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Originally Processed With FOIA(s): FOIA Number: S S FOIA MARKER This is not a textual record. This is used as an administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential Library Staff. Record Group/Collection: George H.W. Bush Presidential Records Collection/Office of Origin: Speechwriting, White House Office of Series: Speech File Backup Files Subseries: Chron File, 1989-1993 OA/ID Number: 13761 Folder ID Number: 13761-010 Folder Title: Dedication of the Fischer House 6/24/91 [OA 7564] Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: G 26 21 4 7 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 20, 1991 MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT THROUGH: DAVID DEMAREST TONY SNOW TS FROM: BETH HINCHLIFFE BH SUBJECT: DEDICATION OF FISHER HOUSE On Monday, June 24, at 9 a.m., you will dedicate the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House at Bethesda Naval Hospital. There will be about 250 people in attendance, including the Fishers and representatives of the hospital and of the Navy. General Powell, Secretary Cheney, and Navy Secretary Garrett may attend. This is the first of seven homes that the Fishers are donating to military hospitals across the country. The homes will be used by family members visiting their ill or injured relatives. Your remarks (5 minutes, cards) pay tribute to the Fishers for their gift, and also for the example they set of private citizens seeing a need and acting to meet it. (Hinchliffe/Blymire) June 20, 1991 5 p.m. FISHER.TS Draft Three PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEDICATION OF THE FISHER HOUSE June 24, 1991, 9:00 a.m. Bethesda Naval Hospital This is a very special day for Barbara and me -- coming back to Bethesda to see an exceptional group of people. We're even happier that we don't have to stay this time. 11 But I want to make sure you know that, for the wonderful care you gave me, you have my "heartfelt" thanks. 11 I thought I'd share with you a letter from a farmers' group that I received during my recovery - - it said: "This wouldn't have happened if you'd eaten your broccoli." 111 There's a lot that goes on here at the National Naval Medical Center that's inspiring -- like the dedication and commitment of the doctors and nurses, some who have just returned from the Gulf, others who are still caring for our brave men and women of Desert Storm. Today we're celebrating something else that makes this place remarkable -- the opening of the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House. This beautiful building will provide lodging for military families who have come to visit their seriously ill or injured loved ones. Because a concerned couple cared, this house will become a home to families facing the triple blow of critical illness, financial pressures, and separation. Listen to how the Fishers dedicate this house -- "to our greatest national treasure: our military men and women and their loved ones." Millions were touched by the sacrifice of our 2 troops -- but the Fishers actually acted. I've spoken a lot about Points of Light -- those who give of themselves to help others. Elizabeth and Zachary Fisher are brilliant Points of Light. They saw a need and they moved to fill it. They didn't wait for Congress. They didn't wait for a federal study or a committee hearing. They saw a problem and they solved it. This kind of dedication and ingenuity has made ours the strongest and most caring nation in the world. This "comfort home" is one of seven furnished family retreats that the Fishers are donating to military hospitals across this country. They were inspired by a simple, wonderful truth -- the most important part of life is being with someone you love; helping someone you love; sharing life with someone you love. You know, it was a little over a year ago that Barbara spoke at Wellesley College about our philosophy. Let me share it with you again today. She said: "You will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent." On behalf of the families who will find peace in this home, and the ill or injured loved ones who will find comfort in their presence, I want to thank the Fishers. You represent the best of what is America. And to our military men and women -- thank you for your service to our nation. God bless you all. # # # # FACT-CHECK COPY FACT- Staffed for 4pm (Hinchliffe/Blymire) June 19, 1991 6 p.m. FISHER Draft Two PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: DEDICATION OF THE FISHER HOUSE June 24, 1991 Bethesda Naval Hospital This is a very special day for Barbara and me -- coming back to Bethesda to see an exceptional group of people. We're even happier that we don't have to stay this time. But I want to make sure you know that, for the wonderful care you gave me, you have my "heartfelt" thanks. 11 I thought I'd share with you a letter from a farmers' group that I received during my recovery - - it said: "This wouldn't have happened if you'd eaten your broccoli.' 111 There's a lot that goes on here at the National Naval Medical Center that's inspiring -- like the dedication and Captain commitment + + t + + + + + Wilson the Capt, -295- XX the X X X ++ ++ X + + X of the doctors and nurses, some who have just returned 301- 5804 from XX Gulf, X others + who are still caring for our brave men and women of Desert Storm. Today we're celebrating something else that makes this place House. This beautiful building X will provide lodging X for X military remarkable X -- the opening of the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Sharoncorti + X XT x X. xt. X /families X X who have come to visit their seriously ill or injured loved ones. Because a concerned couple cared, this house will become a home to families facing the triple blow of critical illness, financial pressures, and separation. Listen X to how the Fishers dedicate this house -- "to XX our greatest national treasure: our military men X and X women and X their X X plaque lovèd ones." Millions were touched by the sacrifice of our 2 troops -- but the Fishers actually acted. I've spoken a lot about Points of Light -- individuals who give of themselves to help others. Elizabeth and Zachary Fisher are brilliant Points of Light. They saw a need and they moved to fill it. They