Fisher House Foundation Manager of Human Resources, Irnaliz Aquino, has an immense appreciation for the military and military families. Her father and grandfather were in the military, and her brother continues to serve. Irnaliz grew up near a military base at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, where she participated in many activities on the military installation including JROTC. Now, as a mother of two, she understands the challenges military families face and is proud of the role she plays in supporting them. Irnaliz holds a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management and, in her position at Fisher House Foundation, is responsible for the management and coordination of the HR Department. She ensures the daily operational activities of the Foundation run smoothly and efficiently, and the Foundation staff are taken care of so they can focus on their responsibilities. She began her work with Fisher House almost five years ago, but her connection reaches back to the 1990's when her grandfather received treatment for cancer at Walter Reed. Her father and aunt stayed in one of the first Fisher Houses in Bethesda, Maryland. One of Irnaliz's favorite events to help with is the family program for Warrior Games. She has assisted with planning of the welcome night and other events for two Warrior Games. The first was in 2018 in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the second in 2019 in Tampa Bay, Florida. She is looking forward to helping at the next Warrior Games this fall. She is always willing to lend a hand outside of her regular work because it makes her feel even more connected to service members, veterans, and their families. "I think that's one of the things that I love to do at Fisher House, just going out and being able, not only to do my job, but to help and assist others," said Irnaliz. "I think Warrior Games is one of the most inspiring events and opportunities that I have been able to be a part of, honestly. It's something that I can bring back and let others know of the amazing things that people can do and what we can do to help others as well." When Irnaliz learned that a Fisher House was requested near her home in Puerto Rico, she immediately volunteered to be part of the planning team. She has already used her bilingual skills during an initial trip to the island in 2019. The Puerto Rico Fisher House is still a couple of years away from being built, but once it is operational, it will support the Veterans Affairs Caribbean Health Care System in San Juan. This healthcare system supports more than 150,000 veterans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is the only one of its type in the Caribbean. "Having a Fisher House in Puerto Rico will mean so much to the vast veteran population and their families located in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands," she said. "This will certainly bring joy and hope for families to be able to be together with their loved ones while they are receiving medical care which they need so much. I am honored to be part of this Fisher House project and I couldn't be more excited about this wonderful opportunity that will provide help and support for our military veterans in my beautiful Puerto Rico!"
Meet the Staff: Irnaliz Aquino
Recent Social Media

Today, Memorial Day, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. #FisherHouse #MemorialDay #ServiceMembers #family #homeawayfromhome #service #remember
3 hours ago Facebook
Today, Memorial Day, we honor the service members and their families who made the ultimate sacrifice. #MemorialDay #FisherHouse #ServiceMembers #Family #remember #neverforget #freedom #sacrifice #service https://t.co/wDd92phw30
5 hours ago Twitter
"Within seconds of settling into our room, it was the first time since losing my husband that I felt safe and secure. The accommodations and the people at the Fisher House made me feel at home in probably one of the darkest times of my life." - Tara McLaughlin,…
23 hours ago Facebook
"We really need to take time out and remember what has been done for our freedom. It's that simple." Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. Fisher Houses provide not just a home away from home for service members, veterans, and their families,…
1 day ago Facebook"We really need to take time out and remember what has been done for our freedom. It's that simple." -@KenFisherFHF As we head into #MemorialDayWeekend remember families like the Gross'. https://t.co/8bK2ZADsAy via @FoxNews
1 day ago Twitter
Happy Birthday to the Wright-Patterson Medical Center Fisher Houses. Thank you for providing a home away from home for veterans and their families!! #FisherHouse #Family #veterans #homeawayfromhome #FamilysLoveIsGoodMedicine https://t.co/Cad2GavOAb
2 days ago TwitterThe U.S. Army installation formerly known at Fort. Hood has been re-designated as Fort Cavazos in honor of General Richard Edward Cavazos, a Texas-born hero of both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Learn more below! #FisherHouse #Army
2 days ago Facebook"Within seconds of settling into our room, it was the first time since losing my husband that I felt safe and secure." - Tara McLaughlin, Gold Star Spouse.
3 days ago Twitter
Christina Larsen and her family got one of the worst calls that a military family can receive. Her brother, Air Force Capt. Ryan Phaneuf, had been flying as the co-pilot in an E-11A aircraft in Afghanistan when an engine failure led to him and another pilot…
4 days ago FacebookThe Dover Fisher House is dedicated to serve families of the fallen. As we enter the week before Memorial Day, we remember the sacrifices of the service members and their families. #MemorialDay #ServiceMembers #Family #FisherHouse #homeawayfromhome
5 days ago Twitter
As we reflect on April and Month of the Military Child, we are reminded that military children serve and sacrifice. The Dover Fisher House serves families of the fallen. At the heart of this comfort home, there is a rocking horse named Black Jack. Dedicated…
6 days ago Facebook
Happy Birthday Ft. Belvoir Army Fisher House, which is celebrating 11 years, and the Bronx Fisher House celebrating 4 years of service. We wish you many more years! Thank you for all that you do to provide a home away from home! #FisherHouse #Birthday…
1 week ago Twitter
We are proud to serve all veterans from all eras. To learn more about Fisher House Foundation, visit: https://t.co/XvDPbYQrYS #FisherHouse #AllVeterans #AllEras #Family #homeawayfromhome #LoveIsGoodMedcine https://t.co/bgjiigjPIv
1 week ago Twitter
Fisher House guest and Army veteran J.P. Lane recovered after suffering 26 injuries in an IED blast in 2011 that led to an incredible journey. Years later, he uses his journey to inspire others. #FisherHouse #Army #veteran #military #homeawayfromhome #LoveIsGoodMedicine
1 week ago Facebook
Fisher House supports veterans and service members from all branches and eras. Thank you for your service. It is an honor to be able to provide you and your family a home away from home. #FisherHouse #homeawayfromhome #AllVeterans #AllEras #militaryappreciationmonth
1 week ago FacebookThe Dover Fisher House is a special place reserved for families of the fallen. Toni Gross, mother of Cpl. Frank Gross, lost her son in July 2011 when he was serving in Afghanistan. Read their family's story. https://t.co/7HzzCjre7M
1 week ago TwitterFisher House at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QE) in Birmingham is celebrating ten years! The 18-bedroom comfort home has supported over 6,500 families in the past decade. Read the story! https://t.co/5kBx6SR3bx #FisherHouse #homeawayfromhome #veterans #servicemembers #family
1 week ago Twitter
As we continue to celebrate Month of the Military Caregiver, we share the story of Army Sergeant Anson Curry and his wife Minie. Anson served 15 months in Iraq and a second combat tour in Afghanistan as an infantry soldier. On August 5, 2011, a grenade exploded…
1 week ago Facebook