Fisher House Opens for Families at Camp Lejeune

Fisher House Opens for Families at Camp Lejeune

News 14 Carolina

By Kevin Reopelle

03.03.11

CAMP LEJEUNE – The Fisher Foundation opened the first Fischer House on a Marine base. It gives a family of wounded warriors a place to stay while their loved ones under go treatment at Camp Lejeune.

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James Amos, says none of this would have been possible without the generosity of many.

"This is typical of Jacksonville, North Carolina. Typical of the people of North Carolina, both military or not,” said Amos. “I mean their hearts are in the right spot. They understand. They have a sense of sacrifice and they poured out their hearts especially this town."

Cpl. Ian Manning say the wounded warrior barracks gives those recovering from injuries a place made just for them.

"Everybody is excited about it,” said Manning, “,full gym, therapeutic physical therapy treatment area. The rooms are very accommodating. You've got all the offices here. There's no need to go anywhere but here."

The Fisher House is a place for families to stay and be near their loved ones while they recover. There are 53 Fisher Houses across the country but this is the first one on a Marine Corps base.

Ken Fisher, Chairman of the Fisher Foundation, says this is more than just a place to stay.

"Here they can come home after a tough day,” said Fisher. “They can go to their room. They can do what they need to do and then they can come downstairs and they can interact with other families and support each other."

Maureen Karkovice is one of the first guests to stay in the house. She says its good to be near her son Patrick who is recovering from surgery at the hospital next door.

"He's a Marines you know,” said Karkovice. “So, he's not a pansy but he needs a family member and of course you want your mom because nobody takes care of you like your mom."

In its 21 year history, the Fisher Foundation has served over 140,000 families and saved them more than $160 million in travel and lodging expenses.