me a folder and told me a room was waiting for me,” Patricia said.
Patricia was a fierce advocate for Kayla in the hospital.
“My sister is very stern,” Kayla said. “She gets stuff done, and of all the people to help fight for me, my friends helped too, but it was amazing having her there.”
The Fisher Houses at Bethesda gave Patricia a safe place to stay near Kayla.
“Fisher House was great,” Patricia said. “It’s like going to grandma’s house. They have everything you need.”
After an emergency removal of Kayla’s gallbladder, she eventually had to accept medical retirement. But she has returned to sports competition and represented Team Navy at the Warrior Games and Team U.S. at the Invictus Games.
From left: Sisters Patricia Rowledge and Kayla Saska share drinks in a Fisher House. Kayla practices throwing discus. Kayla sits outside of the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Fisher House. Kayla and Patricia walk out of the Fisher House together. At bottom: Kayla adjusts her knee brace.
2025 FISHER HOUSE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
ROBERTA LOVE BECOMES 2025 FISHER HOUSE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
For more than a decade, Roberta Love has been the steady, compassionate presence that makes the Joint Base San Antonio Army Fisher House feel like home. Her name is synonymous with kindness, reliability, and selfless service. Roberta doesn’t just support military families, she lives the mission of the Fisher House every day.
Her connection to Fisher House began long before she became a volunteer. In the early 1990s, while her husband served as chief of logistics at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) and worked with Fisher House Foundation to build the original Brooke Army Medical Center Fisher Houses, Roberta followed the stories with great interest. She even had the honor of meeting Zachary Fisher at an opening celebration, a moment that left a lasting impression. In him, she saw humility, warmth, and deep compassion for military families. Roberta carries that same spirit forward today, serving with grace, empathy, and a profound sense of purpose.
When she retired from teaching in 2011, Roberta knew exactly where her heart was meant to serve. She began baking homemade cookies for the Fisher House every other Wednesday, filling the home with warmth and comfort. That small act quickly became a beloved tradition and a reflection of her care.
Over the past 14 years, Roberta’s contributions have touched every corner of the Fisher House. She supports nearly every event, organizing celebrations, baby showers, barbecues, and holiday gatherings. She decorates, cooks, and lends a helping hand wherever she’s needed, always with joy and humility. But her greatest impact lies in her connections with the families she serves. She listens, encourages, and comforts, remembering names, sharing tears and laughter, and staying in touch long after families move on.
One memory that captures her heart involves a young soldier recovering from a traumatic brain injury. After months at the
ROBERTA LOVE
Fisher House, he returned one day beaming, “We’re pregnant!” Roberta and the volunteers celebrated with tears of joy that embodied hope, healing, and the heart of the Fisher House mission.
As a military spouse, Roberta knows the challenges of distance, sacrifice, and resilience. She remembers the silence that surrounded Vietnam-era service members and has made it her mission to ensure no military family ever feels forgotten.
Roberta Love was nominated as Fisher House Volunteer of the Year not only for the years she has given, but for the spirit in which she gives them. She shows up with love, gives without hesitation, and turns a house into a home. Her service honors Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher’s legacy, her husband’s military career, and the countless families she has supported.
Roberta embodies the very heart of the Army Fisher House mission, offering comfort in hardship, joy in celebration, and dignity in every moment. We are honored to work alongside her, inspired by her example, and proud to nominate her for this well-deserved recognition.
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO ARMY FISHER HOUSE
Story by Candice Ualesi, Joint Base San Antonio Army Fisher House
2025 FISHER HOUSE SERVICE BRANCH VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR
Fisher House Foundation is grateful to all the volunteers who assist at Fisher Houses throughout the country and overseas. These dedicated supporters make a difference for thousands of families every year. The volunteers below were nominated and selected for how their efforts represent the Army, Air Force, and Veterans Affairs Fisher House programs. The overall winner, from the Joint Base San Antonio Fisher House, is highlighted to the left.