didn't wait for Congress. They didn't wait for state legislatures. They saw a problem and they solved a problem. This kind of dedication and ingenuity has made ours the Fisher's secretary strongest and most caring nation in the world. This "comfort home" is one of eight seven furnished family X (2/2)752. retreats that the Fishers are donating to military hospitals across this country. They were inspired by a simple, wonderful truth -- the most important part of life is being with someone you love; helping someone you love; sharing life with someone you love. a little over You know, it was almost exactly a year ago that Barbara as-delivered text spoke at Wellesley College about our philosophy. Let me share it with you again today. She said: "You will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not Ic. closing one more deal. You will regret, however, time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent." On behalf of the families who will find peace in this home, and the ill or injured loved ones who will find comfort in their presence, I want to thank the Fishers. You represent the best of what is America. And to our military men and women -- thank you for your service to our nation. God bless you all. # # # # FISHER HOUSE Dan Cass or Doug Adair -- 2800 by NIH (301) 496-4000 TP or Brief Remarks (staff Wed. 6/19) Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House at the National Naval Medical Center who audience? address Bethesda doctors? address troops from the Gulf? Publicist -- Gary Zahr -- (212) 489-6900 Dedication: "to our greatest national treasure -- our military men and women and their loved ones" prime motivation: admires men and women of our Armed Forces Tony Benedi (scheduling -- 182) i Dr. Lee -- x2672 patient and families under tremendous long term stress -- add to it if separated, or don't have the money; (parents quit job to move near son) for 7 families; beautifully done facility -- will be eight ZF -- bricklayer -- Intrepeid -- (new builds office complexes and apartment buildings) -- because enormously impressed by people he met -- --2 major problems with health-care delivery today -- (military medicine is paradigm for how we could solve problems -- done marvelous job -- 1) access -- who has it? (military -- 100%) 2) cost (milit. -- because largely is managed care, cost controls in place -- 3) quality 4) choice [Fisher has further addressed cost in humane way, cost aspect, addressing quality and cost in wonderfully humane way] financial need; milit. med -- Enrique Mendez -- Assist. Sec. Def for Health CAre; put up milit. medicine as model; High on quality; good cost controls; access; --E. and ZF -- represent best of what is America military as model of health-care delivery (managed = money up front, make do with that) private-public partnership Point of Light cost-quality new building private cit. solving their problems, rather than government health care will cost $750b in 1992 Bruce Lloyd (cardiologist) RCV BY:THE WHITE HOUSE ; 6-20-91 10:16AM ; SOCIAL OFFICE- 2024566218;# 1 THE WHITE HOUSE MRS. BUSH'S PRESS OFFICE WASHINGTON, DC 20500 Phone: (202)456-7136 Fax: (202)456-6235 6218 To: Carol Blymire From: Date: 8/20 Time: 10:10 6 Pages: (including cover) Comments: RCV BY:THE WHITE HOUSE ; 6-20-91 10:16AM ; SOCIAL OFFICE- 2024566218:# 2 THE WHITE HOUSE MRS. BUSH'S PRESS OFFICE TEXT OF MRS. BUSH'S REMARKS AT WELLESLEY COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT Severance Green Wellesley College Wellesley, Massachusetts Friday, June 1, 1990 Thank you very much. Thank you President Keohane, Mrs. Gorbachev, trustees, faculty, parents, Julie Porter, Christine Bicknell and, of course, the Class of 1990. I am thrilled to be with you today, and very excited, as I know you must all be, that Mrs. Gorbachev could join us. This is an exciting time in Washington, D.C. But I am so glad to be here. I knew coming to Wellesley would be fun, but I never dreamed it would this much fun. More than ten years ago when I was invited here to talk about our experiences in the People's Republic of China, I was struck by both the natural beauty of your campus and the spirit of this place. Wellesley, you see, is not just a place but an idea an experiment in excellence in which diversity is not just tolerated, but is embraced. The essence of this spirit was captured in a moving speech about tolerance given last year by the student body president of one of your sister colleges. She related the story by Robert RCV BY:THE WHITE HOUSE ; 6-20-91 10:16AM ; SOCIAL OFFICE+ 2024566218:# 3 2 Fulghum about a young pastor who, finding himself in charge of some very energetic children, hits upon a game called "Giants, Wizards and Dwarfs." "You have to decide now," the paster instructed the children, "which you are ... a giant, a wizard or a dwarf?" At that, a small girl tugging at his pants leg, asked, "But where do the mermaids stand?" The paster told her there are no mermaids, and she says, "oh yes there are," she said. "I am a mermaid." Now this little girl knew what she was and she was not about to give up on either her identity or the game. She intended to take her place wherever mermaids fit into the scheme of things. Where do the mermaids stand All those who are different, those who do not fit the boxes and the pigeonholes? "Answer that question," wrote Fulghum, "and you can build a school, a nation, or a whole world." As that very wise young woman said "Diversity like anything worth having ... requires effort." Effort to learn about and respect difference, to be compassionate with one another, to cherish our own identity and to accept unconditionally the same in others. You should all be very proud that this is the Wellesley spirit. Now I know your first choice today was Alice Walker, known for The Color Purple. And guess how I know? Instead you got me - known for the color of my hair! Alice Walker's book has a spacial resonance here. At Wellesley, each class is known by a special color for four years the RCV BY:THE WHITE HOUSE ; 6-20-91 10:17AM ; SOCIAL OFFICE- 2024566218 4 3 Class of '90 has worn the color purple. Today you meet on Severance Green to say goodbye to all of that ... to begin a new and very personal journey to search for your own true colors. In the world that awaits you beyond the shores of Lake