KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Members of Keesler Air Force Base and the Fisher House Foundation will host a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the base’s second Fisher House here Feb. 6. The newest Fisher House is located at 702 2nd Street, Keesler AFB, MS 39534.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature remarks from Col. Debra Lovette, 81st Training Wing commander, Suzie Schwartz, Fisher House Foundation trustee, and David Coker, Fisher House Foundation president.
The “home away from home” will provide temporary lodging for up to 16 families of eligible veterans, retirees and active duty military members at no cost, allowing them to be near their loved ones while they receive medical care at the 81st MDG or the local Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Biloxi. Fisher Houses provide a respite for those receiving medical care and their family members, providing an environment to relax and recuperate.
The Fisher House program was established in 1990 by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher. Today, Zachary’s grandnephew, Ken Fisher, is the Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. He continues the legacy started by Zachary, meeting the needs of our military community in their time of need. Under his leadership, the program has expanded from 24 to 75 houses and continues to grow.
Located near the Keesler AFB Medical Center, the two-story, 16-suite home features a common kitchen, laundry facility, an elegant dining room and an inviting library and family room. Since the inception of the program, Fisher Houses have served over 305,000 families for a cost savings in excess of $400 million.
Media interested in covering the event may RSVP to the Public Affairs office at (228) 377-1179 or email 81trw.pa@us.af.mil by noon Feb. 5.