Army Fisher Houses Guest Comments

Landstuhl,

May God bless you all. We've never been treated so well by a group of people before. This is truly just like a family and very comforting. We can't imagine going through the loss of our son anywhere else. Fisher House is a Godsend to anyone who stays here, as well as LRMC is also. May our Heavenly Father greatly bless you and all involved in this wonderful service to all of our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

With our love,
Larry and Stacie

June 16,2007
Fort Lewis Fisher House
9999 Wilson Avenue
Fort Lewis, WA 98433

Dear Jodi Land, Fisher House Manager
On Tuesday May 29,2007 my family received word that my
brother, SSG JasonT ourtillotte was to undergo emergency
surgery for a blood clot that was discoveredin his brain with in the next twenty four hours. That same day my mother and my father were on a plane heading for Fort Lewis, Washington. The next day my sister and I were on a plane to join my parents at the side of my brother. Two weeks prior to this incident we knew Jason had suffered from a brain bleed of some kind while in lraq and was flown to Germany before it was decided he was stable enough to return to the United States. It appeared that his incident was minor and he was recovering well. It was not until reaching Fort Lewis that the bloodclot was discovered.

My family and I were taken by surprise and had little information except Jason was to undergo surgery. We were provided lodging in the Fisher House at Fort Lewis and learned that the Fisher Foundation helped provide airfare. On behalf of my family and I, we wantedt o express our gratitude and appreciation for what your organization provides for military families. The Fisher House helped my family and I concentrate on spending time with Jason rather than worrying about hotels and transportation. We were a short walk from Madigan which made transporation a non issue. I was so impressed to see how much at home the Fisher House makes families feel, providing food, a means of preparing food, a library, movies, video games and toys for families with children, a means of washing laundry and providing a safe and clean place to sleep. The atmosphere bestowed really helps to put you at ease when there. We met other families staying in the Fisher House that had troubling stories of their own regarding loved ones. Discussions with other families had a therapeutic value of its own. It really demonstrated to us how much support your Foundation provides and to how many people you touch during a time of need. A person could literally arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back to be with a loved one and survive comfortably while staying in the Fisher House. Thank you for everything you do. I am a career fire fighter for the Brewer Fire Department in Brewer Maine near where I live. The fire fighters make up IAFF Local Union 2162, the Brewer Fire Fighters. Hours before my plane departed for Fort Lewis, the guys called me and told me to stop by the fire station before I left. Local 2162 donated money to my family to help out with financial concerns; to pay for a hotel,food, air fare, whatever financial needs that may arise to reach and stay in Washington while with Jason. I had no idea we were staying at the Fisher House and had less of a clue what the Fisher House was. Now I do, and as I expressed before, we are very thankful for everything you provide. After returning to Maine, my family wanted to contribute back to the Fisher House Foundation, so the money donated by Local 2162 to the Tourtillotte Family was returned with the intent to making that same donation to the Fisher House Foundation to support the Fisher House located at Fort Lewis in Washington. Along with this letter you will find a donation check from Local 2162, Brewer Fire Fighters for the total of $600.00.

Please take this money and continue helping all the families you have been aiding during their troubling times of need.

Thank you.
Respectfully,
Erik Tourtillotte

PS: At this time SSG Jason Tourtillotte is recovering very well after his surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.

Kathy, I often think of the time I spent at the Landstuhl Fisher House as a wonderful experience in spite of the fact I was there as a result of injuries suffered in Iraq. Upon my return to CONUS, I went through some very challenging times. Upon my return to Camp Lejeune I underwent another series of physical and psychological evaluations which revealed that I had suffered a broken neck from a mortar attack, fractured arm, torn rotator cuff, hernia tear and some significant PTSD issues. Since then, I have received outstanding care and am well on my way to recovery…thank God. In any event, I want to thank you and your staff, once again, for the outstanding and compassionate treatment you afforded me and Amy while at Landstuhl…I truly believe my time at Landstuhl with you and your staff at Landstuhl Fisher House allowed me to begin to “heal” sufficiently to return to Iraq to be with my Marines and eventually a thankful return to CONUS. I will forever regard my experience at Landstuhl Fisher House as a critical point at which I began to “heal” from my physical and psychological wounds. God Bless you and your staff for the outstanding work you do for our warriors and their families at a time of great need.
Ernie G.

This place is a Godsend. I was here visiting my 18 yr old son who was in an auto accident. Mr. Isaac Howard is an excellent manager!

Thank you for everything. Employees sensitive to our needs. Appreciated the support.

I will tell the world about the "Fisher House". Outstanding!

Great stay. Exceptional staff. Totally helpful. Thank you!

John Ost was wonderful in taking care of any and all needs. I am so thankful I was able to stay there. God Bless!

We felt welcome. Thanks for good service and a wonderful place to stay.

The Fisher House was excellent for me and my son's wife during a difficult time in our lives. Thank you very much.

We loved the warm, homey atmosphere. May God Bless you all. Many, many thanks.

I think this place is a blessing. It really helps to have a place to stay for a fair price. Whenever someone in the family is hospitalized.

Manager Vivian Wilson was a Godsend-what a wonderful person! The house made our life feel just like we were at home. During our very trying time, we had a peaceful and beautiful place to call "home". Thank you!

What a wonderful idea! The support staff was professional in every way. Until coming to Madigan AMC, we had no idea that a place like this even existed. We thank each and every member of the supporting staff from the bottom of our hearts.

Thanks for letting us stay. People need to appreciate the Fisher Houses more.

Thanks especially for the kindness, consideration and the compassion displayed by the manager and her skill in promoting a community atmosphere in keeping with the dedication of Army Fisher Houses. The staff and volunteers were great and helpful. Fisher House was a lifesaver for us. Thank you so much for everyone that supports it.

A wonderful environment that really puts the family at ease and makes coping with the medical problems much easier