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courtesy Hawkins family
Former British Royal Marine Ed Hawkins was seriously injured in Afghanistan in 2010. He left hospital last year and is currently on a work placement.
LONDON -- Fisher House, the Maryland-based charity which provides overnight accommodation for families visiting hospitalized military members, is expanding onto foreign soil for the first time with a facility for British troops.
Construction has begun on a $6.8-million building with 18 en-suite rooms that will allow relatives to stay close to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where the U.K.'s most seriously wounded military personnel are treated.
As well as providing servicemen and women a place to relax away from hospital wards, it will have communal living space including a family room, play area, lounge and kitchen and a private garden.
Fisher House, which was founded during the first Gulf War in 1990, has more than 50 projects in the U.S., as well as others located on American bases in Germany. However, this is its first truly international venture.
'Unique American model'
Talk show host and former U.S. Marine Montel Williams and the charity’s chairman, Ken Fisher, attended a ground-breaking ceremony at the site.
Courtesy Fisher House
Montel Williams at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Fisher House project at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, England, on April 23.
"This is a great honor for Fisher House, as we share with our British brothers and sisters our unique American model for caring for military families," Fisher said.
"This will be a sanctuary for the people who need it most: those who have made deep personal sacrifices – whether on the battlefield or on the home front – to keep us safe. We thank them even though we know it will never be enough."
Almost 10,000 British troops are in combat alongside 90,000 U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. Figures from Britain's Ministry of Defence, collated by The Guardian newspaper, show 832 have been seriously wounded since Operation Enduring Freedom began in 2001.
Many families travel for hundreds of miles to be by their loved ones' bedside -- sometimes for weeks at a time, because of the need for months or even years of surgery and rehabilitation. Military accommodation exists for family members but only six bedrooms are available at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Jan. 25: There are many of them around the country and they're all called Fisher House — a place for wounded war veterans to recover with the love and support of their families close by. NBC's Ann Curry reports.
Sue Hawkins, whose son Ed was almost killed by an improvised explosive device while on a patrol in Afghanistan in May 2010, said the new facility would "be a great source of comfort, particularly at a time when families are surrounded by so much uncertainty."
The blast killed his corporal and seriously wounded Ed, who was serving with the Royal Marines. He was flown back to Birmingham for several months of treatment.
"When we were told about Ed, we just left for the hospital," Sue Hawkins told msnbc.com. "We had no idea how long we would be there or even if he would survive. I can remember everything about that day, because of the shock, but that last thing you have time to think about it is planning where to stay."
Five-hour round trip
Faced with a daily five-hour round trip from their home in Hampshire, Sue and her husband Michael spent many nights across the road from the hospital in a former nurses' accommodation block, before moving to the military facility – a converted house in a residential street.
"There were times when Ed became very distressed and we were able to reach him quickly when the hospital called," she said. "That sort of comfort and care is very important. We know first-hand how important it is to have a 'home from home' in difficult, emotional and challenging times. Fisher House truly is a massive step in the best direction possible.”
Ed Hawkins, who is now 26, left hospital last year and is currently on a work placement.
British soldier Nick Gibbons, who lost a leg in a bomb in Afghanistan in 2008, also attended the ground-breaking ceremony on April 23. He told ITV News: "It's what you need really, your family around you. Facilities like this are great because it not only allows the family to stay here, it gives you a better relationship with your family. It's a stressful time. The last thing you want is them travelling."
Fisher House has contributed $2 million to the project, with the rest of the building cost provided by U.K. veterans' charity Help for Heroes, whose high-profile supporters include Prince Harry. It will be operated by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Charity and funded by Help for Heroes when it opens next year.
Britain's Prince Harry charmed the crowds in Washington, D.C., where he was on hand to accept a humanitarian award for his work with wounded veterans. NBC's Kristen Welker reports.
President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have previously made a sizeable donation to Fisher House, which also operates a Hero Miles Program that uses donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members.
Montel Williams told the Birmingham Mail that he was a regular visitor to Fisher House sites in the U.S., cooking meals for soldiers and their families. "I'll definitely be coming to Birmingham to do the same," he told the newspaper. "I'll bring my sister and my chef with me and we'll rustle up things like crab cakes and fish. It'll be real American-style cooking."
Msnbc.com's David Arnott contributed to this report.
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Leave a Comment:
A feel good story to start the morning, thank you. I wish the soldiers and their families the best while going through their recovery, because family is everything in situations such as this. It's good to see there will be a place for this to happen. Great job Fisher House.
