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NEWS | Sept. 26, 2014

A legacy of love

By Senior Airman Mariah Haddenham 11th Wing Public Affairs

Zachary Fisher, a 16 year old from Brooklyn New York, started his career in construction, not knowing he would go on to build a foundation based on love and kindness, or that he and the love of his life, Elizabeth, would impact thousands of families and service members.

Fisher and his brothers joined forces in the 1910's to create Fisher Brothers, and were made wealthy by their multiple contracts to build skyscrapers. Throughout his life, he used this wealth to give back to the causes he held dear to his heart such as the U.S. Armed Forces.

Fisher was unable to serve due to an injury he sustained earlier in his construction career, so used his building skills to assist the U.S. Coastal Service during World War II. Afterwards, he returned home and met his wife, whom he saw in a Broadway show. She had just returned from working as a USO performer during the war. The couple married in 1943 and began a legacy of giving back to help the families of wounded or sick military members.

In 1982, the Fishers established the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation. Through this he made significant donations to families who had lost loved ones under tragic circumstances, sending contributions of more than $25,000 to numerous families.

"Two years later, the Fishers began the Fisher House program," said Janet Grampp, 11th Wing Force Support Squadron Fisher House manager. "This dedicated more than $20 million to the construction of homes for families of hospitalized military personnel."

There are approximately 65 Fisher Houses throughout the world dedicated to the support of military members and their families. These houses serve as a home away from home for these families with a member undergoing treatment or procedures at local medical facilities.

"This is a place for them to sleep, eat and recover in between appointments at the hospital with their family member," Grampp said. "We make it a special point to make this feel like home. It is important that each family knows after a long day, they have somewhere to make a meal, take a shower, or watch a movie. We bond with these families, and I've been here since day one."

The Fisher House on Joint Base Andrews was dedicated on Sept.26, 1994.

"Those who attended the ceremony 20 years ago might remember how Zachary held onto Elizabeth's hand throughout the ceremony and the evening," Grampp said. "His love for her and for the military was on full display."

The Fisher's commitment to Fisher House did not stop there, making it a point to stay connected with the homes and families who stay there.

"When he was no longer able to travel, he would telephone and ask to speak to the families," Grampp said. "As busy as he was, there was always an open line of communication, love and concern. The homes are filled with the same caring and compassion for our military families as Zachary and Elizabeth expressed for each other and for others throughout their lifetime."

The JBA Fisher House has helped more than 5,000 families since 1994, and continues to act as a home away from home for military members and their families.

Zachary Fisher passed away June 4, 1999 and his wife followed on January 14, 2004. The family left behind a lasting legacy of caring.

"As we celebrate 20 years, we reflect back on our founders, Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher," Grampp said. "The memories are happy, sad, beautiful and difficult. It has been a privileged journey for those of us who have worked and volunteered here."
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