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Home is where the heart is
Veterans create a home for families

Collinsville Herald
By Alene Hill
03.19.08

Local veteran organizations have joined in a project that would give families of vets receiving services or rehabilitation at St. Louis Veterans Medical Center one less reason to worry.

The Fisher House, a proposed 21-bedroom facility that would be built at the Jefferson Barracks campus would provide families of vets a short-term home away from home, including private bedrooms, kitchen facilities, laundry and living area.

"The Fisher House is similar to what the Ronald McDonald House is for sick children," said Rodney Dunaway, commander of Collinsville Veterans of Foriegn Wars Post 5691.Dunaway along with four other local vets gathered recently to discuss a local campaign to help raise half of the $5 million cost to build and furnish the Fisher House.

Fisher House at St. Louis, a non-profit organization, will help collect local funds, Dunaway said. The Fisher House Foundation, which has helped build 37 of the facilities nationwide at veteran medical centers or major military bases, will provide the remaining funds.

Groundbreaking for the Fisher House in St. Louis is expected in May, he said. The house is projected to open in 2008.

But Dunaway, along with Joe Berg, past commander of the Collinsville VFW and other members of a motorcycle club that includes Butch Clemings, from VFW Post 5691; Milt Endrington, American Legion Post 708 in Troy; Roger Alons, past post commander of VFW Post 976 in Troy; and Dunaway, have their work cut out for them.

Their first goal, they agreed, was to get the word out about the project.

"Not everyone knows about Fisher House," Dunaway said. "One of the guys was talking to a vet who was here for prosthetics - he had never heard of the Fisher House. If we can't get the word out, how are we going to ask anyone for help?"

The group has also planned a few fundraising activities. A Chicken and Beer Dance sponsored by the VFW Riders, is scheduled for March 29 at the VFW Lounge. Tickets cost $15, with all proceeds going to the Fisher House and the event is opened to the public.

In addition, the VFW Riders have planned a Fire Cracker Poker Run in June with all proceeds going to Fisher House in St. Louis. In August, the group plans a ride from here to the VFW National Convention in Orlando.

"That ride is also opened to anyone to rude with us, and they don't have to be a member," he said.

In addition, the group is seeking contributions from businesses and corporations.

Anyone can donate. A fund has been set up at Home Federal Savings and Loan, located 100 East Clay. Donations can also be sent to: The Fisher House Foundation, c/o Voluntary Services, V.A. Medical Center, 1 Jefferson Barracks Road, St. Louis, MO, 63125.

For more information on Fisher House, log-on to www.collinsvillevfw.org, or www.fisherhouseinstl.org.

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