It started nearly 30 years ago. That’s when an organization began that has made a huge difference in the lives of some 386,000 families.

It’s called the Fisher House Foundation. It operates homes where families of active duty soldiers and veterans can stay. As long as their loved ones are getting medical treatment nearby.

The 82 Fisher Houses are conveniently located. They are near military installations and Veterans Administration hospitals. In the U.S., Germany and the United Kingdom.

It’s estimated that the program has saved military and veterans’ families $451 million. That’s in out-of-pocket charges for lodging and transportation.

In 29 States and Counting

If you like statistics, here are three that might astound you.

•More than 32,000 families were served by Fisher Houses in 2018 alone.

•The daily capacity at Fisher Houses around the globe is 1,100 families.

•The number of lodging days offered is now up to 8.7 million.

Fisher Houses are typically 5,000 to 16,800 square feet each. They have anywhere from eight to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a dining room and a living room.

The newer Fisher Houses are 100 percent handicap accessible and include elevators. Toys for children are also provided.

The Houses are based in 29 states plus the District of Columbia. There are also Fisher Houses in Birmingham, England and Landstuhl/Kirchberg, Germany.

Fisher Houses are currently being built in New York, Florida, Ohio, Maine, New Mexico and Virginia. And there are plans for at least 20 additional Houses.

‘My Way of Giving Back’

The Houses are donated to the U.S. government by Ken Fisher. He’s the chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation.

“I didn’t serve in the military,” Fisher said. “I didn’t wear the uniform. And so, for me this is some small way of serving. My way of giving back.”

Military service secretaries and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the homes.

Fisher Houses have full-time managers. But they depend on volunteers and voluntary support to enhance daily operations and program expansion.

‘Healing Happens Here’

For some families, staying at a Fisher House is more than a one-time occurrence. Every month, Leah Boehs and her son drive to the Salt Lake City, Utah House.

They stay there while her husband, Derrick, gets medical treatment and dental care.

“It would be a huge expense for us if Fisher House wasn’t here for us,” Leah said. “It is a huge relief.”

Quinn Kiger-Good is the House manager in Salt Lake City. They’re honoring their seventh anniversary. She said, “The families become family. A lot of healing happens here.”

Traumatic Injuries

At the Fisher House in Tampa, Florida, the occupancy rate has been 99 percent for the past year. That’s why they are building a second facility in Tampa.

The nearby Tampa VA hospital treats some of the most traumatically injured active duty and veteran patients in the country.

Sherri LaHay Losover has been staying at the Tampa facility for over two months. Her brother is being treated for a spinal cord injury.

“I liken it to living the golden rule… the golden rule on steroids,” she said. “It’s wonderful, too, because you can relate to the other people staying there. In the same way you can with family.”

Miles, Hotels & Scholarships

Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles program. They use donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members.

So far, over 70,000 airline tickets have been provided by Hero Miles to service members and their families, worth nearly $105 million.

Another program operated by Fisher House Foundation is Hotels for Heroes. Donated hotel points allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers.

In addition, the foundation manages a grant program. So far, approximately 12,000 students have gotten about $24 million in scholarships.

You Make Our Donations Possible

For some time now, 4Patriots has been making monthly donations to Fisher House Foundation.

We feel very fortunate to be able to help the families of U.S. military members. They and their families deserve everything this fine organization provides for them.

As I’ve mentioned before, we can’t do this without you. So, in reality, it’s your dollars that are going to places such as Fisher House.

We also make donations to groups such as Operation Homefront. They aid military families during difficult times by providing food, auto and home repair, and vision care.

And to A Soldier’s Child Foundation. They give meaningful birthday presents to the children of fallen U.S. military members. And they have mentorship programs and college scholarships.

Again, these donations only happen because of you. Thank you, friends, for making these donations possible.