The Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Fisher Houses I and II are a “home away from home” for military families faced with a medical tragedy. Families stay at the house so that they may be close to their loved ones receiving treatment at the nearby Madigan Army Medical Center or other medical treatment facilities in the area. By staying at the Fisher House, families give support to one another that can only come from others in similar situations. Combat injuries, premature babies, and end of life care are just a few of the reasons that bring Military families to the Puget Sound region for care. Over the years, the Houses have served families from every state and several countries. For Madigan General Hospital, “Care with Compassion” is more than a motto; it’s a way of life. Army Medicine began at Camp Lewis in 1917, renamed Fort Lewis in 1927. Madigan General Hospital was formally dedicated in August 1945 and named in honor of Colonel Patrick S. Madigan, a Medical Corps Officer who is known as the Father of Army Neuropsychiatry. From its humble beginnings, Madigan General Hospital continued to grow over the years. In March 1973, Madigan was re-designated a Medical Center assuming Military health care for beneficiaries in Alaska and the four northwestern states. In January 2010, Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base merged into Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Today, Madigan Army Medical Center serves more than 100,000 active duty Service members, retirees, and their families.
Location JBLM Fisher Houses l & ll 90700 Gardner Loop Road Tacoma, WA 98431 Make an Inquiry: Email: [email protected] Phone:253-967-5198
Friends of Fisher House Puget Sound ~ we keep families together because a family's love is good medicine!
House Management
Vattana Garcia
Jennifer Hembrador
Emily Bonilla
Vattana Garcia Business Manager ~"My name is Vattana Garcia and I joined the JBLM Army Fisher House in 2019 as the Operations Assistant and became the Manager in 2021. As a military spouse to an Active-Duty soldier in the Army, we have been fortunate to be stationed in other parts of the world such as Korea, Germany, and Japan. I received my degree in business administration with a concentration of data analytics and a focus on community organization and change from the University of Washington. As manager, I consider this position to be more than just a job. I am committed to helping families in our military community by providing compassionate support to those going through a difficult situation. It has been inspiring and rewarding to hear the stories of families who have stayed as guests the Fisher House and what it means to them. I am grateful to be part of this experience which has given me a deep appreciation for how the Army Fisher House gives back to their community. Since moving to the beautiful PNW, I decided to take advantage of the great outdoors. My hobbies include hiking, camping, and being a foodie, I’ll try everything!"
Emily Bonilla Operations Assistant ~ "My name is Emily Bonilla, and I joined the JBLM Army Fisher House in April 2024 as an Operations Assistant. JBLM is my first duty station as a military spouse to an active-duty Soldier in the Army, which is pretty exciting. As an Operations Assistant, this position is more than just coming in to punch in and out of the clock. I pride myself in serving and helping families in our military community as they are going through a difficult situation. It has been so rewarding to hear the stories of families who have used the Fisher House and the impact it has had on them during their stay. I am grateful to be part of this experience, which has given me a deep appreciation for how the Army Fisher House gives back to their community. I am excited to explore all of what the West Coast has to offer. From the beautiful mountains to the evergreen national parks, ready or not, here I come."
Jennifer Hembrador Operations Assistant ~ "My name is Jennifer Hembrador, and I joined the JBLM Army Fisher House in 2024 as Operations Assistant. As a Veteran and military spouse to an Active-Duty Soldier in the Army, we have been provided the opportunity to be stationed in many parts all over the world. Throughout our travels, I received my degree in applied science with a concentration in surgical technology from Virginia College and later took an interest in hospitality. As the Operations Assistant, I think of my position as more than an occupation but as a commitment to aiding and understanding families in our military community. I am highly appreciative of the opportunity to work and be part of the healing and help provided by the great-hearted support team at Fisher House. It has been both sincere and gratifying to see the charitable work Fisher Houses provides. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, watching movies, swimming, playing tennis, and chess."
Friends of Fisher House Puget Sound PO Box 18253 Seattle, WA 98118 206-501-8860 [email protected]
