Friends of Fisher House-Illinois (FOFH-IL)

Hines VA Fisher House Begins Hosting Military Families - End of February 2010!

Grand Opening & Dedication, May 28, 2010

Veterans Forum Cable TV Christmas Show!!

The Keeling Foundation and Chicago Techs Donates All Computer Needs

Much-needed gift of Computers, Monitors & Printers to completely furnish each of the 20 Private Bedroom Suites, plus administrative offices for Hines VA Fisher House!! Presented to FOFH-IL President at the Veterans Forum cable TV Christmas Show!

FOFH-IL President Betty Stamatis (left) is humbled and gratified by the generosity of the venerable Keeling Family Foundation's
Chairman Marvin T. Keeling (right of Santa) and Chicago Techs President Peter A. Polus (left of Santa). These wonderful donors have supplied all of the Hines VA Fisher House computer needs. Pictured far left is Holly Wright, Hines VA Fisher House Manager. FOFH-IL is truly appreciative of Veterans Forum Producer Mick Grady's active solicitation of this amazing contribution.

Press release: Quinn pushes holiday troops support

Posted by "The Dome"
Copyright © GateHouse Media, Inc. Some Rights Reserved
Nov. 30, 2009 @ 2:16 p.m.

Governor Quinn Calls on Illinois Residents

To Support Our Troops This Holiday Season

At Holiday Tree Lighting, Highlights Friends of Fisher House-Illinois;

Announces Illinois' Heroes Holiday Card Drive for Wounded Troops

CHICAGO - November 30, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today joined with local schoolchildren to light Illinois' holiday tree in the James R. Thompson Center and encouraged all state residents to support our servicemembers this holiday season by donating to Friends of Fisher House-Illinois.

"Friends of Fisher House-Illinois worked tirelessly to support the upcoming opening of the Hines VA Fisher House for military families," Governor Quinn said. "Fisher House is truly a home away from home to so many families, whose sons and daughters are receiving the care after serving their county on the front lines."

The Hines VA Fisher House, scheduled to open in February 2010, will be the first Fisher House in Illinois. The house will provide free shelter for military families whose relatives are receiving acute medical care at Hines VA Medical Center. Friends of Fisher House-Illinois needs funding and donations--ranging from computers to children's toys and books--to serve families scheduled to arrive at the facility in February.

"Making a donation to Friends of Fisher House-Illinois is one of the best ways you can make a difference in the lives of veterans and military families this year," said Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Dan Grant, who joined Governor Quinn at the event. "They've worked hard to make this facility a reality, and deserve public support to make it fully functional for the military families who will use it."

Governor Quinn also announced the Illinois' Heroes holiday card drive in which schoolchildren across the state will make cards for servicemembers overseas. On Tuesday, December 22, the week of Christmas, Governor Quinn will personally deliver the holiday cards to servicemembers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany.

"We want every servicemember spending the holiday season at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center to know that even the youngest residents of Illinois are thinking of them," said Governor Quinn.

LRMC is the largest American hospital outside of the United States and also host to Fisher House. Governor Quinn has visited Illinois troops and their families in Landstuhl four times.

Governor Quinn was joined by the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center Inspirational Choir; Betty Stamatis, President of Friends of Fisher House-Illinois; children of Illinois servicemembers; and students from Nativity BVM and Andrew Jackson Language Academy in Chicago.

Please visit "The Dome" to view the article!

New Partner Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Illinois Chapter 24 (CVMA)

Donates $4,000 to Hines VA Fisher House Support

Friends of Fisher House – Illinois was delighted to attend a Motorcycle Ride fundraiser dedicated to Hines VA Fisher House support conducted by these members of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Illinois Chapter. This culminated a series of fundraising efforts and resulted in a $4,000 contribution to FOFH-IL from CVMA.

Note: click images to view full size

FOFH-IL president Betty Stamatis (r) and Vice President – Development Barb Kemp with Executive Officers of CVA presented the FOFH-IL humanitarian mission to the Motorcycle Ride event attendees.

Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn

Governor Pat Quinn - State of Illinois

Governor Pat Quinn has committed himself to assisting all Illinois servicemembers, veterans and their families. The Lt. Governor has been acknowledged nationwide as a leader in creating model legislation and programs to assist our Armed Forces. Some of his most successful initiatives include the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund, Veterans Care, the Veterans Cash Grant Program, the Line of Duty Benefit for Survivors, and the Let Them Rest In Peace Act. He has visited Fisher Houses around the world including three visits to Landstuhl, Germany, to meet with wounded servicemembers, their families, and the staff that cares for them.

Tammy L. Duckworth -
Assistant Secretary of VA Public Affairs & Intergovernmental Communications

Tammy Duckworth currently serves as the Assistant Secretary of VA Public Affairs and Intergovernmental Communications. Illinois has implemented cutting edge programs for veterans, especially in the areas of health care, mental health, housing and employment. With over $70 million in new initiatives for Illinois veterans over the last 2 years, the state has become a leader in benefits for its service members.

A Major in the Illinois Army National Guard, Duckworth served in Iraq and flew combat missions as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. During a mission in 2004, a rocket-propelled grenade struck the helicopter she was co-piloting and as a result of the attack, Duckworth lost both of her legs and partial use of one arm. She received many decorations for her service in Iraq, including the Purple Heart and the Air Medal.

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