As the special guest of the Mount Vernon Republican Women, Maurice Borde spoke about the history of Fisher Houses and their importance to military families at the holiday luncheon last week.
Borde is the assistant manager of the Walter Reed Fisher Houses I, II and III. He attended the luncheon to raise awareness of their goals and needs. As a non-profit group, they rely on donations from the public and use over 5,000 volunteers throughout the country
The foundation was created in 1990 to build residences near medical facilities to house military families while loved ones were being cared for. The foundation has since turned operations over to the various military installations, such as the one at Walter Reed. The three houses are five minutes from Walter Reed. They can house 27 families.
“It provides a haven and serves as a home away from home for families,” Borde said. “We accept only the families of the most severely injured officers.”
Borde said that they fly the families to stay at Fisher House and that when the patient is feeling better, he moves in with the family.
All the houses have cooking facilities so it’s like being at home. Groceries are provided, but families share cooking responsibilities.
“They become very close and cook for each other,” said Borde.
The Mount Vernon Republican Women presented Borde with a check for $400. Last year they donated over $600 worth of phone cards to Walter Reed.
The Mount Vernon Republican Women, who have been together for almost 40 years, have a history of not only being politically active, but making donations to causes as well. At the luncheon, which was held at Belle Haven Country Club, they also presented a check for $500 to Pam Tinker, director of Frog Pond Learning Center.
“It’s a service project that we support and every Christmas we give a check to Frog Pond,” said Debbie Fountain, second vice president and public relations and legislation chairman. “It’s a center for disabled children and it’s something we like to support.”