USAMITC Invites Wounded Warrior to Speak in Support of the Fisher House

By Jose Maldonado, USAMITCFebruary 8, 2011

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Army Staff Sergeant Oscar Guerra answers questions about his experience with Fisher House during a recent USAMITC Commander's Call. Lieutenant Colonel Beverly Beavers, USAMITC commander, invited him to the event that also honored veterans working at ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS -

During a recent U.S. Army Medical Information Technology Center Commander's Call, Army Lt. Col. Beverly Beavers, USAMITC commander, invited Army Staff Sgt. Oscar Guerra to speak at the event.

USAMITC's information management and information technology services provide support to Warfighters and their families through Army Medicine in support of the Army Missions around the world, as well as support to our nation's veterans.

USAMITC's Commander's Call audiences are comprised of Soldiers, civilians and contractor personnel. These quarterly events also include employee recognitions, command briefing updates and training.

Staff Sgt. Guerra is a Wounded Warrior currently serving as a platoon sergeant at the Warrior Transition Battalion at Brooke Army Medical Center. The commander conducted an informative interview with SSG Guerra, allowing him to expand upon his experience with the Fisher House; a non-profit organization that USAMITC has proactively supported with Combined Federal Campaign donations for the past two years.

As an Infantry Soldier, Staff Sgt. Guerra and his fellow Soldiers drove over an Improvised Explosive Device while conducting operations in Iraq. The explosion resulted in Staff Sgt. Guerra losing his left leg and cost his fellow Warriors their lives. He was flown to BAMC to receive treatment where he learned about the Fisher House and the many services they offered. This in turn eased the lodging worries he had for his family.

His parents flew from Phoenix, Ariz., to support him during his extensive recovery. The Fisher House provided first-class hospitality and support, enabling his parents to be present and provided them with assistance. Staff Sgt. Guerra told the audience many times how grateful he was to the Fisher House, their staff, and also to his friends who sat with him many times for comfort. Along with speaking about the Fisher House's home-baked items, he also emphasized the constant attention and care they provide to all service members and their families.

The Fisher House is an active non-profit organization founded by Zachary Fisher, a prominent figure in New York real estate and a philanthropist for the men and women of the U.S. Military. The Fisher House supports members of the Armed Forces and their families when service members are hospitalized at major Military and Veterans Administration medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 45 Fisher Houses located on 18 military installations and in 15 VA medical centers; and as an added benefit, families do not pay for their stay in Fisher Houses.

Staff Sgt. Guerra's plans are to continue his career serving in the U.S. Army. He shared with the audience more of his gratitude for the help he received from the Fisher House, and he also expressed more of his thoughts on his progress and goal to become a instructor, trainer and mentor to Soldiers as an Army Drill Sergeant. After his presentation, which ended in a standing ovation from the audience, the commander presented him with a Commander's Coin and a Certificate of Appreciation. Afterwards, and before thanking the commander, Staff Sgt. Guerra stated an observation he'd maintained throughout his career, and long recovery - "Ordinary people with commitment can make an extraordinary impact on their world."