Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital.

There are nearly 100 Fisher Houses located at military and VA medical centers around the world.

Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, a warm dining room, and an inviting living room which help build a community within the homes where they can lean on each other during the most difficult times.

Since inception, the program has saved military and veteran families an estimated $575 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging and transportation.

Beyond the doors of the Fisher Houses, Fisher House Foundation operates the Hero Miles program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members and 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 charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses, and children of fallen and disabled veterans.

As founder Zachary Fisher said, “There is a dignity and a majesty in the efforts of all our Armed Forces, and it is well for us to remember the noble deeds of those who have worn the uniform.”

 

Accepting HJF's Hero of Military Medicine San Antonio Ambassador Award on behalf of the Fisher House Foundation: 

David Coker has 43 years of experience in nonprofit management and the military health system. He was selected as the first employee of Fisher House Foundation in 1994 when the program had 14 houses. He has the privilege of working with Ken Fisher, the Fisher family, and the Board of Trustees to expand the Foundation’s programs and the network of Fisher Houses. The program has flourished and is now recognized as one of the premiere nonprofits working to support the quality of life for our military and veteran families.

 

David joined the Foundation in 1994 following his retirement from the U. S. Army. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a Master of Health Administration from the U. S. Army - Baylor University Graduate Program in Health Care Administration. Coker has served on the Board of Directors for the Military, Veterans, and Patriotic Service Organizations of America and the Independent Charities of America.

Coker first became involved with the Fisher House program as a volunteer at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. He helped prepare the house for its first guests. He also founded and served as the first elected president of the Friends of the Fisher House at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, a local nonprofit organization established to support the Fisher House.

Coker comes from a military family with more than 100 years of service in the U.S. Army.