CULINARY QUEENS
VETERANS AFFAIRS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Alice and the rest of the Culinary Queens provide comfort, community, and nourishment when it is needed most at VA Puget Sound. While seemingly a simple act, preparing a daily meal can be a nearly insurmountable task for a family navigating a medical crisis as they are emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted. This is where the Queens truly shine, not just as volunteers, but as examples of optimism and kindness. Multiple times a month, without fail, Alice leads her team into our kitchen, and magic happens.
NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER SAN DIEGO MEDICAL LOGISTICS/WAREHOUSE
NAVY FISHER HOUSE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
There is no task too hard or ask too big for the Naval Medical Center San Diego Medical Logistics/Warehouse. From moving bunkie boards for mattresses, organizing pillows with vacuum sealed storage solutions, or assembling furniture, our houses are made into homes thanks to the generosity of time and talent of NMCSD Medical Logistics. The team at NMCSD Medical Logistics/Warehouse are an example of teamwork making the dream work, not only at the hospital but at Fisher House San Diego.
BRYANT LEWIN
AIR FORCE FISHER HOUSE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Bryant Lewin, a retired Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War, lends his skills every week to maintain both Fisher Houses, strongly contributing to this place of healing for our guests. This includes painting, door repair, designing and installing a stand for a birdhouse, event set up, moving appliances, tool organization, and overseeing group volunteer projects. His service to the Travis Fisher House began after discovering his daughter was a monthly donor to Fisher House which led to his curiosity about Fisher House, leading to his seven-year, (and counting) weekly commitment.
HEARTS in the COMMUNITY
Proud Supporters
Fisher House supporter focuses on hands-on work
Story by David Nye
“My service is by serving those that serve us,” Rosemary Gillet said. “Giving my time, talent, and treasure keeps my late husband Michael’s legacy, of sharing our blessings and lifting others, alive.”
“ I like to volunteer and do hands-on work, and Fisher House allows me opportunities to do that. Volunteering, forming endowments, and providing financial support are ways to utilize God’s provision and to spread joy,” she said.
The retired professional tutor has hosted events such as ice cream socials and hot chocolate bars. She has also donated jigsaw puzzles and seasonal decorations to houses in California, Michigan, and South Carolina.
“My artist friends and I have made items for the rooms including lap blankets, knitted slippers, decorative throw pillows, oyster shell ornaments, and gift bags for families at the bedside,” she said.
Rosemary and her friends find ways to contribute whether it’s in the house or from afar.
“I have written countless cards to welcome families and friends to the Fisher House, which I can do remotely,” she said.
She prefers to help in the houses when possible. She travels often to support medical, educational, and military nonprofits with financial and volunteer support.
“I look for charities that are making a difference in the lives of families, and military families serve also as they make sacrifices to support their service member. The organizations I selected are the ones that have touched the lives of people that I’ve met.”
Rosemary is always on the lookout for ideas that would work at a Fisher House.
“I seek activities and handmade gifts at events I attend and enjoy, and then I think ‘Someone else might enjoy this, too.’”
Corporate & Foundation Giving A Place to Heal Together: How Companies Are Showing Up for Fisher House
Story by Denise Dolan
At Fisher House, we know how important it is for families to be together during a medical crisis. As the need for our homes continues to grow, so does the community helping make that possible, including companies finding meaningful ways to give back.
One of the biggest opportunities right now is growing the network of Fisher Houses. We are seeking partners to support new and expanded houses in Pittsburgh, Perry Point, Phoenix, and Puerto Rico. These projects aren’t just buildings, they’re lifelines for families who need to stay close.
At the same time, support is happening inside companies in powerful ways. Employee Resource Groups, especially veteran-focused ERGs, are leading fundraisers, organizing volunteer efforts, and helping connect coworkers to the mission in personal ways.
Many companies are also making giving part of everyday business. From donate-at-checkout campaigns to cause marketing and digital engagement, small actions are adding up to meaningful impact. In-kind support, everything from household goods to marketing resources, helps keep Fisher Houses running strong.
Events continue to bring people together. The Fisher House Golf Classic remains a cornerstone, offering companies a way to connect, engage, and support military families in a visible and meaningful way.
