As the nation prepares to honor Vietnam War veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, one organization continues to serve those who served the U.S.

The Fisher House at the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany has been a refuge for veterans and their families for three decades, providing free lodging during medical treatments.

What You Need To Know

  • The Fisher House provides free lodging for military families during medical care
  • The program has saved families over $650 million in lodging costs globally
  • Over 90 Fisher Houses worldwide support veterans and active-duty service members
  • Albany’s Fisher House has served veterans and families for 30 years

Nestled steps away from the VA hospital in Albany, the Fisher House offers more than just a place to stay — it’s a haven for healing and community.

“It allows them to have a safe place, a place with good food, good people and good support,” said Darlene Delancey, executive medical center director at VA Albany Health Care.

For twin brothers Paul and Jerrold Oser, both military veterans, the Fisher House has been a lifeline. Living more than 100 miles away from Albany, they faced exhausting travel during medical treatments.

“Every time I came up to Stratton VA Medical Center… the Fisher House with open arms accepted us,” said Jerrold Oser. His brother Paul echoed the sentiment: “Without it, you’re putting hundreds of miles on your car and losing sleep.”

The Fisher House Foundation was established in 1990 by philanthropists Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher to support military families during medical crises. Since then, it has expanded to over 90 locations worldwide, including Albany’s facility — the first built on federally owned property.

In 2023 alone, the program accommodated over 26,000 families nationwide, saving them more than $21 million in lodging costs, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Beyond providing shelter, the Fisher House fosters a sense of community among its guests.

“In the hospital, you meet other patients. At the Fisher House, you meet their families,” said Jerrold Oser. “We’d sit down together for dinner and share stories about our lives.”

The Albany location recently underwent renovations funded by the Fisher House Foundation to improve accessibility and comfort for its guests. Updates included new furniture, fresh paint and the replacement of bathtubs with walk-in showers to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to provide our veterans with the best possible living arrangements,” Delancey said.

The facility also relies on volunteers who contribute thousands of hours annually to support its mission.

For veterans like Paul Oser, the Fisher House is more than just temporary lodging — it’s a home filled with compassion and understanding.

As National Vietnam War Veterans Day approaches tomorrow, the Fisher House stands as a testament to the enduring commitment to those who served our country — a home away from home.

“As you go through your procedure, you’re at a home,” he said. “You’re going to a family that’s going to help you through that operation.”