After years of work by dedicated volunteers and contributions of over two-and-ah-half-million dollars, the Fisher House on the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center grounds was dedicated today (Thursday). Juan Morales, the Director of the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, which operates the VA Hospital, says the Fisher House allows the system to come full circle in the care for veterans...

Morales says the dedication is a day to rejoice in the contribution from the community...

While many local residents worked hard to make the Fisher House in Murfreesboro a reality, two in particular spearheaded the fundraising in Rutherford and surrounding counties. Dan Whittle of the Murfreesboro Post and retired National Guard Lt. Col. Hooper Penuel worked tirelessly over the years to raise funds.

The Fisher House will serve veterans and families while treatment is given at either the York VA campus or the Nashville VA Medical Center. There will be transportation available if needed between the Nashville and Murfreesboro VA hospitals. The overall cost of the Fisher House project topped six-million dollars. For photos from Thursday's dedication, check out WGNSRadio.com.

The Fisher House, just before the ribbon cutting

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited as part of the dedication ceremony

A large crowd of invitation only members of the community came out to the dedication of the Fisher House

Many local leaders were in attendance, including (L-R) Murfreesboro City Council members Doug Young, Eddie Smotherman and Madelyn Scales-Harris.