Alaska Fisher House first ever DAF Award: Fisher House Program of the Year

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Raina Dale
  • Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  For the first time, the Alaska Fisher House (AKFH) on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson won the Department of the Air Force award for the 2025 Fisher House Program of the Year.

A DAF-level award is a significant honor bestowed for achievements beyond typical expectations. These prestigious awards signify excellence, often highlighting innovation, readiness or mission success.

“Much of what we do here is behind the scenes, so the dedication we put into this team being recognized at this level brings awareness to ourselves that we are doing something important,” said Ana Espinoza, AKFH assistant manager.

The AKFH is one of more than 100 facilities across the world donated by the Fisher House Foundation. The houses are built on the grounds of military and Veterans Affairs medical centers and provide a comfortable place to stay at no cost to eligible families and non-medical attendants of patients receiving medical care.

“We offer a sense of community for those going through challenging times as well as an area of peace when [guests] seek unexpected medical care,” said Theresa Nedrow, AKFH manager. “Here on JBER, the Fisher House is a necessity and a resource for the unique military structure of Alaska.”

Alaska’s immense size means military and veteran families often endure extensive travel distances to access specialized medical care at JBER, highlighting AKFH’s mission of providing a home away from home.

The AKFH is within walking distance of the JBER Joint Venture Hospital and consist of two houses with 28 private guest rooms – all of which are serviced by housekeeping. Guests are welcomed by caring staff who provide information about resources and services to families in need.

In fiscal year 2025, AKFH hosted 34 distinguished visitor tours, 14 donor events, three ruck marches and nine holiday events, raising $47,000 in monetary and in-kind donations that assisted 1,683 families.

The recognition of their record-breaking accomplishments in 2025 garnered the attention of local, state and military organizations ultimately leading to the support of JBER leadership pushing for their submission and success in securing the DAF-level award.

“I'm proud and I'm excited to be able to talk about this award when I am with our leaders, our stakeholders, our community, our nonprofits and organizations that support us so greatly,” said Nedrow. “This mission is successful because of their support and my team. [This award] recognizes every single member of my team for what they do and that [every member], equally, is why we're strong. It's not one role, it's not one person. It’s a team. I am blessed to manage this phenomenal team being acknowledged at this level.”