Glad you enjoyed the story :)
Nothing I write is going to change things but the whole thing (So called war on terror) is too politically driven and I hope the money was routed in ending the conflict instead.
I support Fisher House. Do you have a link for the British charity so I could donate to them as well?
This is NOT the way to repay families who YOU have Paid their child to murder for you!~ STOP the killing!!!
So how would you suggest we "repay" the families of these soliders Roberta? What's done is done, and these soldiers DESERVE the care they will receive at these places. Do you have family in the military Roberta? If not, please stop right there with your hateful posts.
As a military member with a long family history of military service, speaking with consent of all of them:
GTFO Roberta. You have zero clue what you're speaking of, attempting to belittle the people who serve to ensure you have the right to be such an ass on the web and probably off the web too.
Roberta - I have no members of my family in the military, so let me speak as a citizen - I don't want war, wish we were never in a conflict in the first place ----- but what does that say about a person that they would wish ill upon a some kid just because they are in the military?
Most of these kids in the military come from rural areas where there are no jobs for them when they get out of high school. The military is a viable option for them.
It's the same type of thinking that produces statements about people on government assistance being lazy and deserving to starve.
Same dehumanizing attitude. I don't want war, but your attitude is scarier than war.
Pretty funny. Your profile pic goes well with your lack of understanding and apparent hatred.
Oh wow! Our VETS have to suffer with basic, low end care in Vets hospitals across America and they have the nerve to give it to the Brits!
I am betting that all that money came from AMERICANS who believed it was going to be used for OUR VETS not for another country's who can well afford to take care of its own!
Yeah how dare they donate money to wounded british soldiers who bravely fought along side US troops to fight in an american war
Britain never asked for any of these wars but our sense of loyalty and our duty to help our allies is the reason we are still there after 10 years and nearly a thousand of our troops dead
so plz stfu
Steven...not enough caffeine this morning? Reading comprehension lacking a little?
From the story:
Fisher House, which was founded during the first Gulf War in 1990, has more than 50 projects in the U.S., as well as others located on American bases in Germany.
But I'm certain you're basing your comment from a position of righteousness, as you've donated how much money to wounded warrior projects?
Steven obviously has no idea what the Fisher House is or how it's operated and funded so you have to excuse his ignorance. More than likely he is also one of those 'arm chair patriots', the kind that has never served in the military (but has watched every war film produced) which means he is an expert on everything dealing with all aspects of anything even remotely connected with a veteran. Explaining this article to him would be as useless as trying to explain quantum physics to a 4 year old; you can talk all you want but it is beyond his mental capability to understand.
@Bobbydog29, please ignore that moron Steven100. Any American that has ever served along side our British allies knows perfectly well the price that both have paid. We also know that when it hits the fan you can 100% of the time count on that British Solder or Marine by your side. I for one am proud that this American organization is doing this small thing to help families of wonded heros be near their bed side at the hardes time in their lives.
Steven::: Did you flunk reading in third grade or was it comprehension? Or did you make it past high school? The object of this project is NOT to help the vets. It is to build places so that families of wounded military personnel can be close to the patient when they come to visit him. THAT IS IT!
I suppose you would rather NOT have any family visit you if you were ever in the hospital miles from home with a serious injury (like a limb blown off). But having family able to visit is something that many people look forward to.
And no, it was not donated with the idea that it would be used for our vets. People who donate to Fisher House projects KNOW where the money is going. They aren't as dense as you seem to be.
Just look at it as a Ronald McDonald house-- people who donate to that don't expect it to be used to build a hospital or rehabilitate someone. It has one purpose.
I'm with steven on this one. Americans all across the country pay $ to them for our vets and they spend it in the UK??? I'm sure the UK has people that can build the building for their vets. Another reason not to give to charities when they should be taking care of the millions of vets getting the shaft on health care and their families.
Steven, Do you know anything about the Fisher House? www.fisherhouse.org/about this. No one is taking anything away from our great soldiers in order to do this. Stop freaking out. Read
I've been to alot of Veteran Hospitals and they're pretty damn good. So, I'm not sure what hospitals your talking about.
i can see both sides Katie, and at first I had to admit I felt like steve does but after a deep breath at the end of the day it does matter where the vet is from.
but with that being said I do feel that we need to improve the VA and look after vets in a much better fashion than we already do.....Starating to deal with the VA now and it has been nothing but a pain.
