Manchin Thanks Fisher House For Volunteering To Cover Expenses For Families Of Fallen Soldiers During Shutdown
During the government shutdown, our citizens step up to do what is right
Washington, D.C. – Today, following reports that the Department of Defense would not be able to pay death gratuities to families of service members killed in combat, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) worked with the CEO of the Fisher House Foundation, Ken Fisher, to make sure these families are taken care of in their time of greatest need.
The Fisher House generously agreed to offer the families an advance grant until the government can make reimbursements at an appropriate time. The Fisher House will also cover flights, hotels and other incidentals for family members.
“After losing a loved one in service to our nation, these families should not have to endure more pain as the result of political squabbling,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman & CEO of Fisher House Foundation. “For the last 20 years, Fisher House has been there to support our military families in their time of greatest need. We are now stepping up to honor the sacrifices that have been made, and to repay a debt that is truly unpayable.”
“After speaking to Ken Fisher today, I am so grateful that the Fisher House Foundation volunteered to help military families to make sure there is no funding gap during a time of unimaginable grief. I applaud Ken and the Fisher House for their generosity and dedication to serving our brave soldiers and their families during their times of need, especially while this senseless shutdown continues.
“It is a shame that this shutdown is falling on the backs of our military families who have already given so much for this great country. However, during these times of dysfunction and gridlock rampant in Washington, it shows the strength of family organizations and the American people that they are are willing to step up and continue to move this great country forward.”
Fisher House Foundation is best known for the network of comfort homes built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers nationwide and in Europe. Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers without charge. The Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of fallen and disabled veterans.
To read more about the Fisher House Foundation, please visit their website.
Please see the attached document to read Senator Manchin’s letter to Defense Secretary Hagel.
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