Waban, no one can say what your true colors will be. But this I do know: You have a first class education from a first class school. And so you need not, probably cannot, live a "paint-by- numbers" life. Decisions are not irrevocable. Choices do come back. As you set off from Wellesley, I hope that many of you will consider making three very special choices. The first is to believe in something larger than yourself To get involved in some of the big ideas of your time. I chose literacy because I honestly believe that if more people could read, write and comprehend, we would be that much closer to solving so many of the problems plaguing our society. Early on I made another choice which I hope you will make as well. Whether you are talking about education, career or service, you are talking about life and life must have joy. It's supposed to be fun! One of the reasons I made the most important decision of my life to marry George Bush is because he made me laugh. It's true, sometimes we've laughed through our tears but that shared laughter has been one of our strongest bonds. Find the joy in life, because as Ferris Bueller said on his day off "Life moves pretty fast. Ya don't stop and look around once in a while, ya gonna miss it!" RCV BY:THE WHITE HOUSE ; 6-20-91 :10:17AM ; SOCIAL OFFICE- 2024566218:# 5 4 I won't tell George that you applauded Ferris more than you applauded him! The third choice that must not be missed is to cherish your human connections: your relationships with friends and family. For several years, you've had impressed upon you the importance to your career of dedication and hard work. This is true, but as important as your obligations as a doctor, lawyer or business leader will be, you are a human being first and those human connections -- with spouses, with children, with friends -- are the most important investments you will ever make. At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child or a parent. We are in a transitional period right now fascinating and exhilarating times learning to adjust to the changes and the choices we men and women ... are facing. As an example, I remember what a friend said, on hearing her husband complain to his buddies that he had to babysit. Quickly setting him straight my friend told her husband that when it's your own kids it's not called babysitting! Maybe we should adjust faster, maybe slower. But whatever the era whatever the times, one thing will never change: Fathers and mothers, if you have children ... they must come first. You must read to your children, you must hug your children, you must love your children. RCV BY:THE WHITE HOUSE ; 6-20-91 10:18AM ; SOCIAL OFFICE- 2024566218:# 6 5 Your success as a family ... our success as a society depends not on what happens at the White House, but on what happens inside your house. For over 50 years, it was said that the winner of Wellesley's annual hoop race would be the first to get married. Now they say the winner will be the first to become a C.E.O. Both of those stereotypes show too little tolerance for those who want to know where the mermaids stand. So I want to offer you today a new legend: The winner of the hoop race will be the first to realize her dream not society's dream ... her own personal dream. Who knows? Somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps, and preside over the White House as the president's spouse. I wish him well! The controversy ends here. But our conversation is only beginning. And a worthwhile conversation it has been. so as you leave Wellesley today, take with you deep thanks for the courtesy and the honor you have shared with Mrs. Gorbachev and me. Thank you. God bless you. And may your future be worthy of your dreams. back OFFICE OF PRESIDENTIAL ADVANCE IN-TOWN EVENT CONTACT SHEET Name Office Phone Number Presidential Advance Office 456-7565 Presidential Advance Fax Number 456-2820 Stacey Lukens WH advance 456-7565 " Brian Montgomery " Kris Goodwin " " Cindy Daut WH Press advance Bob Anderson DIR of Public offans Public Affairs - BethesDA 301/295-5727 LCDR Bill Clyde Lou Socicy USSS/WFO 202/634-5100 Scott A. MYERS USSS/PPD 202/395-4011 Rich miller " " 202/395-4011 Larry BRYSON WHCA 202-395-4070 Deborah McGhee WHCA (Lead) 202 395 - 4077 Kathy Jeavms WH Public Liaism 202-452-7845 Carol Blymire WH Speechwriting 202-456-7750 Karen Stansbury Fisher House 301-295-5334 scott Hopson BASE operations 301-295-0321 HMC P. Alvarado BASE OPS (PUBSAF) Security 301-295-1246/47 RAY MOSLEY BASE ops 301 295-6650 LT GEORGE DAILEY BASE OPERATIONS 301 295 - 6888 IT'S. WARD CHARLES BURKERT - Mr. Fishers Security Project Manager Manager 301295-1246 301 295 1246 47 (516)8225350 295-5363 (361) PRESSUR FOR TOM BUKOSKI, CDR BASE OFFORATIONS 301-295-6887/6888 good Jontacts CAPT DON WILSON DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION FER 301-295-5804 Walk through Fisher House, Bethesda Mr. and Mrs. Fisher will be there The's building 9 of them - this the 1st great benefactors of the military audience 150-300 invitees staffietc. POTUS & FLORIS Vice Adm & Mrs. Hagen Adm E Mrs Trost this house was her idea Adm & Mrs. Lickman Candr. Bikoski coming by helo - joke like: last time it came by helicopter remarks- - 3.5 minutes, cards Admiral Lickman w/ FLORUS The Jishers announce POTUS to lectern (insocation Nat'l Anthem admiral Jickman gives welcome, and intro Mr. Fisher, who will intro POTUS POTUS speaks, then will cut ribbon/betw. 2columns) The Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House Their giftis dedicated to our greatest national beasure our military sendre men and women and their loved ones. Zachary Elizabeth Fuher House 9:000 (Demare) AM Y (h) mus. mush included July 8 must 355 3181 g TER bethesda. MARYLAND 20889.5000 13 March 1991 Dear Mr. President, During the week of June tenth, we will be dedicating the Zachary and Elizabeth Fishery House at the National Naval Medical Center. This is the first of several homes that the Fisher's have given to the military services to provide a home away from home for the families of our patients who come from across the world for treatment of cancer and other serious illnesses. The home at Bethesda will serve as the prototype for the others. Mr. Fisher's history of quiet philanthropy has included support for families of servicemen killed