And sometimes, the most powerful impact is the most personal: teams preparing meals, volunteering their time, or leaving notes of encouragement for families going through difficult moments.
As Fisher House grows, so do the ways to get involved. Through various forms of support, companies help bring families together when it matters most.
To learn more, contact Stacy Thomas, Senior Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations at sthomas@fisherhouse.org
WAYS
TO GET INVOLVED
• Support new Fisher Houses (capital projects)
• Sponsor the Fisher House Golf Classic
• Engage employees through Employee Resource Groups, matching gifts, or payroll giving
• Launch customer giving campaigns
• Donate goods, services, or marketing support
• Volunteer: meals, projects, or family activities
Every effort — big or small — helps keep families together.
JOURNAL ENTRIES & LETTERS
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
“The excellence of Fisher House is above my ability to comprehend. In my darkest hour of grief, the hostess of Fisher House was like an Angel from God."
Bethesda, Maryland
“Today we check out of Fisher House. It has been a pleasure! It is a beautiful and thoughtful accommodation and wonderful place to rest and relax after a stressful surgery. All of the families were kind and generous — offering food and comfort and warmth — even amidst their own trials. Thank you for providing this service and giving the comforts of home to the weak and weary."
Hines, Illinois
“Fisher House, thank you so much for allowing me to stay while my father needed intense medical care. My Mom and Dad are Marines but, because of Agent Orange, I am not. You still allowed me to be present and feel a sense of comfort during this time. May the people who pass through this room feel as comfortable."
Columbia, South Carolina
“I cannot speak highly enough for the care and consideration of Candler and her staff. The facility is beautiful and such a comfort during my son’s hospital stay and passing. God Bless you all. This is a wonderful service of love."
Travis Air Force Base, California
“My stay at the Fisher House was an amazing experience. The staff and volunteers are incredibly kind, helpful and welcoming – they truly go above and beyond to make guest feel comfortable and supported. This place offers not only comfort, but also a sense of warmth and community during what can be a stressful time. I am very grateful for my stay here and absolutely loved my experience."
North Chicago, Illinois
“You are not here alone. This house is filled with the hope, strength, and love of every family who has walked through these doors. Take comfort in the kindness that surrounds you — both from the staff here and the hospital and from the invisible thread that connects all of us who have been here. Whatever brings you here, know that you are part of a community that understands and stands with you.”
COMMUNITY GROUPS
IN ACTION
At Fisher House Foundation, we have the support of community groups throughout the country who support their local Fisher Houses or raise funds and awareness for a future Fisher House in their area. Here are some highlights.
Fisher-Nightingale Houses, Inc.
Fisher-Nightingale Houses, Inc. (FNHI) held its “Compassionate Care Heals” gala on April 26. Months of coordination brought together volunteers, sponsors, and community partners to create a meaningful event that highlighted the mission of supporting the three Greater Dayton Fisher Houses. The gala featured stories of impact, a dynamic silent auction, and opportunities for attendees to engage in support of this vital resource.
Fisher House Southern California is proud to announce that, as of January 1, we are now supporting the Greater Los Angeles Fisher House.
On February 18, we gathered alongside the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and community leaders for a Mardi Gras–themed celebration honoring 17 years of service and the beginning of this next chapter.
Friends of Fisher House Southern California
Photo from 2025 Gala
Veteran retiree and wife fight cancer for over 30 years
Story and photos by
David Nye
Betty and Herbert Franklin met October 17, 1954, thanks to a buddy. A fellow Air Force firefighter passed Herbert a phone number for a cute girl he knew, and the two went on a date to see “Three Coins in the Fountain”, a romantic comedy set in 1950s Italy.
The two dated, married, and raised a family over a 20-year military career and a 68-year (and counting) marriage. Herbert transitioned from the Air Force into the Army warrant officer program and served deployments to Saudi Arabia, Greenland, and Thailand before retiring. But the couple has unfortunately had to fight a long battle against Betty’s cancer since 1991.
