The VA Puget Sound Health Care System Fisher House located in Seattle, Washington is a home away from home for families of active duty and Veterans receiving care at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System and other facilities in the greater Seattle Bring together guests, staff, volunteers and donors to form a unique type of family - A Fisher House Family.
The VA Puget Sound Health Care System Fisher House's 20 guest suites serve guests by allowing families to be near their loved ones while having a comfortable, peaceful place to rest and support themselves. More than a convenient and beautiful place to stay, the guests of the Fisher House share everyday experiences, form friendships, and become a unique kind of family--a Fisher House family.
The VA Puget Sound Health Care System Fisher House's 20 guest suites serve guests by allowing families to be near their loved ones while having a comfortable, peaceful place to rest and support themselves. More than a convenient and beautiful place to stay, the guests of the Fisher House share everyday experiences, form friendships, and become a unique kind of family--a Fisher House family.
VA Puget Sound Health Care System Fisher House
House ManagementMark Debenport, House Manager
Mark.Debenport@va.gov Glen Boje, Assistant House Manager Glen.Boje@va.gov |
LocationVA Puget Sound HCS Fisher House
1660 S. Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108-1597 |
Make an InquiryPhone: 206-277-3950
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“I enjoy speaking with Veterans and their families about their military experiences and the places they have lived around the world. It is wonderful to see the twinkle in their eyes when they recall their favorite assignment in Germany or their closest friend from Vietnam.”
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“I love being able to pay it forward. When I left the military and found myself struggling, some amazing people helped me get back on track. I appreciate the chance to reciprocate. and gift back the incredible acts of kindness I received. I can give back to Veterans and their families in their greatest time of need. This opportunity brings me great happiness.”
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Mark's life has been defined by his service to his country and his commitment to helping others. Growing up as an "Air Force Brat" gave him a unique perspective on the world and instilled in him a sense of duty and responsibility. This led him to enlist in the Army after high school, where he served as a Field Artillery Forward Observer in South Korea and Colorado.
After completing his military service, Mark attended LA Tech University and joined the Louisiana Army National Guard as a Combat Engineer Soils Analyst. He then became an Officer in the US Air Force, where he served as a Logistics and Aircraft Maintenance Officer. His experience and dedication led him to be deployed with the 5th Special Forces Group to Afghanistan to provide support for joint logistics after the 9/11 attacks. Following his retirement from the military, Mark continued his service by joining FEMA in Bothell, WA. He was sent to many disaster support sites, including the Oso, Washington mudslide and the Paradise, California fire. In 2022, Mark became House Manager for the VA Puget Sound Health Care System Fisher House, a program that provides lodging for families of veterans who are receiving medical care at VA facilities. Mark values the Fisher House program and the comfort it provides for its guests. He is passionate about helping veterans and their families and is proud to be a part of the great staff at the Puget Sound Fisher House. He encourages people to stop by and see what they do if they are in the area. “I love sharing the Fisher House with guests and highlighting the incredible work done by the Fisher House Foundation, VA, and the Friends of Fisher House to benefit them. Seeing their realization of having a safe, comfortable place to stay, close to their loved ones, complete with food and entertainment, fills me with a deep sense of gratitude. I am blessed to work in a job that makes a difference.” |
Growing up in Tacoma, WA, Glen faced financial struggles. He had a support system that provided for necessities, but anything beyond that, he had to work for. Glen’s upbringing taught him, “A very strong work ethic, a near unbreakable tenacity, and determination from an early age.”
After finishing high school, Glen started working full-time at a downright, delicious donut shop. He appreciated the paycheck and enjoyed the free donuts, “But with an expanding waistline and an unshakeable feeling that he should be doing more…” he felt a strong desire for change. Ready to explore, he attended community college and Job Corps, where he completed his course requirements for Business Technologies in just ten short months. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, which helped him mature and gain valuable life experience. “I loved my four years in the Marine Corps; it helped me to grow up.” Four years later, Glen attended Clover Park Technical College under the GI Bill. “I found a sense of community I had been missing and realized my deeply rooted desire to serve Veterans.” Glen felt fortunate to train and work in VA and Vet Corps programs through the Washington State Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “I wanted to pay it forward to my fellow Veterans.” He spent five years helping veterans into training programs and colleges, connecting them with desperately needed community resources, and providing them with the gift of friendship and a sympathetic ear. “I went out of my way to give them the same level of service I would expect.” In 2015, Glen received a call from the Fisher House manager for an interview and job offer. Seven years later, he continues to serve Veterans and their families as Assistant House Manager at VA Puget Sound Health Care System Fisher House in Seattle, WA. Glen is always ready to support and care for Veterans and caregivers during a time of great need. When Glen is not busy providing exceptional care, he enjoys spending quiet time with his wife and son at home. An avid gamer, you can find him playing Series X, Switch, or PS5 eagerly anticipating the return of socializing after COVID-19. Glen is dedicating himself to, “Pursuing every opportunity for professional and personal development. His goal is a life-long career in federal service.” “My favorite part of the job is seeing the relief that comes over family members when they realize we literally provide for every need. Knowing we are available, enables caregivers to be fully present for their hospitalized loved ones. Our Veterans can focus on getting better.” |
PO Box 18253, Seattle, WA 98118 · 206-501-8860 · friends@fisherhousevaps.org