Local veterans groups respond to Fisher House request

Local veterans groups respond to Fisher House request

AikenStandard.com

07.26.12

The VA Fisher House located at One Freedom Way in Augusta, "a home away from home" for families of veterans and military service members receiving care at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center. The Fisher House enables families to be close to their loved one during hospitalization by providing comfortable free lodging.

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The Fisher House Foundation donates these "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers.

In 2009, the CSRA was asked to raise a portion of the cost of building the VA Fisher House and the Fisher House Foundation contributed the rest. Aiken veterans groups, along with various businesses and corporations, eagerly met this need, and in October 2011 doors opened to provide free housing for the families of wounded warriors.

The VA Augusta Fisher House depends on volunteers and voluntary support to enhance daily operations. Recently, Fisher House manager Anne Arnold requested support from local veterans' organizations to provide eight rocking chairs for the VA Fisher House back porches.

Led by the Aiken County Veterans Council that coordinates fundraising activities between various veterans' organizations, American Legion Unit 71 Auxiliary joined with James L. Hammons Marine Corps League, Detachment 939; Military Order of the Purple Heart, Corporal Matthew V. Dillon Memorial Chapter 2005 and SC Gold Star Mothers to raise the necessary funds to purchase the rockers, including side tables and cushions.

Lucy Dillon, VA Fisher House coordinator for ACVC and state treasurer for the S.C. Gold Star Mothers, said, "We receive so much pride and joy from these Wounded Warriors and their families for their service to our country and their faith, courage and sacrifices. We encourage other organizations to get involved with the VA Fisher House. Meet these brave wounded warriors and their families for they will inspire you by renewing your faith in America and at the same time humble you with their desire to keep serving our great country. Our hope with this gift was to provide a place the families can relax and rock away their troubles."