January 19, 2018

Manchin Applauds Fisher House for Volunteering to Cover Expenses for Families of Fallen Soldiers During Shutdown

Washington, D.C. – In the event of a government shutdown, the Department of Defense would not be able to pay death gratuities to families of service members killed in combat without additional legislation from Congress. If that happens, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has worked with the CEO of the Fisher House Foundation, Ken Fisher, to make sure these families are taken care of in their time of greatest need. 

The Fisher House generously agreed to offer the families an advance grant until the government can make reimbursements at an appropriate time. The Fisher House will also cover flights, hotels and other incidentals for family members.

“Today I spoke with my good friend Ken Fisher who generously volunteered to help our military families and ensure there is no funding gap during a time of unfathomable loss,” Senator Manchin said. “I applaud Ken and the Fisher House for their dedication to serving our soldiers and their families during their time of need and especially as this senseless shutdown looms. It’s shameful that our military families could bear the consequences of this shutdown and that’s part of why I will never vote to shut down the government. I’m grateful for Ken’s leadership and generous spirit.”

Fisher House Foundation is best known for the network of comfort homes built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers nationwide and in Europe. Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as 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 military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of Fallen and disabled Veterans.

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