VH Navy: The thing is, Fisher House isn't connected to or funded by the Veteran's Administration. Since they are a private charity that is providing a service, free of charge, to the VA Medical System, how they spend their money has no bearing on the VA.
I can agree with you that the VA system needs to be improved, but since their budget is controlled by Congress, it would require that Congress actually does something other than cut the VA budget every year for improvements to happen.
Unortunately MSNBC in their headlines for this story used US instead of Fisher House, leading the reader to believe it was the US government who gave money to fund this poroject. It was not til I clicked on the link did I find out otherwise. I am finding this more and more in news articles, how reporters are misleading readers just to get a rise out of them. Also editors need to go back to school because I find errors in almost every story. In the last 30 yrs both politicians and reporters have failed miserably in what they are preported to be experts on. IMO, any vet, no matter where they are from, deserve any help we as private citizens can do for them.
katie927334, You are an IDIOT, you have been to many VA HOSPITAL? well, they probably showed you what they wanted you to see. I have been going to the VA since 1992 after the PERSIAN GULF WAR to be treated, and the moral of this particular story is. I rather go see a Doctor outside the VA, as they never tell you what's up. I almost LOST MY KIDNEY because of them. So don't talk about what you don't KNOW. YES, I HAVE BEEN GOING THERE JUST TO HAVE IT ON RECORD, but I always rely on my OUTSIDE the VA Doctor. The VA IS short on staff, doctors, and equipments. I am a combat service connected......
By reading some of these posts, Iam ashamed to be an American. I'am a VN Veteran, served over 21 years in Army, receive great medical from VA sure sometimes wait is long but its there for me and my fellow vets. I have given to the Fisher house projects before and plan to give more when I can. Really happy for the money given to the Brits for their own place for their familys, spent time while stationed in Germany with my units brother unit which was British. Great soldiers was proud to call brother. You nasty people have no right to make comments such as you have, doubt you have given anything to help Vets. You sound like the one's I met when I came back from VN (two times) calling us names and other nasty things you did, I also guess you have never served in the military yourself, shame on you.
I agree with Dennis G. Walker...Dennis, "THANK YOU" for your service to our country and for a great post above. For those who wish to "post nasty," then PLEASE read WHAT Fisher House does, HOW it does it, and WHY it is done. England has been a wonderful ally and has stood shoulder to shoulder with us and I see nothing wrong with this gift. I'm also proud that Fisher House has taken the step to show others how care can be delivered to those who defend our nation. God bless Zachary Fisher for being the caring and kind man he was and the outstanding citizen we should all aspire to be.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
DENNIS G WALKER, you an idiot too. Because you think you have a few friends among the Brits, now they are your brothers in arm? Why don't you move to England? CHARITY BEGINS in the GOOD OLD U.S.A AND ENDS IN THE GOOD OLD U.S.A. PERIOD.
vet1dee. I hope that you are not an example of the VA treats and works with depression, but maybe are still receiving treatment?
When we become a truly isolationist country, I'll agree with you. Until then, quit meddeling in private affairs not sponsored by the government.
It seems like the VA has let you down, and I'm sorry for that. Let's fight the right fight and get better treatment for all vets.
Those who find something in this story to complain about are the most revolting, vile, despicable among us.
Hmmm.... Almost $400,000 per 'suite'.
Either construction costs in the UK are astronomical, or there's a certain government-type bureaucratic mentality going on here.
Seems like it would be a lot more cost-effective to simply book a concierge floor in a top notch hotel.
Nice thought though.
Fair point. From what I understand, these 'suites' are essentially like large self-contained homes. They have to be fully designed and kitted out with the seriously-disabled in mind, which requires a lot of specialist equipment (over and above the UK legal requirement that all new buildings are accessible to the disabled). In addition, they aim to provide discrete space for families and the veterans so the layout might be more complex that your typical apartment. Plus the road access, shared garden, etc.
With those things in mind, $400,000 per unit seems about right.
One further thing to note: future funding for the operation of the facility is being provided by UK private charity Help for Heroes. Essentially Fisher House is providing its 'brand' name, experience and expertise, for which the Help for Heroes (and I'm sure most Brits) are very grateful.
Alastair
A fine group, that has placed true concern for the welfare of the wounded over political rhetoric! They are one of only two groups I regularly gave to during the annual CFC drives while working in the Government. We need more groups like that and less publicity driven ones.
