Fisher House An Oasis for Military Families, Veterans 50+

Fisher House An Oasis for Military Families

Homes help ease burden of those who care for veterans

Justin T. Gellerson Naomi M. Watkins and her husband and Army veteran, Eric L. Watkins, visiting the Fisher House in Washington, D.C. Eric Watkins is a frequent visitor to the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where the 66-year-old Army veteran sees doctors for post-traumatic stress disorder and other health conditions that surfaced long after his tour of duty in . He and his wife, Naomi, drive more than an hour each month from their home in Lusby, Md., and often stay overnight in the after a long day of appointments and testing. The couple check in at top-notch accommodations — right across the street from the medical center. And the best part: It's free. The Watkins are guests at Fisher House, one of 71 homes located at major military and VA medical centers across the United States. The homes, also in and the , are an oasis for military families, allowing them to be close to their loved ones who have served the country as they receive medical care and treatment.

By the Numbers

Since 1990, Fisher House has: • Opened 71 houses in the United States and Europe
• Served more than 277,000 families
• Offered 6.5 million lodging days
• Saved more than $320 million for families in lodging and transportation "If it weren't for Fisher House, I don't know how we would have managed," Naomi Watkins says. "We have saved thousands of dollars by staying here. And we have received comfort and support from other families who stay here." Fisher House Foundation, the not-for-profit organization founded by New York real estate magnate Zachary Fisher and his wife, Elizabeth, provides funding for the homes, builds them and then gives them to the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. In turn, those government entities operate and maintain the houses in a special public-private partnership with the foundation. are welcomed to assist with everything from providing meals for residents and helping with housekeeping to holiday decorating and babysitting. Justin T. Gellerson Rita Carroll (right), a Red Hat volunteer, serves dessert to Charnai Ewing, a guest at the Fisher House. Fisher House, whose motto is "A family's love is good medicine," has been an invaluable resource to military families since the first homes opened in 1991 at in Washington and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Each house, beautifully furnished and decorated to reflect the local region, offers up to 21 suites that can accommodate 16 to 42 family members. Guests enjoy the spacious living and dining areas, laundry facilities and huge gourmet kitchen, where they can cook and share meals. "My goal is to build a house wherever it's needed," says foundation chairman and CEO Kenneth Fisher. "Being part of the solution is something that always makes you feel good." The foundation also administers the Hero Miles program, which allows frequent fliers to donate their unused airline miles to provide free tickets to military families, and the Hotel for Heroes program, in which hotel points can be donated to cover lodging when Fisher House residences are full.

AARP Discounts

on travel, shopping, dining, entertainment, health needs and more Minie Curry of , benefited from Fisher House programs after her husband, Army Sgt. Anson Curry, suffered a severe brain injury from a grenade explosion in Afghanistan in 2011. She stayed in the home in Palo Alto, Calif., for nine months while her husband received acute and rehabilitative care. Her three children and other family members were able to join her there, thanks to Hero Miles. "All of us do not have the financial means to spend so much money on hotel and transportation. Fisher House has been a huge blessing to us," she says. Ken Fisher says he receives countless letters from appreciative military spouses and family members like Curry. He recalls one simple note that said it all: "'Dear Ken. Thank you for allowing me to spend Christmas with my son.' If that doesn't give you some sense that you're doing good, nothing will." Visit the to learn more about the foundation. Also, AARP is offering a during November to honor veterans. Barbranda Lumpkins Walls is a features editor for AARP Media. Also of Interest Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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