
Fisher House, a network of homes away from home for military families whose loved ones are receiving medical care, is celebrating its 25th year with the opening of its first New York City homes in the Bronx on the grounds of The James J. Peters VA Medical Center.
With these new additions the nationwide network of Fisher Houses will number 80 and have saved military families over $330 million in out of pocket expenses for travel, lodging and basic expenses according to Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO, of the Fisher House Foundation.
FOX Business talked with Fisher, who is also co-managing partner at Fisher Brothers, one of the country’s largest family-owned real estate development and management companies, about his mission to support military families in addition to veterans and active service members when they need it most.
FOX Business: Whether its health care or basic benefits, there are still many stories of sub-par care our nation’s veterans are receiving. What else needs to be done either by the government or philanthropists?
Ken Fisher: If we all function under the reality that these veterans and the people that wear our nation’s uniforms — service men and women — they make extraordinary sacrifices and so do their families. If we look at it as though these are debts we could never [fully] repay, but one of the ways we could repay it is to honor them by giving them the best that is possible. It is not just the government, we can all make a difference in this area.
FOX Business: The Fisher Houses began in 1990 by your Uncle Zachary, what inspired him to make this personal and financial commitment?
Continue Reading Below
ADVERTISEMENT
Ken Fisher: It was more than just the desire to give back. We have the resources to be part of the solution, not just somebody who points out the problem. When it was brought to our attention that this very basic need really existed, my Uncle felt as though given his background in development and construction and access to architects this was a problem we could fill. It was really that basic.
More From FOXBusiness.com…
FOX Business: You work with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin, who was appointed by President Trump, in selecting locations. What drove the decision to open your newest house in the Bronx?
Ken Fisher: The V.A. tells us where the greatest needs are. The two Bronx houses, which we broke ground on Thursday, are in close proximity of The James J. Peters VA Medical Center which is doing great, innovative work with paralyzed vets, kidney transplants, and PTS and TBI – as well as research. It is a first-class VA hospital.
FOX Business: Running the network of Fisher Houses is a business in itself. What are some of the early entrepreneurial challenges your family encountered and ultimately overcame?
Ken Fisher: There were many challenges, Fisher House is beautiful in its simplicity. We do what we do very well. The biggest issue I had was running it like a business, keeping it lean and being able to pivot like we did during the government shutdown in 2013. We offered to pay military death benefits when the government stopped. Everyone at Fisher House has the same passion and desire to keep the foundation pointed in the right direction. Our donors are treated like shareholders and their dividends are the metrics of what the program has accomplished.
FOX Business: Supporting U.S. veterans was a cornerstone of President Trump’s presidential campaign and he continues with that message. In the new budget outline, the President is proposing a boost of over $6 billion to the Department of Veterans Affairs, to $186.5 billion. How should these additional funds be deployed in your opinion?
Ken Fisher: The V.A. has very dedicated doctors and nurses and the care that they give is really first class, world class. I’d like to see some money put into the facilities that are older, that are doing great work, like the Bronx. I haven’t done deep dive on the V.A. so can’t speak to where the greatest needs are right now.
FOX Business: What’s ahead for Fisher House?
Ken Fisher: Number one, we want to keep the program growing as is. We stay in our lane we don’t try and be all things to all people. We honor the donated dollar and we’ll continue to do that — $0.94-$0.95 on the dollar goes towards the program, so we operate very efficiently. That is something I want to keep going.
We have also become involved with family adaptive sports, that is something we’ll continue to do this year by sponsoring the ‘Warrior Games’. [The event will be held in Chicago June 30-July 8 is an opportunity for seriously injured, wounded and ill service members compete in a spirited competition.] We also want to keep our “Hero Miles” program going (which is donated frequent flier miles). We have a program were we can buy miles for family members and care givers to go back and forth, because life doesn’t stop for these men and women when their loved one is in the hospital.
