Elizabeth Dole Foundation Honors Month of the Military Caregiver

Encourages Americans to Reach Out and Support the Country’s Many Hidden Heroes

WASHINGTON, May 3: May marks Month of the Military Caregiver, a time to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s Hidden Heroes. While the Elizabeth Dole Foundation is dedicated to supporting military caregivers year-round, May represents a time of important additional national focus on our Hidden Heroes. Throughout the month, Hidden Heroes, a movement committed to changing the landscape and overall experience of military caregiving, and its many partners will rally new attention and increased support for this too often overlooked community.There are more than 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers in the United States. Across the nation, spouses, parents, friends and other loved ones transform their lives to provide daily, essential care for those who cared for us. Many of these Hidden Heroes have yet to see themselves as caregivers. It took someone telling them, “You are a military caregiver” to realize this added title and responsibility. That’s where the American public comes in. By identifying and supporting our nation’s military caregivers, we can ensure no Hidden Hero has to endure their journey alone. “The Elizabeth Dole Foundation envisions an America where military caregivers are empowered, appreciated, and recognized for their service to the nation, 365 days a year,” said Senator Elizabeth Dole. “As a country, we must come together to find helpful ways to support our Hidden Heroes in their life-long journey of care. That begins with reaching out to our neighbors, friends, family members, and colleagues who may not see themselves as caregivers and telling them about the community, resources, and support available at HiddenHeroes.org.” When caregivers register at HiddenHeroes.org, they become part of a unique community of their peers and gain access to a vetted directory of support resources. HiddenHeroes.org is also a growing resource where the American public, businesses, nonprofits, and cities alike are encouraged to take action, raise awareness, and drive much needed resources and support.Additionally, the foundation drives a comprehensive approach in its advocacy, working with leaders at all levels of the public and private sectors and alongside many partner organizations to recognize military caregivers’ service and promote their well-being. This year’s efforts around Month of the Military Caregiver lead up to high-level Congressional conversations on legislation and policies affecting military caregivers, currently planned for mid-June. Recently reintroduced in both the Senate and House by Senators Patty Murray and Susan Collins and Representative Jim Langevin, the legislation has bipartisan support. If passed, it will dramatically expand programming and financial assistance available to military caregivers and the veterans they support, including extending support to pre-9/11 veterans. Hidden Heroes will continue to provide information regarding the hearing and additional ways to celebrate Month of the Military Caregiver throughout May. To learn more about supporting military caregivers, this and every month, visit www.Hiddenheroes.org “Your actions throughout the Month of the Military Caregiver help us improve the lives of the military and veteran caregivers who do so much for our country,” said Dole.###About Elizabeth Dole Foundation: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers; the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its support and advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit, labor and faith communities to recognize military caregivers’ service and promote their well-being. Learn more about the Elizabeth Dole Foundation at www.elizabethdolefoundation.orgHidden Heroes, an initiative of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and finds solutions for the tremendous challenges and long-term needs they face. Hidden Heroes seeks to raise awareness of the issues military caregivers confront every day; inspire individuals, businesses, communities, and civic, faith and government leaders to take action in supporting military caregivers in their communities; and establish a national registry, encouraging military caregivers to register at HiddenHeroes.org to better connect them to helpful resources and support. Learn more about Hidden Heroes at www.hiddenheroes.org