aboard the IOWA, in the Marine Barracks in Beirut and also included the establishment of the Intrepid Museum in New York. In the past he has been very reluctant to receive accolades for his donations, but this time he has allowed us to put his name on the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House. It would be a great honor if you could officiate at the dedication of this wonderful gift which will be available for those who need it most - the young families we serve. We would be happy to establish the dedication date and time to accommodate your busy schedule. Very respectfully, Don D.F. HAGEN Hagen Rear Admiral, Medical Corps United States Navy The President The White House Washington, DC 20500 Copy to: Dr. Burton Lee (Demarent) mus. bush included COMMANDER NATIONAL NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER BETHESDA. MARYLAND 20889.5000 13 March 1991 Dear Mr. President, During the week of June tenth, we will be dedicating the Zachary and Elizabeth Fishery House at the National Naval Medical Center. This is the first of several homes that the Fisher's have given to the military services to provide a home away from home for the families of our patients who come from across the world for treatment of cancer and other sèrious illnesses. The home at Bethesda will serve as the prototype for the others. Mr. Fisher's history of quiet philanthropy has included support for families of servicemen killed aboard the IOWA, in the Marine Barracks in Beirut and also included the establishment of the Intrepid Museum in New York. In the past he has been very reluctant to receive accolades for his donations, but this time he has allowed us to put his name on the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House. It would be a great honor if you could officiate at the dedication of this wonderful gift which will be available for those who need it most - the young families we serve. We would be happy to establish the dedication date and time to accommodate your busy schedule. Very respectfully, Den D.F. HAGEN Hagen Rear Admiral Medical Corps United States Navy The President The White House Washington, DC 20500 Copy to: Dr. Burton Lee APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON RESPONSE DUE DATE: April 15, 1991 REQUEST FOR SCHEDULING RECOMMENDATION MEMORANDUM FOR: GOVERNOR SUNUNU PHILLIP BRADY X ANDREW CARD. JR X DAVID DEMAREST ROGER PORTER MARLIN FITZWATER X SIG ROGICH FREDERICK MCCLURE SUSAN PORTER ROSE J BONNIE NEWMAN EDE HOLIDAY BRENT SCOWCROFT CHASE UNTERMEYER C BOYDEN GRAY GREGG PETERSMEYER ED ROGERS X X FROM: KATHY L. SUPER PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS AND SCHEDULING Please provide your recommendation on the following scheduling request: EVENT: Dedicate the Zachary and Elizabeth Fishery House at the National Naval Medical Center DATE: Open LOCATION: Bethesda, Maryland Additional information concerning this event is attached. YOUR RECOMMENDATION: Accept Regret Surrogate Message Video recommend fulluon Routine Priority Written If your recommendation is to accept, please cite reasons below: PLEASE RETURN TO WINDY WHITE, ROOM 182, OEOB, BY THE RESPONSE DUE DATE ABOVE so THAT YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE CONSIDERED AS WE PROCEED WITH THIS REQUEST. THANK YOU APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE 4 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON RESPONSE DUE DATE: April 15, 1991 REQUEST FOR SCHEDULING RECOMMENDATION MEMORANDUM FOR: GOVERNOR SUNUNU PHILLIP BRADY ANDREW CARD. JR X DAVID DEMAREST ROGER PORTER MARLIN FITZWATER SIG ROGICH FREDERICK MCCLURE SUSAN PORTER ROSE J. BONNIE NEWMAN EDE HOLIDAY BRENT SCOWCROFT CHASE UNTERMEYER C. BOYDEN GRAY GREGG PETERSMEYER ED ROGERS X FROM: KATHY L SUPER PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS AND SCHEDULING Please provide your recommendation on the following scheduling request: EVENT: Dedicate the Zachary and Elizabeth Fishery House at the National Naval Medical Center DATE: Open LOCATION: Bethesda, Maryland Additional information concerning this event is attached. YOUR RECOMMENDATION Accept Regret Surrogate Message Priority Video Routine Written If recommendation is to cite below: is a really super cause! He alad feb 4 your understand accept, Re please probably reasons can't cald - hit a it's chance here to Reals to all the people backs PLEASE RETURN TO WINDY WHITE, ROOM 182, OEOB, BY THE RESPONSE DUE DATE ABOVE SO THAT YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE CONSIDERED AS WE PROCEED WITH THIS REQUEST. from THANK the YOU full. >600 4 believe lther APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE 9 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON RESPONSE DUE DATE: April 15, 1991 REQUEST FOR SCHEDULING RECOMMENDATION MEMORANDUM FOR: GOVERNOR SUNUNU PHILLIP BRADY X ANDREW CARD. JR X DAVID DEMAREST ROGER PORTER MARLIN FITZWATER X SIG ROGICH FREDERICK MCCLURE SUSAN PORTER ROSE J BONNIE NEWMAN EDE HOLIDAY BRENT SCOWCROFT CHASE UNTERMEYER C BOYDEN GRAY GREGG PETERSMEYER ED ROGERS X X FROM: KATHY L. SUPER PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS AND SCHEDULING Please provide your recommendation on the following scheduling request: EVENT: Dedicate the Zachary and Elizabeth Fishery House at the National Naval Medical Center DATE: Open LOCATION: Bethesda, Maryland Additional information concerning this event is attached. YOUR RECOMMENDATION: Accept X Regret Surrogate Message Priority Video Routine Written If your recommendation is to accept, please cite reasons below: This is an excellent opportunity to recognize not only what the National Naval Medical Center has done for the President over the years, but also to recognize the selfless dedication the medical community has provided to our Nation's servicemen and servicewomen. PLEASE RETURN TO WINDY WHITE, ROOM 182, OEOB, BY THE RESPONSE DUE DATE ABOVE SO THAT YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE CONSIDERED AS WE PROCEED WITH THIS REQUEST. THANK YOU APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON RESPONSE DUE DATE: April 15, 1991 REQUEST FOR SCHEDULING RECOMMENDATION MEMORANDUM FOR: GOVERNOR SUNUNU PHILLIP BRADY X ANDREW CARD. JR X DAVID DEMAREST ROGER PORTER MARLIN FITZWATER X SIG ROGICH FREDERICK MCCLURE SUSAN PORTER ROSE J. BONNIE NEWMAN EDE