*Editor’s note: This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
Suzanne O’Halloran is Managing Editor of FOXBusiness.com and a graduate of Boston College. Follow her on @suzohalloran
About the Author: admin
Related posts
Airlines told to 'be prepared' for expanded electronics ban – DHS: US likely expanding laptop travel ban – Airport brawl: Spirit Airlines passengers arrested during chaotic scene at Florida airport
Lawmakers push Tillerson to investigate US funding of billionaire's political meddling
Texas governor signs bill targeting sanctuary cities
House GOP advances Obamacare repeal efforts this week
America's Farmers Don't Depend on Illegal Immigration
GOP senator: Trump hasn't clarified how Mexico will pay for the wall
Trump: Mexico still paying for the wall
KKK fliers in candy bags found on lawns in Texas City
These 60 DC restaurants will close for 'Day Without Immigrants' Thursday
'A DEVASTATION' 5 dead, including 3 kids, in New York City house fire
Conservative group to launch ads minutes after Trump names Supreme Court pick
Guns, Men, and Murder: The Data
It's Time for Congress to Pass the 'John McCain Rule'
Fox News Takes a Sharp Left Turn
Police: Philippine casino attacker was indebted gambler
Chicago inmates can now order pizza directly to cells
The Fall of Donald Trump (and Why It Ain’t Happening)
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? Report: Trump gave cell number to world leaders
Comey's Game (II): The Mueller Gambit
Civil rights group: Trump must reject Bannon
Wanted: An Afghanistan Policy
Palestinians Running the Show…in Chile?
Nate Silver: Recount 'very unlikely' to overturn results
The Day Andrew Cuomo Got Religion
Trump, Pence to attend Secretary Mnuchin's wedding
Report: Trump's new national security adviser not a fan of the term 'radical Islamic terrorism'
Kim talks Paris jewel heist
8 killed as suicide bombers target Nigerian city
The Tehran Attacks: Beginning of the End for Assad?
Political leaders tweet Independence Day messages – NC town cancels July 4 celebrations after threats
Timberlake's ex revealed
Brazil Votes Amid Anger at Ruling Class…
Oklahoma home invasion shooting: No charges against man who killed 3 intruders
Trump picks Robert Lighthizer as US trade representative
Trump promises to 'prime the pump'
Mike Pence demands AP apologize for publishing, refusing to take down story showing his wife's email address
Michelle Obama is Back on the Job
Rowling reveals Potter secret
Poo bacteria at McDonald's?
'The left is coming unglued': Watters slams CNN host for obscene Trump tweet
Trump urged to pardon Oregon ranchers who sparked armed standoff
Kourtney's really racy snaps
Trump tweets: 'Our legal system is broken!'
Double-Double Failure for the Left's Fast Food Boycotts
Realtor tells Sanders: Small businesses have been 'kicked in the teeth' by Obama
State Department staff dissents from Trump's immigration order
Truck Attacks as Terror Tactic: Denying the Awful Reality
Roger Smith dead: '77 Sunset Strip' star dies at 84
California City Quietly Moves Toward Sanctuary City Status In Defiance Of Trump
ESPN’S BAD CALL Website posted poem honoring fugitive cop killer
The Unfortunate Phenomenon of Black Political Groupthink
DOJ files brief defending Trump's refugee ban
Lindsey Graham: Russians 'hacked into my campaign account'
Colorado girl run over, killed by boat driven by dad
Lebanon to ban film?
Reports: Trump picks Rep. Mike Pompeo as his CIA director
CITY OF HATE: 90-year-old man clobbered with cane in Manhattan…
FIERY SESSIONS DEFENDS ‘HONOR’ AG takes on critics – denies Russia collusion 'lie,' stands by Comey firing
Kelly Ayotte at top of Trump's list for defense secretary, report says
Obama signs $10B water bill that helps Flint
Unpacking the Latest Chemical Attack in Syria
Be honest: You'd never accept Sessions' defense if it came from Eric Holder
RUNNING ON EMPTY? China eyed as gas restrictions in NK takes toll
JFK Terminal 4 restaurant fire fills busy New York airport with smoke
Woman pulls gun on drone
ICE arrests 1,378 suspected gang members in largest sweep to date
Jihad Rears Its Head Again, with Democrats Enabling
Delta 'banned' entire family
Cory Booker's testimony looks a lot like a 2020 campaign kickoff
A Tax Expert's Take on Trump's Proposal: 'A Truly Great Tax Plan'
'LACK OF OVERSIGHT' 'Obamaphone' hit by Dem over fraudulent findings
Can the Political Center Hold in Europe?
