Document text
http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend February 13, 2007 Click image for larger view Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bryce Fisher gives veteran Lorenzo Solis a little assistance on his cribbage hand Monday while visiting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs� Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics in White City. (Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli) Athlete reaches out Seattle Seahawks player makes a visit to fellow veterans in White City By Paul Fattig Mail Tribune WHITE CITY — Bryce Fisher didn't have to spend Monday visiting veterans at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics. After all, the standout defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League wasn't being paid. In fact, he even paid for his own airfare round trip from Seattle. But the U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and Air Force veteran figures it was a privilege. "It was an opportunity to touch and talk to as many different folks as I could who have made some sacrifices for our country," he explained during a tour of the facility. "It's something I wanted to do. "The military has been a part of everything good in my life," he added. "My dad (Richard) was 20 years in the Army Reserve. My father-in-law served in Vietnam. My wife's grandfather served in World War II and Korea." Advertisement Fisher, 29, who served two years of active duty and is now a captain in the Washington Air National Guard, spent the day chatting with veterans. He now lives in his hometown of Renton, Wash. He and his wife, Bobbi, have two daughters, Jasmine and Morgan. There was plenty of good-natured ribbing about NFL teams as the veterans lined up to shake his hand. "You Seahawks always get mad at us Raider fans," said patient Harold Shavers, 50, a Navy veteran. "I don't get mad at you because I'm a lifelong Raider fan so it's OK," replied Fisher, the only academy graduate playing in the NFL. Shavers didn't hesitate for a second when Fisher handed him a signed NFL card. Nor did he care that it wasn't from a Raider. "I really appreciate the fact he came here to visit us," Shavers said as Fisher walked down the hall greeting other veterans. "Of course, I got to give him his problems. I grew up down in Raider country." Library volunteer Joyce Buttons, an Army veteran who served during the Korean conflict, was staffing the desk in the library when Fisher walked through. "It's so neat that he has the time and energy to recognize the veterans who are here," she said after shaking his hand. "It's really good for the morale. The guys are really excited he is here." Most offered their condolences that the Seahawks weren't in this year's Super Bowl. However, the Seattle team did win its conference. Patient Timothy Mooney, 53, a 15-year Army veteran who served in an airborne unit, was all smiles after chatting with Fisher. "Hey, I've been with the Hawks since the '70s," he said. "I always did like the Hawks." With that he ran down a list of former Seahawks: Steve Largent, Danny Green and Jim Zorn. "It's so cool that he is here," Mooney said. "This guy is a veteran. It does a lot for the community here. We don't get many visitors like that here." Fisher stepped into the weight room, where he chatted with the staff and met outpatient Richard Marquez, 64, an Air Force veteran living in Medford. Marquez, who was working out on an aerobics machine, said he appreciated Fisher's visit. "It shows he has an interest in veterans — that's great to see," Marquez said. Fisher was equally impressed with his fellow veterans. "I've met some great folks here," he said. "The guys who are here as patients have been gracious and the staff very helpful." What was his first visit to a VA facility likely won't be his last. "Anytime people send a request and I can fit it in my schedule I like to do something like this," he said. Although Fisher was drafted by the Buffalo Bills after graduating from the academy in 1999, his NFL debut had to wait until he completed two years of active duty. Following a year with Buffalo, he played three years with the St. Louis Rams, then joined the Seahawks in 2005. Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or e-mail him at [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help