A Sanctuary In a Time of Crisis

War-related injuries come at a high cost for many soldiers who require long-term care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Families are an integral part of the healing process, and the Army's Fisher House gives them the opportunity to live in close proximity to the medical center, at a minimal cost. The house allows families to get support from others in similar circumstances.

I witnessed this firsthand in March 2005, when I went to visit a friend staying with her 3-year-old daughter at the Fisher House in Washington. The homey efficiency-like accommodations allowed her to make early morning trips to Walter Reed and gave her a place to crash after long days advocating for her husband. He suffered life-threatening injuries and his right leg had to be amputated at the hip due to an improvised explosive device that exploded near his vehicle in Iraq on Jan. 10, 2005. The shrapnel injuries to his stomach and internal organs resulted in numerous surgeries during his six-month stint at Walter Reed. 

Locally, the Fort Bragg Fisher House was gifted in 1993 by the Fisher House Foundation, started by Zachary and Audrey Fisher. A large portrait of the Fishers hangs over the fireplace in the living room, as well as a copper bust sculpted in their likeness that sits atop a column in the foyer to commemorate their generosity.

Across the country there are 10 Fisher Houses in operation and one in Germany. At Fort Bragg, the Fisher House is within walking distance of the Womack Army Medical Center.

With most of the comforts of home, the Fisher House has smoke-free rooms with full baths. Residents share a beautifully decorated common living room, a fully stocked kitchen, an oversized dining room, a laundry area and a communal computer. These temporary homes filled with warm, caring people help families endure the stresses associated with a loved one’s condition as they undergo care at the military hospital.

Local spouse groups, family readiness groups and church-based organizations often stock the kitchen with staples and treats, allowing families to spend more time at the hospital without the worry of preparing meals upon their late-night return. On any given weekend, the two full-sized refrigerators have prepared meals and homemade casseroles that are labeled and dropped off with love by volunteers.

“Our family readiness group had a Bunco themed coffee in the Fisher House’s spacious dining room,” said Cindy O’Berry. “Each participant brought a covered dish or casserole to donate for the families staying at the house; it’s great to be able to help other families while they are away from home.” 

Any family member of an active duty or retired service member who is being treated at the military hospital is eligible to stay at the Fisher House. In some locations, outpatients may also stay in the Fisher House. The Fort Bragg location can house seven families, and last spring, organizers broke ground on a larger house that can accommodate up to 12 families.

The new Fisher House will be one story and in closer proximity to the Warrior Transition Battalion. Since the start of the recent wars there has been an influx of service members who have sustained injuries and are not able to use the stairs. 

“There has been a real need for downstairs rooms, and the single level home will be able to better meet the needs of injured soldiers,” said Shauna Crouch, operation’s assistant at the Fisher House. 

The Army provides no financial support for Army Fisher Houses. The funding for the operations and maintenance of Army Fisher Houses comes primarily from two sources: service charges ($10 per family per night) and charitable contributions. The Fayetteville and surrounding communities have long been avid supporters of the organization. 

Famous philanthropists who support the Fisher House include Denzel and Pauletta Washington.

In June 2005, the actor was recognized for donating the largest amount ever to the Fisher House, Inc. following his visit to the Brooke Army Medical Center, where he toured a facility at Fort Sam Houston.

Though officials did not disclose the amount of Washington's gift, Fisher House spokesman James Weiskopf said it’s one of the largest in the organization’s history. Washington and his wife also serve on the Fisher House board of trustees, he said. 

Looking to contribute to a worthy cause? You can donate to a specific house either through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) or send a check directly to the Fisher House of your choice.