“My surgeries were done down at Fort Knox in Kentucky, and I had treatment, medication, and so on down there through my surgeon and a primary care doctor, and then I had a recurrence in 1994,” Betty said. “They had me on medication for the cancer at that time and there was a recurrence in the ribcage in 1994, so the doctors down there wanted me to see an oncologist, which Fort Knox had none.”
The doctors recommended Brown Cancer Center in Kentucky, but the pair felt more comfortable in the military medical system. So, instead, they got a referral to Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base in Ohio, which had a comfort home they could stay in during their cancer journey.
“Very accommodating and everybody was made to feel like a big family. We had meals around a large dining table together and enjoyed visiting with each other and encouraging each other," she said.
Seven years later, the family was back to fight another recurrence, but this time with a little girl in tow.
“We had a great-granddaughter. 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.”
That was where they were when they learned about the 9/11 attacks.
“We were in the Fisher House and the great-granddaughter was watching cartoons,” Betty said. “And someone knocked on our door and said, ‘You need to turn on the news.’”
“And then we saw the second tower fall,” Herbert said.
On Opposite Page: Betty and Herbert Franklin hold hands outside the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Fisher House. On this page: Betty and Herbert share memories with Fisher House manager Isfandiyor “Diyor” Nishanov.
The couple was extra grateful to be staying on the base and close to the hospital in the weeks that followed, as the base largely closed to traffic due to security measures.
Over the decades since Betty’s initial diagnosis, she and Herbert have helped their family raise multiple generations and won the battles against stage 3 and stage 4 cancer. Now, to catch a recurrence early, the couple travels to Wright-Patterson every month and stays at the Fisher Houses. The couple thinks they’ve stayed in every room at the first Fisher House on the base.
They credit great doctors and their faith in God for letting them fight successfully for so long.
“Faith in God. He has seen us through so much. And if it weren’t for that, our church family, my little section there. Really and truly. I always tell people ‘Faith in God and good medical care can beat cancer.’ And we’ve been able to help other people thanks to the good care we’ve gotten.”
HOUSE ROUNDUP
We always love to check in and see what Fisher Houses have been up to. Here, we outline a few highlights from houses around the world, submitted by the Fisher House managers.
ALASKA
Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson Medical Center
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Lance Penhale and Kelly Walter, financial advisors at First Command, brought a generous donation of Legos to the Alaska Fisher House to remember their teammate, Tyler Britton, who passed away of kidney disease. Tyler was a National Guard officer, passionate uncle, volunteer, and leader with ties to the USO and AUSA. He loved to lead tabletop games at the Fort Wainwright USO, and Lance said they could think of no better way to remember Tyler than with Lego sets for our Fisher House families.
CALIFORNIA
David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center
Travis Air Force Base
For the past two years, we’ve come together with our community to bring a sense of normalcy to Travis AFB Fisher House through our Halloween Trunk or Treat. The parking lot fills with children’s laughter and cheers as families arrive in costume. Local organizations at Travis
AFB decorate their trunks, our guests join in handing out candy, and the house comes alive with the holiday spirit. It’s a special time that brings everyone together and adds a little joy to our home.
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Camp Pendleton
With the help of our amazing volunteer, Carnell Martin, we provided Fisher House information at the DRC/URC Sync Meeting. The Deployment/Unit Readiness Coordinators are key liaisons connecting service members, their families and the command, ensuring that everyone is informed and prepared for military and life challenges.
After serving 30 years in the Marine Corps, Carnell wanted to stay involved and became a volunteer with Fisher House to stay connected to the military. His wealth of knowledge and experience is a great addition to helping us share our mission at events.
Naval Medical Center San Diego
San
Diego
The holidays are all about giving back to the military community for Omni Financial. This Thanksgiving and Christmas, the San Diego Omni team ensured Fisher House San Diego families had a warm meal. The meals brought the warmth of a traditional holiday meal of freshly roasted turkey dinner with all the fixings from Marie Callendar’s Restaurant for each guest staying with us for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Omni is honored to support these resilient military families while they have a loved one in the hospital during the holiday season.
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles
A caregiver enjoys playing the Red Guitar gifted by Thom Shepherd and Coley McCabe. The goal of the Red Guitar Campaign is to provide a guitar for guest use at every Fisher House.
