Fort Bliss Monitor

Julia A. Yubeta

Harry E. Hicks Jr., left, manager, William Beaumont Army Medical Center Fisher House, explains the operations and amenities of the Fisher House to Joe Garcia, commander, VFW Post 8550, and Donald Watson, member of VFW Post 8550.

Local post donates
to Fisher House

Clarence Davis III
WBAMC Public Affairs

“Honor the dead by helping the living” is the mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Local VFW Post 8550 honored this commitment by donating $7,500 to the William Beaumont Army Medical Center Fisher House July 18.

The VFW has been an advocate for a strong national defense and veterans’ rights and benefits. After visiting the Fisher House and discussing its mission, Joe Garcia, commander, VFW Post 8550, asked his membership to donate to the Fisher House. “We are always donating to various causes. I felt it would be appropriate to donate to the Fisher House. We are giving to those who give or gave so much,” he said.

During his visit, Garcia leaned that the Fisher House was not only for those serving in the Active and Reserve Components, but also for families of veterans who were being treated at WBAMC.

“I am very appreciative of all the donations received here in the Fisher House,” said Harry E. Hicks Jr., Fisher House manager. “Each donation helps us to maintain the upkeep of the house, add or replace equipment that is dated or worn.”

The house has 5,000 square feet with six rooms that are used for sleeping. Additionally, there are common areas such as a dining, living and computer rooms and a kitchen.

The Fisher House program has existed since 1990, and the WBAMC Fisher House has been serving families since 1994, Hicks said. There are 37 Fisher Houses located on or near Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.

“These houses are a home away from home,” he said. Since October 2006, the $10 nightly cost has been paid by the Fisher House Foundation. “When one stays in the house, all they have to provide is food and clean their respective areas,” he said. If there are no vacancies, arrangements can be made with the Armed Services YMCA on Lower Beaumont.

“The Fisher House is more than I expected,” said Larry Floyd, a veteran of the Korean War and a member of VFW Post 8550. “It has all the amenities of home.”

For information about the Fisher House and how it supports Soldiers and veterans, call Hicks at 569-1860. The mailing address is Fisher House, Bldg. 7360, Rodriguez Street, El Paso, Texas 79930.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	July 26, 2007

	Julia A. Yubeta Harry E. Hicks Jr., left, manager, William Beaumont Army Medical Center Fisher House, explains the operations and amenities of the Fisher House to Joe Garcia, commander, VFW Post 8550, and Donald Watson, member of VFW Post 8550. Local post donates to Fisher House Clarence Davis III WBAMC Public Affairs “Honor the dead by helping the living” is the mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Local VFW Post 8550 honored this commitment by donating $7,500 to the William Beaumont Army Medical Center Fisher House July 18. The VFW has been an advocate for a strong national defense and veterans’ rights and benefits. After visiting the Fisher House and discussing its mission, Joe Garcia, commander, VFW Post 8550, asked his membership to donate to the Fisher House. “We are always donating to various causes. I felt it would be appropriate to donate to the Fisher House. We are giving to those who give or gave so much,” he said. During his visit, Garcia leaned that the Fisher House was not only for those serving in the Active and Reserve Components, but also for families of veterans who were being treated at WBAMC. “I am very appreciative of all the donations received here in the Fisher House,” said Harry E. Hicks Jr., Fisher House manager. “Each donation helps us to maintain the upkeep of the house, add or replace equipment that is dated or worn.” The house has 5,000 square feet with six rooms that are used for sleeping. Additionally, there are common areas such as a dining, living and computer rooms and a kitchen. The Fisher House program has existed since 1990, and the WBAMC Fisher House has been serving families since 1994, Hicks said. There are 37 Fisher Houses located on or near Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. “These houses are a home away from home,” he said. Since October 2006, the $10 nightly cost has been paid by the Fisher House Foundation. “When one stays in the house, all they have to provide is food and clean their respective areas,” he said. If there are no vacancies, arrangements can be made with the Armed Services YMCA on Lower Beaumont. “The Fisher House is more than I expected,” said Larry Floyd, a veteran of the Korean War and a member of VFW Post 8550. “It has all the amenities of home.” For information about the Fisher House and how it supports Soldiers and veterans, call Hicks at 569-1860. The mailing address is Fisher House, Bldg. 7360, Rodriguez Street, El Paso, Texas 79930.