Fisher House provides an invaluable service to families of the wounded by enabling them to live/stay close by the facility treating their loved one. I think it's terrific that they've expanded these projects to the UK since they've been our staunch allies all through the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan. People who have family members in the military have no problem with Fisher House Charities expanding to aid those in the UK, the same way people should be happy that Ronald MacDonald Houses are built in other countries so families with children in the hospital being treated for life threatening problems can be close to them as well. This is a simple matter of compassion and being able to see that the concept of Fisher House is one that is worth sharing.
As an occasional war correspondent in regions of conflict I was always gratified to see British troops around. Next to my own guys, the Brits are the best and extremely well trained. They are a caring people and give plenty of help worldwide so I have absolutely no problem with others helping them. After all sometimes British troops ARE the frontline when no Americans are in region.
Hey FISH, if you have any money left, help the 99% American People pay for the corrupt Republican OIL corporate's GASOLINE! Then, help the 99% Americans rid ourselves of their Republican political puppets by voting 100% DEMOCRATIC, the lives you save WILL be YOURS & your CHILDREN!!
Gee. And I thought we did have a Democrat in the White House. And that Democrats mostly controlled Congress for the past 5+ years.
I guess nothing is their fault. The President will tell you that.
Please!!!!!! don't include me in your 99%, don't have much of a income but make do. With my military retirement I still pay fed income taxes, unlike 48% of americans. Feel that those who work and make their money deserve to keep some of it. Those familys who farm their land to feed people like you should not lose it because of your death taxes. Latest report from the gov. shows oil comanys percent of taxes on income in the mid to upper 40%, higher than most other types of companys, ie: General Electric which don't pay much of anything, both parties don't have much to be proud of, canl't even put to the floor a annual budget for the last 3 and half years. Not a very good way to run your household. GSA's $800,000 visit to Vegas? Now theres a good use of taxpayers money. So please don't include me with your group of misfits. I support America, just not the one you seem to invision. Don't think I would like it.
Feisty, Take your crap somewhere else, it's not wanted or needed here. Wrong story line.
Like others I am dismayed by some of the comments here. Whether you agree or not with the wars we have fought, those who served were told to go fight, and they did not ask for the wounds they sustained in the service of their country. It was their duty to protect us, it is our duty to care for them.
Thanks oldddog, perfectly put.
Fisherhouse needs to give charity in country, not out. I am also a Veteran and did 3 combats tours. Why? How about the returning vets including myself? We cannot find jobs in this crappy economy, no body cares about that! There are many like myself who have multiple combat tours, all we here is "THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE" I am disgusted when I see things like that, well, the Brits were not the only one along side of us. TO ALASTAIR JAMIESTON, thanks for your input. I am sure that even if fisherhouse is a private company, the donation from the American people was intended for AMERICANS.
soldier with 24 years of service
I call bull@!$%# on the unique american way of taking care of soldiers, its unique alright. called no care.
And I call bullsh!t on your crappy attitude. What care did you not receive you thought you should have?
simply put::: When you can get congress to increase the money for care to our soldiers maybe they will get the care they deserve. I hung up my boots in December 2007 after VOLUNTEERING at a V A hospital for 20+ years. I know what the lack of money does to a V A hospital-- thanks to congress.
I hung up my boots there but just moved on. I have been a volunteer at a vet center about three years. Between those two I was a volunteer at a state veterans' cemetery.
Oh, I'll celebrate my 78th birthday in a few months. I'm slowing down, but I'm not out yet. The day I'm out will be the day the funeral home picks up my lifeless body-- but I have threatened to come back and haunt the vet center. Gotta see that my guys are doing fine.
Worth noting that similar complaints exist in Britain about the way injured soldiers are treated, hence the need for our own private charity, Help for Heroes. It's not a uniquely American issue.
And our elected officials want to start more wars when we can't even take care of our injured ones now. Think about that when the next idiot speaks about war!
Alas, Susie et al. Some more forgotten heroes. They don't call themselves heroes, but what great service to mankind they perform and have in the past. Thanks to all that have worked tirelessly and without recognition.
Wait a minute here, is there No limit to the Stupidity of these charities?? Shouldn't the British take care of their own soldiers and families????? All the soldiers and their families here that need taking care of and they spend the money in a Foreign country. Wake the Hell up Fish House. Charity begins and ends at home.
