Hosted by Marti Oakley
Bio for Kerri Childress
Kerri Childress currently serves as the Vice President for Communications at Fisher House Foundation, having recently retired from the government after 33 years’ service. She was on the front lines in Palo Alto, California, when our severely injured troops started coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan and saw first-hand the impact of a Fisher House and the difference it made for veterans, their families and VA staff. A Navy veteran herself, she has been serving veterans in some capacity her entire career.
Fisher House Foundation
For 25 years, Fisher Houses have provided ‘a home away from home’ for military and veterans’ families dealing with injury or illness. These homes provide free temporary lodging to military and veterans' families so they can be close to their loved one during a medical crisis, allowing them to focus on what's important — the healing process. The Fisher House creates an instant community for its residents, united by their common mission of supporting a sick or injured loved one, but also provides each individual with a secure and private refuge after a long day at the hospital to rest and recharge. Families lean on each other for support. There is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated $270 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.