HOLIDAY BRENT SCOWCROFT CHASE UNTERMEYER C. BOYDEN GRAY GREGG PETERSMEYER ED ROGERS X X FROM: KATHY L. SUPER PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS AND SCHEDULING Please provide your recommendation on the following scheduling request: EVENT: Dedicate the Zachary and Elizabeth Fishery House at the National Naval Medical Center DATE: Open LOCATION: Bethesda, Maryland Additional information concerning this event is attached YOUR RECOMMENDATION: Accept Regret Surrogate Message Priority Video Routine Written If your recommendation is to accept, please cite reasons below: PLEASE RETURN TO WINDY WHITE, ROOM 182, OEOB, BY THE RESPONSE DUE DATE ABOVE so THAT YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE CONSIDERED AS WE PROCEED WITH THIS REQUEST. THANK YOU NATIONAL NAVAL MEXCAL CENTER 97 JUN 18 All : 56 COVER PAGE PLUS 3 PAGES DATE: 6-18-91 TIME: FAX NUMBER: (301) 295-6461 FROM: Sharen Cort. TO: Caroe Blegnan FACILITIES MGMT DEPT White Huse NNMC, BETHESDA (301) 295-0000 1114 SUBJECT: 7 wher House COMMENTS: IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION OF THIS DOCUMENT, PLEASE CONTACT THE ABOVE NAMED PERSON. Starm Cate. SIGNATURE 100.3988 1W9W SBILITIOHH-OWNN FROM 05:11 16. 81 NOI 25 Cents Bethesda, Maryland The Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House at the Naval Medical Center. THE BETHESDA Home under way for families of ill Inquiries spur facility at Naval Center Air Sea Space Miseum The Fishers spearheaded the by sin Yates late private assistance, especial- project and have since estab- Thursday, March 15, 1990 Special to the Gazette ly from big business, to military lished the Zachary and Elizabeth efforts, they said. Fisher Annied Services Fund Benefactors Zachary and Eliz We hope this house will be which provides college nation to abeth Fisher broke ground Mon- the first of many such projects children of minury members day on the future site of the Za- across the country, Fisher Hagen said the Fisher House chary-and Elizabeth Fisher said. demonstrates that the Navy and House a home to be Chief of Nainal Operations Ad- does care about Navy medicine built on the grounds the Naval miral Charfisle A.H. Trost said and the Navy families Medical Center in Bethesda to the project was of dream house families of enously ill whose fulfillment wasn SO DOV)- patients ons until justa few months ago Spurred on by inquiries and Each year the Navy Medical suggestions from Navy wives Center turns away about 200 organizations, Trost and his dep- families of patients who want to uties presented the idea of a be lodged on base and Com- home away from home to Fish mander Rear Admiral Donald ers, he said. 104 Pages One Section Hagen. The Fishers attributed their The home and thousands of interest in Navy philanthropy to dollars in furnishings were do- the successful restoration of the nated by the Fishers as part of Intrepid which is no docked in their continuing effort to stimu- the Hudson River and used as an Vol. 0 No. 27 200 PAGE FROM NNMC-FACILITIES MGMT 15:11 16. 81 NOS The Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Armed Services Foundation was formed for the purpose of helping service men and women and their families in time of need. The foundation was established after the terrorist bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut and the missile attack on the USS STARK in the Persian Gulf. The Fisher's realized that the hundreds of American military personnel who lost their lives in these and other events were the forgotten heroes who serve without due recognition and reward. The turret explosion on the battleship, IOWA, with a loss of 47 lives was felt as a personal loss to the Fishers. Each of the 47 families received a token of their grief and remorse over this tragic event. The Foundation also provides scholarship funds to eligible college students who have served in the Armed Forces or are the sons and daughters of such service members. In 1990, 75 such youths will attend college under this program. In 1990, the Fishers devoted their Foundation's resources to constructing and donating *Comfort homes" for the Armed Forces. Each will be named "The Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House' and located on the grounds of various military hospitals around the country. The homes will be capable of housing up to 16 families who otherwise would have no place to stay while their military relative is undergoing a serious operation or treatment. It was the Fishers' intention to be able to keep service families together during periods of medical emergencies or crisis when they especially needed the support and comfort of all of the family members. Thus far, comfort homes have been established or are under construction by the Fishers' Foundation at five locations: National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD; Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA; Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego, CA; Air force Wilfred Hall Medical Center, San Antonio, TX; and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC. PAGE.003 1W9W SBILITIOHH-OWNN FROM 25:11 16. 81 NOS The Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House The Fisher House is a beautiful, warm and inviting home with a very special mission to help service families through a life-threatening crisis. Very sick or injured patients at the National Naval Medical Center need their families nearby. For those who live far away, Fisher House provides a stable, comfortable and low-cost haven. Here they find all of the comforts of home a place to sleep, rest during the day, prepare meals, launder clothes, and allow their young children to lead normal daily lives. By staying together as a family unit, they may find the inner strength and spirit to move forward during this period of overwhelming stress. Families are encouraged to interact and help each other. So many lessons can be shared that may facilitate their recovery. Group support activities to promote socialization are planned such as picnics, walks and sightseeing. As residents, families pitch-in by helping to care for the house. Taking care of their private rooms, picking up after their children, changing their own linens, and cleaning up after food prep are all part of living here. Performing these daily tasks helps them to maintain a focus on reality and distracts them from mounting anxiety. Representing the Navy, the Resident Manager will convey compassionate support in the way of empathy and understanding. She will help the families help themselves. She will make sure that they know who, where and when to get help. By the same token, she will communicate the families' concerns to the Navy. The Resident Manager will oversee the management of the Fisher House and direct volunteers. Volunteers will be used to assist with office and house tasks as well as recreational activities. A team of patient-care professionals qualifies a family for the Fisher House. Many factors are considered to create a total family crisis situation. Families determined to be in greatest need will be served. 