Tarzan::: Wait a minute here. There are Fisher Houses that have been built-- and are being built-- in this country. The Brits have fought along side our guys, so why shouldn't we help the families of the wounded British soldiers. Maybe if the Brits would pull out of the war and quit helping us we wouldn't have to help the families of the wounded soldiers-- but our soldiers would be in a hell of lot more trouble over there.
Tell congress that our soldiers need more and better care. And their families need to be taken care of. See if they give a flip about them.
What charity is helping you out? Is that why you feel that charities should do for our people and forget others. I guess that you feel that a charity that is for handicapped children only should serve everybody-- including you.
You tell em Susie. And thank you for volunteering your time with our boys.
If the money is donated by Americans That money should stay in the U.S. Britain can well afford to take care of their own soldiers.
Tarzan. Why don't you tell the government how much you dislike our tax money going overseas in rediculous, ever changing, foreign policy.
Do some research before you donate money, that is, if you donate money. This is not a government sponsored effort.
I am glad nothing has even happened to you, to need assistance from anyone.
Thank you America. it is good to know we can still all help each other as friends and allies. This is much appreciated.
Your title implies there is something wrong with this happening. Would you please write an article on President Obama giving $900million to Hamas in the Gaza Strip?
freddy4hatred, , guess you think charity is OK so long as you like the politics of the people receiving it. Have you seen the children's faces, read about the plight of the Palestinians evicted from their land and living as refugees for 60 years?, Recognized the dire needs of the Palestinians? Perhaps you think they are all terrorists. If so, stupidity is your strong suit. And how ludicrous and transparent for a tea bagger, (assumption on my part), such as yourself to drag Obama into this. We have been giving much needed aid to the oppressed Palestinians for decades; unfortunately, it's a small fraction of what we give to the wealthy, oppressor nation. Yes, Israel. PS: When ever did Hamas or any Palestinian raise a hand against the US? It's an easy question. The answer, of course, is never So either read up and get educated, or keep your ignorance to yourself. And you might reflect and ask yourself why you hate the Palestinian people.
Doubt seriously if president gave personally 900 mil. If he did it is his business. TYVM
The families of all soldiers of all nations who returned and the ones who returned in flag draped casket should have our thanks for their service. The folks who are attaching our support should keep their thoughts to themselves. The ones of who have served know the hard ships and sacrifices of a war. All veterans need our support. I am proud to be an American Veteran.
Look, I think this is great an all but what miff's me is why are we doing this for the British? I love the Brits dont get me wrong... but the funds that go to that should have gone to the same thing but IN AMERICA. LET THE BRITS BUY THEIR OWN HOTELS. Unless you think they are still a 3rd World country (pretty sure they haven't been since like 1400), they should build their own buildings. Again. Its for a great cause but we have injured american soldiers that could use the help.
You just don't get it. Your right, the UK is not a 3rd world country. Whats that got to do with caring about others no matter where they are. Thats why every country I visited many really don't care for Americans,because too many of us only think about ourselves, if you have given to the Fisher house then you can speak up how the funds are given out. Now tell me how much have you given to help service members? Each year the VFW has a poppy drive, have you given? Even during these hard times, Americans give more than any other country. Why, because most of us care about others. We don't look for anything in return, just trying to let them know we care. That's why I give when I can. It can be the Fisher House project, the Army Emergency Relief or the Red Cross. Because I care, if I had the address for the Help for Heroes in the UK I would send them what I could, as saying Thank You for your service
well I did have a fairly long and reasonable response but as i was about to click post i hit delete which acted as the back button and lost all of the response =/ here is the gist of it.
accorrding to wikipedia the UK have lost 402 people to the war, according to another website (i think it was the washington post) the united states has lost 6419. (look these up to double check) While i came out pretty brash in my previous post. all i was trying to say is that the money is needed here much more than in the UK. we have much more casualties and injuries that require attention. As for your holier than though part of the post, yes buddy, I have and do donate to the cause. Although i have not given directly to the Fisher House, I am actually involved helping out with the Wounded Warrior project and I am helping set up and participating in a 24 hour lacrosse game/tourny/get together/whatever you want to call it where 100% of the proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior. I give blood as often as I can as well but thats pretty petty in comparison. My opinion on the issue has not changed at all because i would much rather see the money go towards funding another one here or improving our current ones. This is not to say I am outraged and upset about it. I want all Vets to be cared for Especially our Allies! but let them spend the money to care for. And as for your point, I dont agree with the argument Im about to make but to play Devil's Advocate, your right, we help out many countries who need our help and we dont look for anything in return, letting them know we care, and still are probably the most hated country in the world. How about saying screw everyone else and lets just worry about ourselves.****** not my view as i said just playing devils advocate for that last sentence
british didnt ask for the war but remember nato article attack on one is attack on all
Isn't this just bloody wonderful. I have been waiting for compensation for inuries occurred in the US military and am in my 47 th year. The VA is still 'working' on my claim. I am living most of the time in Thailand and the Brits and Aussies hate Americans and call us bloody yanks to our face. One Brit is constantly annoying me about the US late arrival into WWII. Hell, I wasn't even born then. Maybe 'Ken' at St. Pete VA will see this; he knows me well. G.S. from Orlando VAOPC. Americas disgrace.
