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TOP PRIORITY

Revamped Fisher House Reopens at WBAMC

he Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher mediate family members in
THouse located on the William Beau- any of the region’s hospitals.
mont Army Medical Center (WBAMC) “We provide them with a
campus in El Paso, Texas, recently re- safe and clean environment to
opened after being closed for over a year stay in,” said Alice Coleman,
for renovations. manager of the Fisher House
The Fisher House, as it is commonly at WBAMC. “If their [service
referred to, provides military-affiliated member, veteran or retiree] is
families room and board at no cost to in the hospital sick, the last
them throughout the duration of inpatient thing they need to worry about
service members, retirees or veterans is where they will be staying
care at local healthcare facilities. and the expense of it.” Col. John A. Smyrski III, commander, William
“This Fisher House is a home away Since its inception in 1994, nearly Beaumont Army Medical Center; John Ost III,
from home for families in a time of 4,000 families have found a home director, Army Fisher House Program; Alice
need,” said Col. John A. Smyrski III, away from home at the Fisher House Coleman, manager, WBAMC Fisher House;
and Command Sgt. Maj. Donald George,
commander, WBAMC. “Our force con- at WBAMC. Renovations involved the WBAMC, cut the ribbon to the newly reno-
sists of soldiers from across the United house’s entire interior from the kitchen vated Fisher House on the WBAMC campus.
States. When patients’ loved ones come to each of the six bedrooms, which were (Photo by Marcy Sanchez)
to provide support, the Fisher House is outfitted with new furniture, beds and
conveniently located within walking amenities. porte and her family, the Fisher House
distance to our hospital.” “Everything is new,” said Coleman. has provided comfort during a worrisome
The Fisher House at WBAMC pro- “Families have a roof over their head, a time as her husband undergoes surgery
vides six rooms, two suites and four place to eat, sleep — it’s nice and warm in El Paso.
smaller rooms, in addition to a shared when need be and cooled when it is hot “I didn’t know about [the Fisher
kitchen, dining room, living room and — and in a secure building. House],” said Cruzlaporte, who currently
laundry room. Additionally, guests don’t “Having family close eases the [pa- resides near Alamogordo, N.M. “It’s a
have to be staying strictly for service tient’s] mind. We’ve had many families new experience. I was worried, but I
members, retirees or veterans; the no- mention how a heavy burden was lifted needed to be here for my husband; he
expense lodging also provides a place knowing their families were staying at needed us. [Staying at the Fisher House]
to stay for service members who may the Fisher House,” said Coleman. helps because from Alamogordo it’s two
be in the area visiting hospitalized im- For military spouse Jessenia Cruzla- hours driving. Here, I can be really close
to him.”
Cruzlaporte first learned about the
Fisher House through her husband’s chain
of command. What she didn’t expect was
the cost-free lodging services the house
offers. According to Cruzlaporte, she
was unaware the stay was free prior to
checking in. With the financial burden
lifted, she feels at ease and is able to
focus on her husband’s recovery.
“We’re really close to him,” she said.
“If something happens, we can go to the
hospital immediately.”
The Fisher House at WBAMC is
staffed 24/7. Inside
access is limited to
staff and families
staying at the house.
A newly renovated kitchen is outfitted The house operates
with new appliances and secured storage strictly from dona-
space for families of hospitalized service tions and welcomes
members, retirees and veterans at the
Fisher House at William Beaumont Army guests on a first-
Medical Center. (Photo by Marcy Sanchez) come, first-served
basis.
“We’re proud and
A newly-renovated shared dining room honored to have a
is available for families of hospitalized Fisher House here
service members, retirees and veterans on our campus,” said
at the Fisher House at William Beaumont
Army Medical Center. (Photo by Marcy Sanchez) Smyrski.

4 MILITARY CLUB & HOSPITALITY | JUNE 2017