Photo By Airman Eli Rose | David A. Coker, the president of the Fisher House Foundation, stands with a local news...... read more read more
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Nestled on the grounds just steps from the installation’s hospital of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, the Alaska Fisher Houses stand as sanctuaries for military families facing medical challenges. Offering free lodging and a tight-knit community, the two Fisher Houses, and the dedicated team who run them, provide a unique support to families while service members, veterans, and their loved ones receive treatment at the 673rd Medical Group hospital, ensuring they are never alone in their journey.
On Sept. 23, 2025, David A. Coker, Fisher House Foundation president, traveled to the Last Frontier to stand alongside the Alaska Fisher House team in hosting their annual open house event, welcoming military personnel, families and community supporters to tour the Fisher Houses and learn about their mission. The event featured guided tours of both houses, interactive displays showcasing the impact of the Fisher House Foundation, and numerous contributions from the local community. Airmen, Soldiers, veterans, and volunteers poured in to help the event flourish, highlighting the vital role these “home away from homes” play in supporting the military community.
“Alaska is such a unique environment,” said Coker. “Life happens, and we want it to be ingrained in people's minds that there's a place that cares and a place that can help.”
Since its establishment in 2012, Alaska Fisher House I has offered 12 private bedrooms, communal kitchens and living spaces designed to foster healing and camaraderie. In 2018, Alaska Fisher House II opened with 16 additional suites, expanding capacity to meet the growing needs of military families traveling vast distances for specialized care. These homes provide sanctuary to families in need, in a region where harsh winters and distance from the continental United States can amplify the challenges of medical treatment.
“It's incredible to have such a chance to serve,” said Terry Yeomans, an Alaska Red Cross volunteer who regularly brings in certified therapy dogs to the Alaska Fisher House for guests. “It’s more than just our community though, it's individuals from across the world who are in our area and could use a helping hand.”
The Fisher House Foundation, which has supported over 500,000 families nationwide since 1990, donates these facilities to the Department of War and Veterans Association at no cost, collectively saving families more than $600 million in lodging expenses to date. Having served 1,555 families in the fiscal year of 2024 alone, the Alaska Fisher Houses are particularly critical in easing the financial and emotional burdens of medical care for the families who travel to a high cost-of-living state such as Alaska.
“Cancer, a medevac emergency, a high-risk pregnancy, they are all very heavy things to go through,” said Theresa Nedrow, Alaska Fisher House manager. “The whole purpose of having a Fisher House is to be able to make sure these people have their community at hand without any added stress.”
The Alaska Fisher Houses invite military families in need of lodging to reach out. Contact the Fisher House of Alaska at (907) 580-0040 or visit www.akfisherhouse.org for more information on how to access these vital services.
(Notice: This story utilized AI review techniques, which were reviewed and edited by DoW personnel to verify appropriateness and compliance with DoW policies and guidance.)
| Date Taken: | 09.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2025 21:00 |
| Story ID: | 549471 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, US |
| Hometown: | JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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