Fisher House Foundation is privileged to have amazing managers at our nearly 100 comfort homes across the U.S. and overseas. These professionals take care of our military and veteran families, truly making each of them a home away from home.
Francisco Cruz has lived a life of service. From joining the Army after his high school graduation, to later serving in the National Guard and going through multiple deployments, his dedication to serving others has followed him throughout his life.
In 1995, when Fisher Houses were still in their infancy, Francisco applied for the position of manager of the Fort Eisenhower, formerly Fort Gordon, Fisher House in Augusta, Georgia. At the time, Francisco was in the National Guard, and when he was offered the position, it coincided with his deployment date.
Francisco recalled, “They said, ‘What day can you start?’ I gave them a date and three months later and I came on board.”
Since 1995, Francisco has managed the Fisher House at Fort Eisenhower, providing a home away from home for service members, veterans, and their families for 30 years.
His tenure as manager has been marked by a deep sense of purpose, and he views the role as an extension of his military service, a way to give back to his country and support those who serve it. Francisco’s commitment was evident even during his deployment to Iraq in the early 2000s with the National Guard, after which he resumed his responsibilities at the Fisher House.
Under his management, the Fort Eisenhower Fisher House has been a sanctuary for countless families. The house, one of the original homes donated entirely by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, opened in April 1993 and features seven bedroom suites. Its proximity to the Eisenhower Army Medical Center allows families to stay close to their loved ones during medical treatments.
“I tell everybody, this house is more than four walls and a roof. It’s making sure you get to know the family members and understand their needs. If the veteran or military member knows their family is taken care of, it relieves stress and they can focus on healing,” Francisco said.
In his three decades of service as a Fisher House manager, Francisco has exemplified dedication, compassion, and resilience. His journey reflects a profound commitment to supporting military families, ensuring they have a comforting and supportive environment during some of life’s most challenging moments. As he puts it, “The greatest love and the greatest medicine you can provide to a service member or veteran is for their family members to be here [Fisher House] throughout their recovery.”
