JBER Fisher House recognized by state legislature

Alaska State Representative Gabrielle LeDoux presented the Fisher House of Alaska with a legislative citation at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Sept. 28.

“The 30th Alaska State Legislature celebrates and honors the Fisher House of Alaska, a ‘home away from home’ for service members, and the leadership and staff that supports our brave military men and women, veterans, and their families,” Le

Doux said. “It’s a unique partnership that provides support by providing housing on the grounds of major

military and VA medical centers, meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs.”

Since opening in 2012, the Fisher House has been able to provide accommodation for 27 families nightly with an average of more than 1,600 military families annually, said

Jennifer Hall, Fisher House of

Alaska manager.

“We are able to provide a compassionate home environment for military and veteran families while they’re receiving medical care,” Hall said. “Everything from meals, housing, and family support is included for families so they can simply concentrate on healing in a compassionate environment.”

Though every family has a different medical issue they may be going through, they can come together and lean on each other, said Fritzi Grundhauser, Fisher House Board secretary.

“Having this place so close to the hospital means people can see their family members every day and know they have support people around them,” Hall said. “Common areas throughout the Fisher House provide the opportunity for families to meet and create life-long friendships and form bonds for continuous support.”

Being awarded the legislative citation was a group effort from the staff and many volunteers who

keep the Fisher House running, Hall said.

“I absolutely love it; this isn’t a job for me, it’s coming home to second family,” Hall said. “To be able to come here every day and be a part of another Alaska military family’s story is truly humbling and a blessing.”

To become a volunteer for the Fisher House of Alaska or for more information, call 222-1673.