Fisher House Dedicates First Home in Nevada at VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) February 12, 2016 -- Fisher House Foundation Chairman and CEO Kenneth Fisher joined Governor Brian Sandoval, City of North Las Vegas Mayor John J. Lee, Nevada Military Support Alliance president Scott Bensing, and Peggy Kearns Director, VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System yesterday to dedicate the newest Fisher House at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System. This will be the first Fisher House in Nevada, and will provide free lodging for families of wounded, injured and ill military and Veterans while their loved one undergoes treatment at both VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System and Mike O'Callaghan Federal Medical Center at Nellis Air Force Base.
This beautiful home will not only create an instant community for its residents, united by their common mission of supporting a sick or injured loved one, but also will provide each individual with a secure and private refuge after a long day at the hospital to rest and recharge.
The 16-suite, 13,500 sq.-ft. “comfort home” joins the other 65+ Fisher Houses operating in the United States and Europe, and was gifted to VA as part of today’s ceremony. Each bedroom suite comes equipped with a private, handicapped-accessible bathroom. Common areas include a spacious kitchen, large communal living, dining and family rooms, laundry room and patio.
“The Nevada community’s decision to support this project was instantaneous and inspiring,” said Mr. Fisher. “We clearly saw how seriously the people of Nevada take their commitment to honor and serve their Veterans by how quickly this home became a reality. I want to thank all of those who made it happen, and who will continue to support their military community for years to come.”
“We are honored that our medical center was selected to be the home of the first Fisher House in Nevada,” said Ms. Kearns. “Although it’s our Veterans and active-duty members who serve on the frontlines, they are not alone – especially in a time of need. This beautiful home will enable family members to be close to their loved ones during hospitalization, ensuring we continue to honor our commitment to take care of those who have served our nation – both on the war front and the home front. On behalf of the future Veterans and family members who will benefit from this facility I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality through their commitment and support of this project.”
"This is a proud day for Nevada,” said Mr. Bensing. “When the call went out to the community to rally around this project, Nevada responded in record time with open arms and overwhelming support. This Fisher House will provide a place to stay and heal for thousands of military families and warriors throughout its lifetime. The Nevada Military Support Alliance salutes Fisher House Foundation and the work they do around the world to give back to our troops.”
Construction of this Fisher House was supported by: Nevada Military Support Alliance, Engelstad Family Foundation, Alfred E. Mann Foundation, Heather and Jim Murren, MGM Resorts International, NV Energy Foundation, Bigelow Aerospace and Perry M. Di Loreto.
About Fisher House
Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital it serves. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated $320 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.
Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers without charge. The Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of fallen and disabled veterans.
About the Southern Nevada VA Healthcare System
The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System provides delivery of health care to more than 57,000 Veterans and ensures outpatient and inpatient services are available to more than 158,000 Veterans residing in an official catchment area of Clark, Lincoln and Nye counties.
About the Nevada Military Support Alliance
The Nevada Military Support Alliance (NMSA) is a statewide 501c3 organization established in 2003 with a mission to organize and promote the recognition, support and appreciation of Nevada’s men and women of our armed forces, veterans and their families. The NMSA is proud to be the primary fundraising entity for the Las Vegas Fisher House in the memory of the 57 Nevada warriors killed in defense of our great country.
HI RES EVENT PHOTOS AVAILABLE FROM AESTILL(at)FISHERHOUSE(dot)ORG.
Kerri Childress, Fisher House Foundation, +1 (301) 633-4409, [email protected]
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