Idaho teacher to be released from Mexican hospital but forced to pay $40G
Alveda King, niece of Martin Luther King Jr., uses uncle's words to warn anti-Trump women
Mexico President Pena Nieto says optimistic about U.S. relationship
White Republican Michigan Voters Chose a Black Guy
81-year-old woman takes police on slow-speed chase
Virginia man who joined Islamic State now facing trial in US
Madonna is NOT happy
Jeff Sessions: I never chanted 'lock her up'
Watch: Greenpeace protesters climb crane, unfurl anti-Trump 'resist' banner
Reality TV star shows new face
Jordan reportedly files murder charge in deaths of 3 Green Berets
Boy Scout dies of heatstroke during backpacking trip
JUDGE NAPOLITANO Hillary Clinton and the FBI… again
Airports nationwide swarmed by protests against Trump immigration ban
Godless! Atheism and the Texas Church Shooter
Astronaut’s cool aurora pic
4 dead, dozens hospitalized in massive overdose, Georgia authorities say – Deadly Lyme disease-like tick-borne illness reported in Maine – DEA warning police, first responders of accidental overdose risk amid opioid crisis
How she became 'Glitter Girl'
Fla. police safely locate twin sisters who disappeared
'Duck' star followed by 3 men
Gay Wedding Cakes Not a Constitutional Right
Wisconsin floods ruin all the cash at 1 bank
Iran foreign minister slams Trump's travel ban after Iranian film wins Oscar
Mideast peace requires 'acceptance' of Israel, Netanyahu spokesman says
Stampede at Honduras soccer stadium leaves 4 fans, unborn fetus dead
Mueller Investigates Podesta
America's embarrassingly low economic freedom ranking
Grassley presses Comey on 'material inconsistencies' in Trump dossier inquiry – VIDEO: Grassley accuses FBI of 'inconsistencies' in Russia probe
Obama, Trump clash over who is calling the shots
Blagojevich daughter goes emo on Obama
Priebus affirms: No meddling with entitlements under Trump
Boy's transformation from drug-addicted newborn to healthy toddler goes viral
The Obama Cult
'Clock Boy' lawsuit thrown out in federal court
Scary warning for new parents
Dog rescued three days after boating crash in Calif.
MEDIA BUZZ: Study finds Trump coverage overwhelmingly negative
Pilot donates life-saving kidney to flight attendant
Assange mocks 'embarrassing' intel report on Russia
$89,000 drug delays launch
Ken Bone heading to CPAC
Fastest Chevy ever
Lawmakers to probe Olympic doping
Aides to Trump, de Blasio fighting over who will pay a bill
Royce demands Syria sanctions after Russia's 'shameful' UN objection
Jane Sanders: Colin Kaepernick 'inspired respect'
Las Vegas on the cheap?
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Neera Tanden fight over Syria — thanks to David Duke
South Korea's disgraced president formally impeached by court
Remembering Noreen Fraser
NBCNEWS misconduct bombshell 'only beginning'…
Russia plans to expel 35 American diplomats after Obama retaliation
London high-rise fire caused by faulty freezer; manslaughter charges being considered
How to Survive: Lessons from Puerto Rico
Franklin Graham: Trump won because 'God showed up'
Stand Strong Against the Lunacy of the Left
GOP seeks to avoid its own midterm healthcare debacle
Toddler shows off incredible basketball skills just two years after horrific accident
Katy went to Jesus camps
Trump to meet with Japanese prime minister next week
TODD STARNES EXCLUSIVE: Air Force says words like 'boy' and 'girl' could be offensive
World's LARGEST plane unveiled
Sanders to call on Trump to 'drain the swamp'
Trump Turns the Screws on Iran's Mullahs
Illinois House of Representatives overrides gov's veto of $36B budget
'HANNITY': Scaramucci vows hard line stance on leaks from West Wing
Trump Treasury candidate's bank accused of discrimination
GREG GUTFELD: Trump’s travel ban is vindicated
Five Myths about Jihadi Radicalization
Jessica Alba has BIG news
Kathy Griffin to address Trump photo, alleged Trump family bullying
Trump's budget director nomination goes to Senate floor
State Department lawyers removing references to ISIS 'genocide' against Christians, other religious minorities
Why Won't Barack Obama Go Away?
