WYMAN JOINS EFFORT TO BUILD WEST HAVEN FISHER HOUSE FOR DISABLED VETERANS

"I can't think of a better way to show our support than by helping injured or ill veterans and their families through this wonderful project." -- Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman

The Friends of Fisher House in Connecticut have been joined by Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman in their effort to build Connecticut's first Fisher House on the grounds of the Veteran's Administration Medical Center in West Haven.

A press conference to formally acknowledge Gov. Wyman's support will be conducted Thursday, March 17, 2011 in the West Haven VA's Donaldson Education Center, Room A, located on the 2nd floor of Building 2, starting at 11 am.

The Fisher House project is a unique private-public partnership that builds and then donates "comfort homes," on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one during treatment for combat wounds or unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

Once discharged from active duty, a veteran may also live in a Fisher House while receiving outpatient treatment. There is at least one Fisher House at every major active duty military and VA medical center in America, except in Connecticut. However, patient density has now increased to such a point that Connecticut needs one as soon as possible.

Connecticut's Fisher House volunteers envision a facility that will provide free lodging for up to 20 families, and is expected to cost $6 million. The Friends of Fisher House in Connecticut must raise $3 million, which will be matched by national corporate sponsors. When completed the Fisher House will be donated to the VA.

"The brave men and women veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country deserve not only our gratitude and support when they are serving, but when they return home," Wyman said. "I can't think of a better way to show our support than by helping injured or ill veterans and their families through this wonderful project."

Joining Lt. Governor Wyman on the leadership council are; Attorney Kevin E. Creed, US Army (Ret) & Chairman of the Friends of Fisher House, Connecticut; Retired Appellant Court Judge Anne Dranginis; Retired United States Congressman Jim Maloney; Executive Senior VP of Studio & Event Production for ESPN Norby Williamson; Dr. Hilary Onyiuke, UCONN Medical Center; CPA John Bauer, Accounting Firm of Mahoney, Sabol & Company; Dr. Nicholas Blondin, Yale University; Darlene Clouther, Litchfield; Dr. Jeffrey Steckler, Orthopedic Surgeon, New Britain; Nicholas Creed, Litchfield; Sarah Lasher, Litchfield; Raelene D. Miller, Stratford; Gary Thomas, Knights of Columbus; and Tom Flowers, Milford. Many others are in support of this effort and the council is joined by the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Knights of Columbus, the Masons, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Connecticut Chapter of the Purple Heart.

The Friends of Fisher House Connecticut is registered with the IRS and the Secretary of State as a 501.c (3) non-profit organization. President Barack Obama donated the proceeds of his children's book and $250,000 of his Nobel Peace Prize to this cause.

For more information please visit www.fisherhousect.org