Are you familiar with Fisher Houses?

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 12:02:26 -0500

http://www.fayobserver.com/news/business/it-s-my-job-lorie-southerland-manager-of-fort-bragg/article_d9f7f47d-6a61-5eb8-81e1-60a6781b0cfe.html

Mrs. Lorie Southerland has the heart of a lion under the softness of a baby lamb’s wool. She runs herself ragged to provide a comfortable place for families whose loved ones are seeking medical attention in Womack or VA. Her passion seems to be all she runs on to get this done. Working well beyond any normal work day. Running from one side of the state to the other if need be. Arranging for family needs from a full range of patriotic sponsors and donors. I recall one Saturday while at a fundraising event she got a call a family needed a place to stay; she was ready for the task, arranged for someone to take her place at the fundraising event so that she could race over to the Fisher House to prepare a safe place for this family. I know, I witnessed this first hand. Together we got the room ship shaped in no time. But I think about those many other times, it’s just her. Driving from another county in the dead of night, or during torrential rain storms, whatever it takes, she’s there. Her husband, Eric, a real champion who supports her in this quest. I can’t begin to imagine the challenges they face each time the phone rings. God Bless Lorie and Eric for their love and compassion for each other and those veterans and their families they serve!

It's My Job: Lorie Southerland, manager of Fort Bragg Fisher House

What is Fort Bragg Fisher House? Is it like a military version of the Ronald McDonald Houses? "Yes, exactly. It's for the military and veterans and their families. If someone is hospitalized or receiving medical treatment at Fort Bragg, their family members can stay at Fisher House." 

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 8 at 2015 1:17 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 13:17:15 -0500

The family that builds these houses use their own money. What a terrific family.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Nov 8 at 2015 1:35 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 13:35:19 -0500

The fisher house has been a savor for me a few times. The people working there are the best.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2015 1:46 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 13:46:57 -0500

Great program!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2015 6:58 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 18:58:58 -0500

Awesome program. Don't forget it was the Fisher House Foundation that paid out death benefits to families of our fallen soldiers during the government shut down in 2013.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 8 at 2015 9:12 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 21:12:50 -0500

These houses are a godsend as they are close to the MTF. Families often don't have the time and money to wait for orders, so they stay at the Fisher house.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 8 at 2015 10:09 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 22:09:09 -0500

Sgt Spencer Sikder The Wall St. Journal of Nov 7 & 8, 2015 had a great article on the Fisher Family. Zack Fisher, founder of Fisher House passed away in 1999. 250,000 families of military patients at Military Medical Centers have been assisted by Fisher House at no charge.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2015 8:20 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 08:20:19 -0500

Like the USOs in airports, a true value added program for vets.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 12:18 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 12:18:46 -0500

I was hit by a drunk driver and I was on my motorcycle and I was given the blessing to stay in the fisher house for 3 weeks in a wheelchair and my family helped take care of me. Thanks to the fisher house I made a speedy recovery. Much love