FISHER HOUSE ALBANY STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER
The Fishers selected Albany in their home state of New York as the site for the first Fisher House supporting VETERANS. Located at the Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, he home sits in the shadow of the Sate Capitol Building.
Jerry Jensen, house manager, was proud to tell us HIS house was the first VA Fisher. The house opened 15 years ago and Jerry took over the helm from Joanne Saulsbery 7 years ago. We learned that Joanne, a registered nurse at the VA hospital, wrote a moving letter to the Fishers about the need for a comfort home in Albany and they were eager to help. Jerry's background includes 4 years in the Air Force and 36 years in the VA system. 40 years of service to the military and military families. Hey, Jer, any plans to retire soon? Nope. Love my job. I meet so many nice people. I love the people I've met here and keep in contact with many.
The smell of chocolate chip cookies being made caught Bubba's attention immediately. We had the pleasure of meeting Marilyn White, Volunteer Extraordinaire. She has been coming to this Fisher House 2x a week for 14 years! She is quite the baker and makes cookies, sour cream coffee cake and many other delectable treats for the families. Marilyn's dedication is certainly a Beacon of Light for all of us. Her smiling face and happy nature makes her the PERFECT volunteer for Fisher. She said "Jerry, is perfect! His laid back style really works well at OUR house." We also heard about another volunteer, Dorothy, who at 85 gives her all since the house opened-weekly as well.We are talking major league pastry chef! MMMMM. Marilyn is patiently waiting for HER kitchen upcoming renovations.
Keith enjoys meeting and chatting it up with fellow Vets. This guest was a Marine and did 3 tours of duty in Vietnam. He lives in upstate New York and loves to deer hunt. And you can imagine they had a lot to talk about.Jerry is quite proud of his Meditation Garden.
A "salute" again to Zachary Fisher, who left high school at 16 to help his father and older brothers in the family construction business. Early on he suffered a severe knee injury in a construction accident which prevented him from serving in the military. He then went on to spend much of his life along with his wife Elizabeth serving the country by volunteering time and donating money to family oriented military efforts. They were true patriots and continue to be an inspiration to Boca and Bubba.New side walks in the works. Most Fisher Houses are a never ending work in progress. Jerry had hoped the sidewalk was complete before Boca showed up as he heard she has two left feet. Pretty much.
Bubba and Boca were so happy to find the parking lot "empty". A rarity for a Fisher House. Oops. The brand new parking lot was waiting for it's dedication....ayia yia. Sorry about that Jer. Well at least we didn't step on the newly seeded lawn. For more info about this wonderful Fisher House or how you can help FisherNY@aol.comOf the 35 LOCATIONS of Fisher Houses (remember some locations have more than one house) Boca and Bubba have been privileged to have visited 24 with 2 more to go this year (Hines in Chicago and the soon to be dedicated Miami). We continue to be in awe of the wonderful house managers, volunteers and guests. And as most of you know we love to share the story of the wonderful Fisher Houses- a home away from home- "dedicated to our greatest national treasure...our military service men and women and their loved ones". Roger that! We remain steadfast and loyal and look forward to visiting all of them. Lansdstuhl, Germany summer of 2011. Oompa pa!
and our sign off for the Fisher Houses...
WITHIN THESE WALLS
Beyond this door,
You will find peace.
A place where understanding eyes can see your needs.
A friendly smile
A restful sleep
An outstretched hand that offers moments of relief.
So please come in
You are now at home.
This house was fashioned by love, stone by stone.
And you're not alone anymore.
You will find peace,
Beyond this door....
One man and woman with a dream that would not die,
One patriotic vision, that has now been realized.
An army of angels goes before you.
Bringing peace in the night,
Bringing hope of what you'll find....
Beyond this door, beneath this roof, within these walls.
Written and composed to music by Nicole Nordeman, a Fisher House Volunteer, while she was a student at the University of Colorado. Bravo Nicole!
