ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Audrey Fisher and Nancy Edelman, Fisher House Foundation ambassadors and vice presidents on the board of trustees, visited the Andrews Fisher House recently.
Accompanied by Jill Snadecki and James D. Weiskopf, Vice President of Communications for the Fisher House Foundation, the group toured the Fisher House and the base, including the 89th Airlift Wing's Executive Airlift Training Center, the 79th Medical Wing's Aeromedical Staging Flight, and a static C-32 display. The group also watched a 316th Security Forces Squadron military working dog demonstration.
While at the Fisher House, Mrs. Fisher had an opportunity to visit with guests and presented Janet Grampp, Andrews Fisher House manager, with gifts for families who stay at the house. Mrs. Fisher gave the house various board and card games, and a cutting board and crystal pitcher for the kitchen.
Last week's visit from the Fisher House Foundation was significant because representatives visit all the homes worldwide, making for a tight schedule. "Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Edelman travel extensively to try and visit all the Fisher Houses, medical centers, and to visit families each year," said Ms. Grampp. "With 38 Fisher Houses in
operation, this can be quite a challenge - and with five more houses under construction - the visits will be further apart. It has been two years since they were able to come and visit the Andrews Fisher House."
The Fisher House plays an important role in the base community.
"The Fisher House at Andrews enjoys a wonderful relationship with our base community and with our off-base community," said Ms. Grampp. "We have found people are genuinely interested in being involved in supporting our troops, and the houses offer that opportunity. Local churches, civic groups, legions, scouting groups and schools take up
collections of items or money to send. Corporations and businesses donate and encourage their employees to donate to our program. It is amazing to experience the true generosity that comes from our community and we don't take it for granted."
All Fisher Houses are independently operated and funded; community support is key in this area as well. "We have established our own 501(c)3 charitable organization that conducts fundraising for our program specifically," said Ms. Grampp. "Many people believe the Fisher House Foundation operates the houses, but that is not the case.
They build the houses and then donate them to the specific branch of the military to operate. Once the gift of a house is accepted, it is up to that branch, that installation and the supporters of that house to ensure it is properly funded and this is an ongoing process. We are blessed here at Andrews that we have so many generous supporting
individuals and organizations."
Volunteers are key to running a successful house, as well. "Since our house has only one full-time and one part-time employee, we rely on our volunteers to fill in to make a well rounded program," said Ms. Grampp. "It is through the volunteer program that we can offer services to our families that we wouldn't otherwise be able to.
Obviously I couldn't possibly care for seven families, a facility, and the many programs we have to offer single handedly. The volunteers are the backbone of this program."
The Fisher House serves not only those in the Air Force family, but those in the extended military family, as well. "The Fisher House accepts families and patients from all branches of the military and we are not exclusive to the Air Force," said Ms. Grampp.
"When families come to the Washington metropolitan area for treatment, they are accepted into the program based on their needs, the seriousness of the illness or injury and the length of the care required. Those who are faced with an extended hospitalization would have priority over shorter stays. We also accept families of retirees who come to our area for care."
For more information about volunteer opportunities at the Fisher House, contact Ms. Grampp at 301-981-1243.