FISHER HOUSE - HELPING MILITARY FAMILIES

Share This Page

Joni Mansapit, an Air Force spouse from Hickam Air Force Base and the mother of five children, has been awarded a complimentary weekend of luxury and pampering as this month’s recipient of Operation Makeover, presented by Paul Brown Salons & Spas and other collaborative partners.

Mansapit was recognized for not only providing support to her active duty husband and family, but also for assisting others living at Tripler Fisher House. Tripler Fisher House provides housing to families and patients who are receiving treatment at Tripler Army Medical Center.

As the recipient of Operation Makeover, Mansapit will receive a makeover from Paul Brown Salons & Spas, dinner for two at Roy’s Restaurant Waikiki, two-nights’ ocean-view accommodations at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, and a personally escorted $250 shopping excursion at Guess.

Born and raised on Guam, Mansapit has been living with her children at Tripler Fisher House for the past 22 months. Mansapit’s fourth child, Abigail Joy, was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome and has experienced two life-threatening episodes that required that she be medevaced to Tripler Army Medical Center. Since March 2009, she has continued to receive ongoing treatment for severe pulmonary hyper-tension at Tripler.

Beyond her own challenges, Mansapit has dedicated herself to providing support to the seven other families currently living at Tripler Fisher House. She helps them make appointments, takes them shopping, cooks dinner, and generally does what it takes to raise her housemates’ spirits, all while dealing with her own family’s concerns.

Meanwhile,Mansapit’s husband, Airman Staff Sgt. Joel Mansapit has been occupied with transferring from the Air Force Reserves to Air Force proper and taking up a new posting at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Like so many military wives, she has had to manage without his presence during much of this ordeal.

“Joni Mansapit is the perfect example of a military spouse who goes above and beyond in not only taking care of her family, but also other military members,” said Paul Brown, founder of Paul Brown Salons and creator of Operation Makeover. “We’re thrilled to be able to provide her with a weekend where she is the focus and can enjoy a taste of beauty, luxury and relaxation.”

Operation Makeover winners – members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard and Navy and their dependents – are selected each month from nominees submitted by service personnel or members of the general public who know them or have worked with them. The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) coordinates all of the arrangements, including the selection process.

Share This Page