FLORIDA
Eglin Air Force Base Hospital
Eglin Air Force Base
The Eglin Air Force Base Fisher House hosted a dinner for the Hennessy inspection team, which came to the base to evaluate the top-tier food service program here. The Hennessy Award is a prestigious honor, and Fisher House provided a warm and meaningful setting for the dinner and allowed the distinguished Hennessy inspectors to experience firsthand the strong sense of community and support that defines Eglin. It was a unique opportunity for the inspection team to meet not only the talented food service professionals but also the families they serve.
GEORGIA
Eisenhower Army Medical Center
Fort Gordon
The Colon family recently made the Fort Gordon Army Fisher House their home during their time of need. Whether it was Mrs. Colon utilizing the laundry facilities, or Mr. Colon staying connected to his mission on his laptop while his son stayed close by in the dining room, the family found comfort in the house’s amenities. Their stay culminated in a beautiful family moment captured in our living room. Pictured from left to right: Edward Colon, Jessyed Colon, Jessika Vazquez-Colon, and Eliana Colon
HAWAII
Tripler Army Medical Center
Honolulu
Nestled on the hills of Oahu, the Tripler Army Fisher House offers more than just a place to stay, it offers a connection to the island’s natural beauty. Recently, our guests discovered a nearby apple banana tree heavy with ripening fruit. In a wonderful display of community, guests worked together to harvest the bunches, ensuring everyone received an equal share of the “island gold.” Whether enjoyed as a fresh snack or baked into warm loaves of banana bread, these simple gifts from nature made for a truly memorable day.
ILLINOIS
Edward Hines, Jr.
VA Health Care system
Hines
Fisher House volunteers are the heart and soul of our houses. Stacie Cornfield
and Ken Foster first connected to Hines Fisher House back in 2012 when both worked for a local pharmaceutical company. Stacie served with the Illinois Air National Guard and retired as a staff sergeant and wanted to continue to give back to her fellow veterans. This dynamic duo have been providing dinner to our Fisher House guests every other month for over 14 years.
KENTUCKY
Banchfield Army
Community Hospital
Fort Campbell
Over the last few months, the Fort Campbell Army Fisher House has been a lively hub of activity as we had the pleasure of hosting families from the Marine Corps and Navy alongside our Army residents. This served as a wonderful reminder to our staff and volunteers that while “Army” may be in our name, our mission is to serve every branch of the military with equal care and devotion. The house was filled with plenty of good-natured inter-service razzing, and we can happily report that no crayons were eaten during their stay.
MARYLAND
Walter Reed Army Fisher House at Forest Glen Annex
Silver Spring
Continuing a proud tradition of service, the Walter Reed Army Fisher House at Forest Glen was honored to welcome Chiesi USA, Inc. for their third consecutive year of support. To honor Veterans Day, Chiesi employees dedicated their time to fully restock our pantry and kitchen. This enduring partnership goes beyond a single day of giving; we look forward to expanding our collaboration with the Chiesi team as they return for upcoming landscaping and facility improvement projects. Continued…
HOUSE ROUNDUP
MISSISSIPPI
Our sincere thanks to volunteer leader Jason Graham for his commitment to our mission.
MICHIGAN
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
Ann Arbor
Adelaide McCoy and her husband Russell McCoy were our very first guests here at the VA Ann Arbor Fisher House in June 2020, so imagine our delight when they were coincidentally here for our 5-year anniversary! Adelaide is seen pictured here with Fisher House Foundation Chief of Staff, Mary Considine, and Fisher House Michigan (Friends of Fisher House) Board Member, Harvey Berman, who were here during our annual anniversary celebration luncheon. She also stayed in the same guest suite she stayed in with her husband here in 2020.
Keesler Medical Center
Keesler Air Force Base
Keesler Fisher House in Mississippi recently underwent a shower renovation project for 16 guest suites. The new showers, funded by the Keesler Fisher House Local Supporting Foundation (LSF), are constructed of cultured marble and provide a sleek, modern appearance. We have received numerous compliments and praise from guests.
