Our Scott-St Louis AFCEA Chapter has adopted Fisher House in St Louis as its community outreach project for the next two years, January 2008 – December 2009.   The Chapter established a goal of raising $50,000 towards construction of a Fisher House on the grounds of Jefferson Barracks, complementing the local Fisher House in St. Louis organization.

The Fisher House mission is to support the families of Veterans undergoing medical treatment at the local VA hospitals.   Due to the fact that we have a VA regional polytrauma center here in St. Louis, much of the treatment provided is long term. The presence and support of family has been shown to be essential to the Veteran's healing process, but many families cannot afford the cost of commercial accommodations for extended periods.   Some families have even slept outside the hospital in their vehicles just to be near their Veteran. That heart-rending situation will end when Fisher House is able provide comfortable lodging for free.

To launch the project, the Fisher House Foundation granted $2.5 Million of the $5 Million construction cost; the remaining $2.5 Million is the responsibility of the local community.   Fortunately, St Louis has a strong military community with people who are serving or have served.   They understand the importance of caring for Veterans and their families.

The Scott-St Louis AFCEA Chapter has established an ad hoc Fisher House Funding Committee (FHFC) that will lead the fund raising effort at various events and venues, from golf tournaments to the Airshow.

Additionally, we are asking our local Corporate Sponsors to consider the Fisher House in their charity support plans. Many corporations have established budget lines for community service or charitable contributions.   The committee is asking each company to look at their annual contributions and consider Fisher House as a primary alternative.   We will be contacting each company to discuss the potential for a contribution, and each company participating will be recognized in an appropriate public forum.

Finally, the FHFC needs members.   If you are interested in participating in this worthwhile cause, please contact one of the following: 
 
Fisher House St. Louis Board of Director’s Member 
- Janet Micheel, jmicheel@rchltd.com, Work: 314-496-8305 
 
Scott-St. Louis AFCEA Past President and Advisor 
- Susie Sablan, susie.sablan@baesystems.com, Work: 618.236.4802, Cell: 618.660.5500