SHORTER WEEK? Schools in rural areas shifting to 4-day schedules
As Usual, Patty Murray Doesn't Get It
California investigators search home of missing 5-year-old boy's grandmother
American student stuck in China jail for days is freed, family says
Did Colorado DMV use Photoshop to change a woman’s driver’s license photo?
Maxim model defends sexy pic
Report: Falwell turned down chance to be Trump's education secretary
Social Security's Death Knell Is Ringing. Can You Hear It?
'IT'S A BRUTAL REGIME' Trump slams North Korea after former American prisoner Otto Warmbier dies
Calif. father arrested on suspicion of killing missing son
Everybody Knows
Aid to the Palestinians Is Counterproductive to Peace
NO LOVE FOR LA LA LAND Actress wants son to grow up somewhere 'normal'
Axelrod: 'Reactionary epochs' like Trump's have happened before 'to our shame'
Report: DHS says green card holders part of Trump ban
READY TO ACT? Death prompts US to weigh options vs. North Korea
Trump suggests jail time or 'loss of citizenship' for burning flag
Woman struck, killed on California highway ID'd 27 years later
Time Flies When You're Torching Synagogues
Average US gas prices rise first time in 11 weeks
Islam's Bizarre Philosophical Problem
Munn knew split was coming?
'Illegal immigration is not a victimless crime,' ICE acting director says – ICE director to Sanctuary Cities: 'We're going to enforce the law without apology'
N. KOREA FEARS RISE Official: Missile defense needed to protect Hawaii
Pilot tells passengers to 'pray' after flight suffers engine trouble
Boy, 4, dies after shooting self in face
Does Trump Get the Israel-Arab Problem?
Watchdog: Pentagon almost gave fake cops $1M in guns, bombs – DoD to Trump on transgender ban: Not so fast
PAGE-TURNER School's yearbook recalled over Trump messages
Watch: President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and their wives sing the National Anthem at interfaith prayer service
TIGER'S TROUBLES Police: Woods impaired; passed Breathalyzer
Sessions just hours away from helming Justice Department
House GOP wants court to reject new opponents to Obamacare lawsuit
Young Lesbian New Voice of German Far Right…
Maxine Waters interrupts Treasury Secretary's single answer — 12 times!
Terror hero speaks out
Hillary Clinton: Faust and Mephistopheles Rolled into One
REPORT: 5G Network Uses Same EMF Waves As Pentagon Crowd Control…
Misreading Putin
Online Harassment, Political Activists, and What to Do about It
Electoral College votes to make Donald Trump president
BREAKING NEWS: At least 3 killed, 4 injured in boiler explosion at Missouri business
Playboy model due in court over nude picture she took of unwitting woman
MYSTERY: Rare East Asia Duck In Central Park Pond…
Clinton calls on Trump to speak out against anti-Semitism
Chicago judge killed: FBI offers $25G reward for info
TODD STARNES: Boy's graduation speech pulled over Christian content
The Decline and Fall of American Nationhood
DE NIRO FLOATS TRUMP-BUSTER…
Former Joint Chiefs boss thanks intel community for 'hard, thankless work'
Dallas officer hospitalized after crash sends squad car into creek
Top Obamacare official delivers farewell address
Criminal justice reform doesn't have to mean 'soft on crime'
Taliban attacks kill at least 25 Afghan police
What’s wrong with this egg?!