NEVADA
VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System
Las Vegas
Thanks to the generous support of the Nevada Veterans Foundation and its dedicated community partners, the Las Vegas Fisher House has completed an exciting upgrade to its outdoor grill area. It now features a shaded cover to provide relief from the intense Las Vegas sun along with a dedicated space for food preparation and serving.
As we look forward to the warm summer months, our lodging guests will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this enhanced space and put the new grills to good use.
NORTH CAROLINA
Navel Medical Center
Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune
Christian is a MARSOC Marine staying with us who was unable to attend the USMC Ball last November due to his
illness. His mom Iris and his command, 3rd Marine Raider Battalion, decided to bring the ball to him. Twenty people from the command were invited as well as our guests and staff at the house. The command provided lunch and performed the traditional cake cutting ceremony. It was a special time for Christian and his mom to be able to participate in the Marine Corps Birthday celebration.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg Army Fisher House at Womack AMC
Service comes in many forms, and at Fort Bragg Army Fisher House, it often arrives with a wagging tail. Throughout the year, Bailey the Great Dane and her handler, Ken Jansen, have provided vital emotional support to our military families. These weekly therapy sessions offer a moment of peace and a sense of home that is essential for healing. Ken shares that the highlight of their week is always the time spent here, a sentiment echoed by every guest who has found comfort in Bailey’s gentle presence.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Columbia VA Medical Center
Columbia
For families at the Columbia VA Fisher House, a home-cooked meal often means more than a break from daily routines. It means comfort during uncertainty and support even beyond hospital walls.
Throughout the past year, the Columbia VA Health Care System’s Quality Management group prepared and
served meals for Fisher House guests, culminating with a Christmas meal for families unable to be home for the holidays. What began as a single volunteer effort grew into a quarterly tradition focused on caring for those who support veterans during medical treatment.
TEXAS
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
Fort
Hood
The Fort Hood Army Fisher House is proud of our growing partnership with the Iron Horse Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Throughout the latter half of the year, their volunteers have consistently demonstrated their commitment through a variety of projects, ranging from essential maintenance and organization to preparing family-style meals for our residents. The Iron Horse Brigade’s dedication to these initiatives has been instrumental in making our Army Fisher House feel like a true home away from home for our families.
Dallas VA Medical Center
Dallas
Thank you to the Bank of America volunteers who held a luncheon at our Fisher House on December 5. The event was a huge success.
Brooke Army Medical Center
San Antonio
Paul Wheeler, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, has blended his discipline with his passion for baking. Wheeler’s Bakery has quickly become a support for the Joint Base San Antonio community, delivering fresh-baked goods to all four Army Fisher Houses. Currently a student at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Paul credits both his bakery and the school’s Baking and Pastry Arts program for the high-quality treats he shares. Wheeler’s Bakery consistently earns an “A+” from families who rave about his unique treats.
William Beaumont
Army Medical Center
Fort Bliss
One of our recent guests brought the heart of the home into our kitchen at the Fort Bliss Army Fisher House by using her culinary talents to add to the house’s community. The former food truck owner served through her generous meals and introduced us to the rich flavors of her own culture and the many countries she has called home. Her passion did more than just fill plates, it created lasting connections and brought a wonderful sense of comfort to her fellow guests.
VIRGINIA
Alexander T. Augusta
Military Medical Center
Fort Belvoir
Since 2014, Ronald “Ron” VanGorder has spent every Wednesday dedicated to the service members and military families who call this house home. A Vietnam veteran and former linguist, Ron possesses a profound understanding of military life that bridges the gap between generations. Whether he is sharing a treasured story with a guest or quietly mopping the kitchen floor, Ron is far more than a volunteer. This spring, we honor him as a deeply cherished “Friend of the Fisher House” whose decade of service has left an mark on all of us.
WASHINGTON
Madigan Army Medical Center
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
The spirit of community shines through in the generosity surrounding our families at the Joint Base Lewis McChord Army Fisher House. Bakers from Caked Goods donated delicious cakes and treats. We are also grateful to the Mullens family, who are repeat guests that generously helped install shelves in our new shed. Gold Star Gamers donated an Xbox and games to help families stay connected during their stay. These acts of kindness reflect the heart of the Fisher House where hope grows through connection and finding moments of joy along the way.
