Fisher Houses Serve Military Families in Times of Need

by Alex A. Kecskes

Although the 53 Fisher House homes around the world serve more than 11,000 families annually, many service members do not know about the organization.

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service.

The Fisher House Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times--during hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease or injury. Service members will find at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center.

The Fisher House program has provided nearly three million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990. By law, there is no charge for any family to stay at a Fisher House operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Fisher House Foundation relies on donations to reimburse the individual Fisher Houses operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

In addition to constructing new houses, the Fisher House Foundation continues to support existing Fisher Houses and helps individual military families in need. The foundation also administers and sponsors Scholarships for Military Children, the Hero Miles program, and co-sponsors the Newman's Own Award.

For an additional perspective, check out this video:

For more information on Armed Services jobs, check out: http://www.armedservicesjobs.com/