000 PAGE FROM NNMC-FACILITIES MGMT 25:11 IS, 81 NOC JUN 18 '91 15:23 RD PLEASANTVILLE EDIT BUS SERV P.1 0180106051022 READER'S DIGEST FAX Pleasantville, NY 10570 Fax # (914 238-0533) EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCES I / TO: Carol Blymire LOCATION: (202) 456-6218 FROM: Elinor Griffith LOCATION: Editorial Correspondence, Pleasantville June 18, 1991 Dear Carol: I've attached "The Man Who Bought an Aircraft Carrier" (April 1990) on Zachary Fisher's role in turning the USS Intrepid into a floating museum. Hope the article is useful -- and that the dedication of the Fishers' house is a success! Sincerely, Elikor april 1999 For more than 30 years, she served in Vietnam, and recovered Auronz 7 with valor and distinction. She fought and Gemini 3 space capsules. Finally, in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, one of the when America celebrated its bicen- most crucial, battles in U.S. Naval tennial, she was at Philadelphia as history. She and her planes helped sink official host ship of the Navy and the one of the two largest Japanese battle- Marine Corps. ships, the Musashi, sank or dam- aged 28g other enemy ships and D ESPITE her glorious past, the destroyed more than 600 enemy air- USS Intrepid was condemned craft. She was believed to have been to the scrapheap in 1976-an obso- hit more often by kamikaze pilots lete aircraft carrier in a modern, than any other U.S. aircraft carrier, state-of-the-art Navy. Then a quiet and she lost more than 300 young patriot named Zachary Fisher Americans in battle. Later, she served came to her rescue. This prominent 117 The Man Who Bought an Aircraft JUN 18 '91 15:23 RD PLEASANTVILLE EDIT BUS SERV Carrier By JOHN CULHANE PHONOS: c MARIO MERCADO P.2 READER'S DIGEST April 1990 THE MAN WHO BOUGHT AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER New York City builder was indig- told them of the impending fate of Fisher had to show financial capa- in tax-exempt bonds. A federal nant. How can there be such a dismal the Intrepid. He believed that the bility. His personal fortune, estimat- loan, obtained through the City of ending for such a great ship? he asked ship could be transformed into an ed by Forbes magazine as among the New York, provided an additional himself. How can we cut up our own aerospace and Naval museum for nation's top 400, passed that test, But $4.5 million. history for razor blades? New York, with historical and an act of Congress would have to That February the Intrepid was Zachary Fisher likes to say that technological exhibits. Watching authorize the transfer. towed from Philadelphia to Beth- he was born with Naval aviation grainy black-and-white newsreel On February 27, 1979, the In- lehem's Hoboken Ship Yard in in 1910, when the first plane took footage of the Intrepid in action, trepid Museum Foundation was New Jersey for restoration. The off from the USS Birmingham. At Fisher recalled when young men created under Fisher's leadership as modifications proved so extensive age 16, he left high school without died in infernos of smoke and fire a not-for-profit corporation. Con- that the ship missed its scheduled finishing to help his father and and what their courage had meant gress acted 26 months later to trans- early-summer opening and the older brothers in the family con- for those back home. fer the Intrepid to the foundation. Fourth of July crowds that Fisher struction business. He laid bricks, Can I possibly take on such a big Last Voyage. Another challenge and the foundation had counted earned his union card and by age 19 project? he wondered. I'm 68 years lurked in the building regulations on Worse, there were tremen- was supervising bricklayers. old. Can I see it through? God knows, of the City of New York. "The dous cost overruns. Fisher's knee was severely in- I want to. I've made a lot of money in codes treated the Intrepid like a On June 12, Zachary and Eliza- jured in a construction: accident, this country. I'd like to give some of it building laid on its side in the beth Fisher and Larry Sowinski however, and when Japan attacked back. water," recalls Fisher with a smile. boarded the vessel in Bayonne, Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Off the Rolls. Sowinski took "That doesn't work." The city N.J., for the last cruise of the USS he was rejected by the military, Fisher to Philadelphia, where the didn't, for instance, have a fire rat- Intrepid It took 6½ hours in heavy dashing forever his hopes of serving Intrepid had been rusting away ing for a ship's steel bulkhead. rain to navigate six nautical miles JUN 18 '91 15:25 RD PLEASANTVILLE EDIT BUS SERV his country in the war. Searching since the bicentennial. The only Beyond private donations from through the Upper Bay and into the for other ways to be of use, he way to board her was up a steep, the Fishers and others, the museum Hudson estuary to the pier in mid- helped the U.S. Army Corps of En- narrow ramp. Fisher's bad leg was to be financed by, the sale of town Manhattan, but all three gineers build coastal fortifications. couldn't make it, so Sowinski, a bonds and a loan from the city. But wanted to be part of that final The family's business continued gentle bear of a man, carried the no bond could be written until the voyage. The Intrepid, Fisher said, to prosper after the war. Fisher and builder up piggyback. foundation had its plans in place. had "become my life." his wife, Elizabeth, became active Fisher's heart sank as he got on And it couldn't do that until New