"Now that's love," The 2024 VA Fisher House Volunteer of the Year brings heart and handieness to Salt Lake City
When Tracy Shrier shows up for a volunteer shift at the Fisher House at the VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System (VASLCHCS), he is ready to do whatever is needed.
All Shrier’s hard work helping guests find a sense of comfort has earned him a prestigious national award, the 2024 VA Fisher House Volunteer of the Year.
The Fisher House provides lodging to the visiting families of hospitalized Veterans so they can have a place closer to their loved ones and an atmosphere more like a home than a hotel during what can be a stressful time in their lives.
Shrier is an essential part of what makes the Fisher House feel like home. He’s the first to notice when something needs fixing, the one pulling weeds from the garden before anyone else sees them, and the friendly face offering comfort food to families going through some of their hardest days.
“He is such a comfort to the families and guests here at Fisher House. He is always willing to listen and help however he can,” said Heather Dunnigan, Fisher House manager at VASLCHCS. “When I first became the manager here, I didn’t have admin staff, and Tracy has been my right-hand man ever since.”
He doesn’t do it for recognition, in fact, Shrier prefers to stay in the background, letting the space and support speak for itself.
“I’m very humbled by this award,” said Shrier. “Our Veterans and our guests here are the best part. Being able to cook dinner periodically and talk to the guests, I’ve been able to make some great friends who I stay in contact with to this day. That’s truly why I’m here.”
Shrier’s wife, Susan Shrier underlined why her husband’s efforts earned him this award. “Tracy loves to cook for the families here and after they’ve been in the hospital with a loved one all day, they get to come back here to a home-cooked meal. Now that’s love.”
“I just want to say that I am so grateful for Tracy, and I hope he is with us for many more years,” said Dunnigan.
Volunteers are a crucial part of the Fisher House and, as Shrier says, there is always a place for someone to help.
“It is a wonderful place (to volunteer) and there are always projects to do,” said Tracy Shrier. “There are a million ways to participate here, and it doesn’t have to be big to bring a smile to the faces of the guests.”
To explore volunteer opportunities with the Fisher House and other organizations at VA Salt Lake City, Contact the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Office via email: VHASLCVoluntaryService@va.gov or office telephone: 801-582-1565 extension 4699