GERMANY
Landstuhl Army Medical Center
Landstuhl
Over the past several months, the Landstuhl Army Fisher Houses have served as a sanctuary for families navigating their most difficult chapters, including the final farewells to their loved ones. Beyond providing a place to stay, our homes offer the gift of time and proximity allowing families to focus on one another without the burden of logistics. Being present during these moments of loss is a profound responsibility that we carry with the utmost care.
Army fAmily tAkes medevAc flight
Story by David Nye
“They actually life flighted us, medevaced us over here on Monday. They told me, because it’s a medevac flight, I have the ability to have a small bag. And so I showed up here with a small bag,” Nicki Voights said from the family room of the Tucson VA Fisher House.
Nicki was supporting her father-in-law, Conrad Voights, who served in the military for 20 years and retired from the Air Force. He was receiving care at the Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico when he needed surgery that couldn’t be done there in time for him. So Nicki and her father-in-law hopped onto a medevac flight and headed to Tucson, Arizona.
She was more familiar with medical flights than most people, at least. Her husband was a pilot in the Army.
“He had actually been a medevac pilot, so I understood ahead of time. That's not something most people experience.”
Still, arriving to a new hospital in a new place can be hard. The Fisher House lets Nicki come back to the house and reset.
“I leave the hospital about 4:30,” she said. “I go for a walk and I come in here for dinner and to just unwind.”
When she gets to the house, she’s often grateful for the donated meals prepared by volunteers.
“Knights of Columbus as a whole group was in here cooking meals and they put them in the refrigerator,” she said, “and all I have to do after a very long day is pull one out and put it in the microwave. And it's healthy. You know, it's not like going out to eat. And not just the cost of that, but the cost on my health to be eating out all the time.”
Nicki is grateful to the Tucson VA Fisher House for its support.
“ I just feel so truly blessed to be here and be taken care of,” she said.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
OPENING CELEBRATIONS AND DEDICATIONS
John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Little Rock, Arkansas
A new Fisher House was dedicated at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. It is the first Fisher House built in the state and has 16 suites. This house will support families from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Tennessee, and beyond.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Franklin Delano Roosevelt VA Hospital
Montrose, New York
A new Fisher House is under construction in Montrose, New York. This new Fisher House will support families receiving medical care at the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System. It will have 12 suites and save veteran families more than $700,000 annually.
West Palm Beach VA Medical Center (Replacement House)
West Palm Beach, Florida
Construction is underway on a replacement Fisher House in West Palm Beach, Florida. This Fisher House was one of the original houses that did not include an elevator. The new house will be wheelchair accessible, providing better access for families receiving care.
H. John Heinz III Department of VA Medical Center (Second House)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A second Fisher House is under construction in Pittsburgh, increasing capacity from 10 suites to 26. This new house will give more families a warm and comforting place to stay, at no cost, while their loved ones are receiving medical care.
DOWN RANGE CONSTRUCTION
The following projects are currently in design.
• Perry Point VA Medical Center Perry Point, Maryland
• William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Madison, Wisconsin
• Hospital de Veteranos (VA Caribbean Healthcare System) San Juan, Puerto Rico
LOCATION GUIDE
Army email addresses will be changing in 2026. Please go to www.fisherhouse.org for the most up-to-date information.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham 0121-472-6217 fax: 0121-41306897
Manager: Patrick Hogan vs.fisherhouseuk@ssafa.org.uk
A home away from home
A home away from home
For 35 years, the Fisher House program has helped families stay with loved ones receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers, because we believe “A family’s love is good medicine.” These homes provide free, temporary lodging to military and veteran families so they can be close to their loved ones during medical crises.
For 35 years, the Fisher House program has helped families stay with loved ones receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers, because we believe “A family’s love is good medicine.” These homes provide free, temporary lodging to military and veteran families so they can be close to their loved ones during medical crises.