Now they had seven weeks to in work for wounded veterans. deck. All around him was peeling York's building codes were satisfied. install the exhibits if they were They helped finance the Veterans paint, weather damage, neglect. Fortunately, then Mayor Ed- going to make an early, August Bedside Network, which afforded / am a builder, he said to himself. ward Koch saw the Intrepid as a opening There was no electric hospitalized veterans the chance to He threw his shoulders back and centerpiece of the city's planned power, when they first got there, so write, direct and act in their own imagined the Intrepid, those price- West Side development. He or- they had to operate; on portable shows and broadcast them from less seven full decks of living histo- dered the restoration of Pier 86 on generators. Then the exhibit com- one veterans facility to another. ry, against the magical skyline of the Hudson River as the ship's new pany went on strike. Through it all, It was Fisher's growing reputa- Manhattan. I will save the Intrepid, berth. Fisher seemed unperturbed, "like tion as a, man who remembered he promised himself. There will be Eventually, New York City the good captain in heavy seas," while others forgot that to an no turning back. agreed to safety, modifications so said Sowinski invitation to a power breakfast of The first problem was to get the stringent that they serve as guide- Opening day for the Intrepid 20 prominent businessmen on No- ship off Navy rolls. A Navy aircraft lines for other vessels used as Sea* Air Space Museum was Au- vember 30, 1978. Larry Sowinski, carrier had never been transferred moored structures. In January 1982 gust 4' 1982. Fisher remembers it an author and Naval-history buff, to a private foundation before, and the foundation sold $14.2 million this way: "I watched kids in sneak- 118 119 READER'S DIGEST April 1990 THE MAN WHO BOUGHT AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER ers wandering in awe all over this survive. His hopes were fixed on for valor, above and beyond the call the remaining wing hit Gun Tub piece of history. I wondered if any the summer of 1986, when the re- of duty. 10, splashing the crew with aircraft of them would be inspired to do dedication of the Statue of Liberty Dan Rather on CBS News once would bring millions of visitors to fuel that flashed into searing flame. something for their country." watched children explore the In- Ten died in the attack. Swann him- Several weeks later, he got the New York. Fortune smiled early, trepid and was so moved that he did self suffered severe burns and perfect example of what a visit to a when the Intrepid was designated a a commentary in the ship's voice: shrapnel wounds, but he lived to historic ship can do. George Bush, National Historic Landmark. She "They sent me off with 3000 boys- participated in the rooth birthday face further attacks in 1944. and then Vice President of the United farm boys and drugstore clerks, celebration of the Statue, and the 1945. After the Japanese surrender, States, flew to New York to dedi- now fliers and sailors. Boys don't opening of the Jacob K. Javits Con- the Intrepid brought back not only cate Intrepid Hall, honoring Amer- have majesty, but my boys did. ica's wartime role in the Pacific. vention Center in the neighbor- its triumphant crew, but many "You there, child of today, grateful POWs. Bush spoke of his own excitement hood also helped. standing on my deck in your Swann is making plans to tour as a 12-year-old when he had vis- But it was the growing number brand-new sneakers, a boy fell the ship with his son and grandson. ited a Navy destroyer anchored of kids who gave Fisher his greatest there. He manned a five-inch gun, He will show them the plaque that in the Hudson. That visit had in- pleasure. "She's a symbol," said one and he fell. He fell where your tells of the heroism of Gun Tub 10 spired him to join the Navy, Bush 12-year-old visitor. "But she's also shadow is. Walk softly there. and with a tender finger trace his said. the real thing, right?" "I am the Intrepid. I survived. own name and the names of his Fighting Lady. A first-year at- Fisher nodded, and pointed in History lived within me. He lives fallen shipmates. tendance of one million visitors had the direction of the Statue of Liber- within me still." been projected for the museum. ty. "That's right, son. We're the Stories of Freedom. The men THE Intrepid is safe now. And Fish- JUN 18 '91 15:24 RD PLEASANTVILLE EDIT BUS SERV But only 780,000 came, and that Fighting Lady of the Harbor-the who served on the Intrepid also er's dream is realized. For years to first fiscal year ended with a deficit one that helped keep Miss Liberty's come to visit. Men like Alonzo A. come, he thought recently, watch- of $3.5 million. Quietly, Fisher kept torch lit.' Swann, Jr., of Gary, Ind., now 64, He watched the children in Pio- ing the flag rise above the ship's paying the bills. He told the New see photographs of action that bridge and seeing the Empire State York Times: "This museum will neers Hall, learning about the first took place on October 29, 1944. Building shining in the distance, never close." shipboard takeoff from the USS The exhibit tells the story of a Birmingham. He followed them to long after I'm gone, this Fighting Fisher renegotiated the loan Japanese kamikaze attack. Swann Lady will be telling her stories of the from the city, got help from local Technologies Hall, where they and 21 others manning the 20-mm. meaning of freedom. She'll be telling businesses and continued to pour touched a space capsule. anti-aircraft guns at Gun Tub 10 our children's children of duty, honor, his own money into the project. In Navy Hall, he picked out a steadfastly shot off the suicide faith. Of hope and courage and pride. With his help, the museum's reve- teen-age boy and girl watching a plane's wing and tail. The pilot Of compassion and sacrifice and en- nues were enough to pay operating wide-screen film he had helped released his bomb prematurely into durance. The old values that have expenses. But there were lean produce about flight operations the sea, but the plane kept coming. aboard the nuclear carrier USS been at the heart of America from the times. In the fiscal year ending in It flew across the flight deck, and very