I finished my 2nd tour around the same time, in VietNam, at around the same time you must have been born. Are you really qualified to comment on what is done for others who have fought and suffered on your side?
The US VA: your second chance to die for your country. Non Vets; go spend a couple of hours walking through a VA hospital. May I suggest Tampa or St. Pete. You'll be disgusted and you may hear one of the many 'code blues' that means another Vet is dying.
well,, "Alastair,,, well done,,,great story, and right on time too!!,,..good to see you participating in the comments as well,,, as for this topic,, long overdue,..those who ride the edge for others need proper care and a calm,collected, and safe environment for themselves and their families,,,It is enourmously helpfull to outcomes to have ones family on board when care is underway,,next to the actual medical help,, this may be the most important factor,..I would like to see "zones" set up so that certain area,s[small towns even??] are set aside for this,,The psychological wounds are important and need to be addressed by people who know what they are,and what works, and most important!! what does not!...and,, those who say "keep the money in the US".. well,,, when you ask for someone to be your ALLY, then you! are resonsible for the after math as part of the team,..All those who act for others, are part of this team, regardless of your country and or personal locations,,,We have been working with GB and Canada to get these things going and make them work,..note please??...WE!.. not I...If we thought this way[keep it here], then no solutions would ever get in action,,, and yes many in Canada and the US are waiting for the solutions,This is one of them,,,and it is not only military people that need this,, many many undercover hero,s! pay big time after they try and go back to not being undercover anymore,,and it is the same problems for both,..so, please people,,, see this as what it is,, one part of the bigger picture,, and quit using our efforts as a whipping post for your personal problems,,it is;weak,small minded,ignorent and down right stupid!,..We are trying to get solutions in action here,, if you cant get in the wagon?? get out of the way,,, thanx!..great story Alastair,,, more please!"please sir, we want some more"[dickens]...btw, small towns designated as "hero" centers??.. what do you think??..
Glad you liked it; thanks for your comments and your ideas.
real rob lawson, we the soldiers are not responsible for anyone else but ourselves. it seems to me that alastair jamieson from msnbc if british.
bloody hell! ha!ha!ha!
I served in the Navy and i was a Army contractor after my navy career. I worked with the British Army in the sand box(middle east) and they are truly great. They really show appresiation for the hard work that I did for them. The British Soldiers deserve more respect and their wounded and family should be helped .They after all are the first ones to support the U.S. P.S. To all the U.S.S BRISCOE Plank owners, God Bless. Nobody Does It Better.
DANO
I am all for lending a helping hand but we have families in the USA that could use help from Fisher house. It fine if Fisher House wants to build a facility in the UK as long as it all comes from UK money. Charity first starts at home and when the need at home is meet then Charity can travel abroad. It is not that I not grateful for the British for sending troops to fight the war on Terrorism, but Fisher house is spending money donated by Americans for American and it should be used to help Americans.
completely agree with you spiderjohn. thats exactly how I feel about it. I wasn't trying to depreciate what the British have done, I'm just saying do it with your own money. if people haven't noticed the American Economy isn't doing too great
Spider John, Patriot American. Sometimes people donate land to the Nature Conservancy, for helping habitat. They think that their land is good for the birds. Let's say, The Nature Conservancy turns around and sells the land. Why? To raise money for larger, or more practical needs as they see fit.
How do you obtain goodwill? At least thru a private charity, you don't have to be all political about it, and make deals, and lie to each other behind closed doors and kiss ech others ass. This is being done as Goodwill.
I'm sure that some would want the money to go to the ASPCA, PETA, NAACP, UNICEF, or worse, some political party. Can't please everyone now, can we.