VA Puget Sound Fisher House Breaks Ground in Seattle
	The lives of Northwest veterans and those traveling long distances to receive care will soon take a change for the better. On Friday, July 20, 2007 the VA Puget Sound Health Care System broke ground on its much anticipated Fisher House for veterans’ families.

"Once again, the Fisher House Foundation is stepping forward to ease the lives of veterans and families during their greatest times of need," stated David Coker, President of the Fisher House Foundation, at the groundbreaking ceremony. This "home away from home will have 21 suites and will enable our patients to focus upon their treatment and permit them to receive the full benefit of VA's world-class care without having to worry about leaving their family for long periods of time," added Stan Johnson, Medial Center Director. Also speaking at the ground breaking ceremony were US Senator Patty Murray and US Congressman Dave Reichert, staunch supporters of the VA Puget Sound Fisher House.

From l to r: Michael Fisher, VISN 20 Acting Deputy Network Director, Stan Johnson, Director, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Rod Skaar, President, Friends of Puget Sound Fisher House, Senator Patty Murray, Congressman Dave Reichert and David Coker, President, Fisher House Foundation. Photograph by Steve Wilber

Construction is well underway!

Now almost five months into construction, the Fisher House at VA Puget Sound is on schedule to open in Fall 2008.

Per this artistís rendering, and similar to other Fisher Houses across the country, the house will provide a comfortable, residential atmosphere for families of patients receiving treatment at the VA.

VA Puget Sound Fisher House will be a 16,000 square foot home with 21 suites and can host up to 42 family members. The spacious two-story home features a designer kitchen, state-of-the art laundry facilities, a designer dining space and inviting living room along with additional spaces for adults and children. All rooms will be professionally furnished and decorated in the tone and style of the Pacific Northwest.

The national Fisher House Foundation has committed $5 million for construction and furnishing of this house. The local community (businesses, philanthropic and civic leaders, citizens and the military community) is now challenged to step forward to raise an additional $2 million. The Friends of VA Puget Sound Fisher House is the local non-profit organization established to reach out to the community for this fundraising purpose.

This is your opportunity to support Military Veteran's families, and to tell all veterans,
"Thank you for a job well done, we appreciate your sacrifice."

The Friends of VA Puget Sound Fisher House is raising funds locally to augment construction and furnishing costs of the house and to seed an endowment that will support the VA Puget Sound Fisher House now and into the future. VA Puget Sound Fisher House is funded through the contributions made to the Friends of VA Puget Sound Fisher House as well as local support from the community. Federal law prohibits use of government funding for this purpose, which is why community and business support is critical. Click Here to donate now!

For more information, contact the VA Puget Sound Fisher House Manager at (206) 277-3950. For more information on the Fisher House Foundation, refer to their website at www.fisherhouse.org.

Now more than ever, we owe these brave men and women, and their families our gratitude.  Help honor those who are currently serving and those who came before them by supporting the VA Puget Sound Fisher House.