Groundbreaking Held for Fisher Houses at Bronx V.A. Hospital

Groundbreaking Held for Fisher Houses at Bronx V.A. Hospital
by David Greene

Several hundred veterans and invited guests gathered under a tent to attend a groundbreaking for the new Fisher Houses that will be built on the grounds of the James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center on West Kingsbridge Road, and will be open to families of veterans undergoing various treatments at the facility.

A veteran salutes as the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard present colors during the National Anthem.–Photo by David Greene

An artists rendition of the two structures was unveiled during the groundbreaking held at the hospital on Thursday, May 25. The Fisher Houses will have a total of 16 suites that will serve 32 families on any given day among the 375,000 veterans currently eligible to receive care in the Bronx.

Retired New York State Assemblyman and current director of the Westchester County Veterans Affairs Agency Ron Tocci told the crowd, “I am truly proud and privileged to be apart of this ceremony today, where we honor our greatest American heroes.”

Officials and guests salute as the U.S. Marine Color Guard from Garden City, NY., who hold the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance.–Photo by David Greene

Dr. Erik Langhoff, the Director of the Bronx V.A. Medical Center, explained, “As a referral center for multiple highly specialized treatments, our patients and their families will benefit greatly by having these Fisher Houses and the end to uncertainty of prolonged separation.”

Dr. Erik Langhoff, Director of the James J. Peters V.A. Medical Center speaks to the crowd during the groundbreaking.–Photo by David Greene

On the eve of Memorial Day, Langhoff added, “The service and sacrifice of our fallen warriors and the care and support of those who returned from war are forever linked through the American spirit and through the V.A.’s commitment to care for those who have won the battle.”

The first of the Fisher Houses to be built in New York City, the Fisher Houses at the Bronx Veterans Administration Medical Center is expected to be completed in early 2018.

For more that 25 years the Fisher House program has served families of veterans undergoing medical care at military hospitals.