Photo By David Tucker | A statue honoring Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher sits inside the Fisher House for the...... read more read more
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DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Recently, the Fisher House Foundation made news as it stepped forward to fund the death benefits of fallen military members during the government shutdown. This might lead some to ask, what is the Fisher House?
Fisher House was founded by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher in 1990 to provide comfort homes for families of hospitalized military personnel. There are 50 Fisher Houses, but the Fisher House here at Dover Air Force Base, Del., serves a unique mission.
Opened in December 2010, the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen provides families of fallen military members the opportunity to participate in the dignified transfer of their family members.
Before the 8,426 square foot house was built, families had to stay as far away as Philadelphia to be able to witness their loved one's somber return.
"Our house strictly provides comfort, care and support for families of the fallen," said Tech. Sgt. Cheryl Uylaki, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Fisher House NCOIC. "The Fisher House Foundation funded the house and donated it to us, and it is run strictly by military members. All the other houses are run by volunteers."
Uylaki, who has been at Dover since February, said her experience so far has been the most rewarding in her entire 13-year career.
"I have never felt more fulfilled taking care of the families," Uylaki said. "It's truly an honor taking care of families during their most crucial time."
Col. John Devillier, AFMAO commander, said the house helps his team meet and fulfill its mission.
"The Fisher House for Families of the Fallen provides a place for families to come and receive much-needed support and comfort from our family support team while awaiting the dignified transfer of their loved one," Col. Devillier said. "They won't remember the names of the people they came in contact with during their brief stay here, but they will remember how we made them feel."
Ken Fisher, chairman and CEO of the Fisher House Foundation, said the house at Dover was a way of thanking military families for their sacrifice.
"Building a Fisher House for the Fallen at Dover AFB gave us the opportunity to let each of these special families know how much we, as a nation, appreciate their loved one's service and sacrifice," said Fisher. "It is meant to be a tangible symbol of the love and respect we have for them on behalf of a grateful nation."
Uylaki recalled an event that was memorable to her that brings home the importance of the AFMAO mission and the purpose of the Fisher House for the Families of the Fallen in particular.
"There was a DT we had for a member of the Army," Uylaki recalled. "I remember this 4-year-old little boy. We're riding on the surrey and the mom is trying to holding back tears. She started crying and the little boy was sitting on his knees rubbing her back. He said, 'I love you mommy, don't cry.' He was so young, but so supportive of her. It was very emotional. You never know what our lives are going to entail."
| Date Taken: | 10.16.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 10.17.2013 12:19 |
| Story ID: | 115288 |
| Location: | DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DE, US |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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