Two Democrats vow to vote for Pruitt to head EPA
Arizona to stop using controversial drug after botched executions
TRUMP TAKES NAMES Amash targeted by White House social media chief
Flint airport attack: Michigan officer stabbed in 'act of terrorism,' FBI says – Man caught urinating near LA train station found to have cache of weapons, police say
Toxic Antibiotics
ALL EYES ON GEORGIA Voters to settle priciest House election in history
Crayola set to retire one color from crayon box
Carter Page: FBI reportedly obtained FISA warrant to monitor ex-Trump adviser
NRA, eschewing talk of guns, ratchets up rhetoric
MAY DAY MAYHEM More than 40 arrests made in nationwide marches
The 10 Greatest Americans of My 8 Decades
Help Wanted: Women as Recruiters for ISIS
Living with parents in your 20s might be a drag, but can pay off
Obama Used the Presidency; So Should Trump
DC sniper Lee Boyd Malvo's life sentence thrown out
Grassley demands info from DHS on Ohio State attacker
Scorching the Earth
Big change for Southwest
Good Samaritans pay off school district's lunch debt
What Mass Shootings Mean for Good Police Work
Defeating Iran's Mullahs
Lawmakers demand to know if drug maker lied to them
Perpetually Progressive Confiscatory Taxation in America
Colombia, rebels will sign truce to end 50-year war
Massachusetts investigators looking to identify young woman's remains
The Dollar: Lionel Shriver on Ruin
CLEARING THE AIR: GOP senators seek possible Trump, Comey tapes
'STEPS ARE UNDER WAY' Coalition forming to target Syria's Assad: Sec. of State Tillerson
Beware of the Real Russian Threat
Are you peeing too much?
Some Wounded Warriors Can't Take a Knee, NFL
This Marine Takes a Knee against the NFL
Maryland school aide with HIV accused of sex assault, faces 119 counts
Richard Simmons hospitalized
DiCaprio floats green jobs plan at meeting with Trump
FAA orders no-fly zone around Trump Tower
The Tax Reform No One Talks About
High School Football Team Cancels Season After Outscored 102-0 In First Two Games…
At least 3 dead, 9 injured after SUV hits crowd – VIDEO: Car plows into crowd at Massachusetts auto auction
Rock used for decades as farm doorstop turns out to be $100,000 meteorite…
Report: Obama to deliver final speech as president in hometown of Chicago
Jill Stein keeps recount fight alive
Rare woolly dog hair found in blanket
Hirsi Ali: Islamic terrorists 'don't go to liberals and say thank you' for being PC
Trump asks Boeing to price out a Super Hornet 'comparable' to the F-35
Trump defends Exxon Mobil CEO as possible secretary of state
Target shopping hacks
Dramatic rescue of toddler, baby caught on video
UN ignores unanimous Senate to pass anti-Israel measure
Dem senator demands more time to review materials on Sessions' AG nomination
Deal reached to fix VA budget crisis after vets protest
TODD STARNES: School lesson: Prudence had sex with 21 men & 3 women…
WWII vet searching for 'angel' behind act of grocery store kindness
China outlaws elephant ivory trade but worries remain over black market
Fleeing Obamacare: How Doctors Are Insuring Their Own Families
Amy gets it wrong on TV
Alison Brie's nudist past
Bill Shine to White House?
One Facebook livestream suspect arrested, others still at large
California teen suspected of causing deadly crash posted on Instagram
Paris IMF letter bomb: Possible link to failed German bomb investigated – France high school shooting: Armed teen arrested, 10 hurt
Teenager recovering after snake bites him at school
Here’s to the Winners in the Fight against Terrorism
Remini still fighting Church
China bans list of Islamic names in Xinjiang region
California high school controversy over student campaign video showing 'terrorists'
LA judge tosses murder conviction, orders prisoner's release after 32 years
The iPhone of motorcycles?
Indy 500 outrage: Sports reporter out of a job after controversial tweet
High-speed 18-wheeler chase ends in fiery crash; driver barricaded in truck
FIREFIGHT TO THE DEATH Bounty hunters, fugitive killed in car dealership
The Courts against Proposition 65
GREGG JARRETT Where does Jeff Sessions go to get his name back?
Iran and Middle East Instability
Report: Steve Wynn will be new RNC finance chairman
Protesters demand rehiring of teacher fired after 'Tucker Carlson Tonight' appearance
America’s New Political World
Breaking Up the Legal Industrial Complex