beginning. April 1985, the museum operated Nimits. The teen-agers glowed with at a loss of just over $I million. And excitement at this dramatic air- that was on top of $2.7 million in borne marriage of technology and Letter Perfect interest payments made by Fisher. human dedication. Then they grew After attendance picked up in sober-faced during a hand-in-hand ALFRED HITCHCOCK once received a letter from a man who wrote that tour of the Hall of Honor for Con- his wife, after seeing the film Psycho, was afraid to bathe or shower. He 1985, however, Fisher could mount asked for suggestions as to what he should do. the flight deck and declare his con- gressional Medal of Honor recipi- fidence that the museum would ents-those Americans recognized Hitchoock wrote back: "Sir, have you considered sending her to the dry cleaners?" -Bill Davidson in The Saturday Evening Part 120 121 New 1988-91 England Journal Good articles on hefinancing Elizabeth & Zachary Fischer house POTUS & FLOTUSC? for families of patients w/ chronic serious disease - under long term stress - for those who have financial need don't have alot of $ $, so they can stay here - beautiful place - can hold up to 7 families Zach - was a bricklayer Gary Zahr started own co. 212-489-6900 now builds sky scrapers inNY Fisher's publicis, bought the Intrepid to preserve it y early involvement in Nay he put up the $ for this has done the samein other cities and all branches Walter Reed Portsmouth 1990 - Readers Digest article onhim. Elinor Griffith mil. med. does a marvelous job providing health care access - 100% everyone gets it COSA - cost control 13 centralized managed care operation choice quality Quality $ cost are relavant to this speech. - cuts cost for family - improves quality for family RickyMendez - in charge of mil. medicine - -surgeons gen. of branches report to him "Abt Sec. of Defense for health care" The Fischers represent the best of what happens inamerica Military medicine as a model of health care. (managed care system) money put up front, do what you can of the # yonhave our health care system is now a cost plus system. This B a private- public partnership Pointof light type of thing. run totally by Bethesda brand new building - light any Crear admiral Hagen - SGof the Navy private citizens solving these problems, rather than the government medical community must make choices ZYI, Canada has managed care OJ - then malpr." ins. is 5% of the us mal. ins. health care is the 1est of our budget 2.5b of 3.4t budget Barbarians at the Gate (RJR) DIGIN pjoß 06/18/91 17:22 212 265 5091 H.J. RUBENSTEIN 1 001 hir HOWARD J. RUBENSTEIN ASSOCIATES, INC. PUBLIC RELATIONS FAX TRANSMISSION COVER SHEET 91 JUN 18 P5: 19 TO: CAROL BL YNMEYER FAX NUMBER: 202 456 6218 DATE: 6/18 *** FROM: wendy ScluvinimeR FOR Gary can FAX NUMBER: 212/265-3278 TELEPHONE NUMBER: 212/489-6900, ext. *** NUMBER OF PAGES (Including this page) CV MEMO: 06/18/91 17:22 212 265 5091 H. J. RUBENSTEIN 002 INTREPID SEA-AIR-SPACE MUSEUM West 46th and 12th Avenue New York, NY 10036 Howard J. Rubenstein Associates, Inc. Public Relations: (212) 489-6900 ZACHARY FISHER BIOGRAPHY Zachary Fisher is a senior member of Fisher Brothers, long identified as one of the leaders in the investment building sector of the real estate industry in the New York area. Spanning a half a century in the building field, Fisher Brothers has contributed some of the prestigious office edifices to maintain the city's prestige as a world center and at the same time providing a mainstay for the business community. They have developed along the Avenue of the Americas, Park Avenue, Third Avenue and downtown Manhattan the operational headquarters for international business enterprises such as Burlington Mills, J.P. Stevens, Trans World Airlines, Bankers Trust Company, Westvace and similarly important large scale employers. The Fishers' undertakings have added much to provide and maintain a strong economic base for the city and its people. He received the President's plaque from President Ronald Reagan which reads: "Because of the tireless and dedicated work of many Americans, the Intrepid will serve as an inspiration to both young and old for years to come. one man deserves special e 1345 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS 1 NEW YORK. N.Y. 10105 / (212) 489-69.00 / FAX: (212) 265-3278 17:23 212 265 5091 H.J. RUBENSTEIN 003 tribute, Zachary Fisher, a patriotic American, who never forgot and cares so much. If Recognizing his many talents, accomplishments, humanism and devotion to youth, Saint Michael's College in 1984 awarded him a Doctorate of Humane Letters. on November 16, 1985, he received the SEC-NAV Award which is the first award given by the Navy League to & civilian who did the most for national defense. The Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Armed Services Foundation has recently been established to assist the children of military parents to obtain college educations by awarding scholarship grants. The Foundation will be sending 75 children to college this coming year. on June 10, 1988, Mr. Fisher received the VOLUNTEER Action Award from President Ronald Reagan for the development of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, and of Veterans Bedside Network, and for serving on the boards of the Marine scholarship Foundation and Honor America. On May 1, 1989, Mr. Fisher received the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Award from the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff for his contributions and service to the Armed Services of the United States. Among his civic activities, Zachary Fisher, for three consecutive years served as an advisor to the United States Delegation on the Housing Committee of the Economic Commission for Europe Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland, Director of Honor America, a trustee of National Jewish Hospital at Denver, a fellow of Brandeis University, Founder and Chairman of the Board 06/18/91 17:23 212 265 5091 H.J. RUBENSTEIN 004 of The Intrepid Museum Foundation, Member of Board of Advisors of the Veterans' Bedside Network, Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Inc., Member of the Board of Directors of the Ellis Island Restoration Commission, Inc., and a Director of VOLUNTEER--The National Center. ###