Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has pledged support for more than 150,000 military and veteran caregivers statewide by joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign.
Moore, who served for 16 years in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of captain and deployed to Afghanistan, was joined by Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Special Assistant to President Biden and Executive Director of Joining Forces Sheila Casey, former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Anthony Woods, First Lady Dawn Moore, Elizabeth Dole Foundation Chief Executive Officer Steve Schwab and dozens of military and veteran caregivers at a press conference on Aug. 6 to announce the partnership.
“We want our Hidden Heroes to know that Maryland sees you. We are committed to providing the resources you need to deliver the care our service members and veterans deserve,” said Moore. “Together, we will leave no one behind.”
Launched in 2016 by Dole and chaired by actor Tom Hanks, the Hidden Heroes campaign raises awareness about the issues military caregivers face; brings critical resources to those who care for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans; and connects military caregivers to a community of their peers.
Dole said that her foundation envisions an America where military caregivers are empowered, appreciated, and recognized for their service to the nation.
“I have dedicated my life to this cause because I’ve seen first-hand the tremendous impact our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers make in the lives of our veterans each and every day, in neighborhoods big and small,” she said. “But their needs are overwhelming, and as a country, we must come together to find helpful ways to support them in their life-long journey of care. That begins by encouraging our caregivers to raise their hands, become a part of our Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community – it’s why our partnership with Maryland is so important.
"Together, we are working towards a future where supporting military caregivers is no longer a cause, but it is part of the culture of our nation."
Maryland is the 11th state to join the Hidden Heroes campaign.
“Like service members and veterans, our state's military and veteran caregivers understand what it means to serve and sacrifice,” said Miller. “The Hidden Heroes Campaign will provide our military caregivers the support they need to continue providing essential care for the men and women who serve and have served our nation.”
Working with individuals, businesses, communities, and civic, faith and government leaders, Hidden Heroes represents a network of more than 200 communities nationwide committed to increasing awareness and support.
“As the spouse of someone who served in combat and as a champion in our administration for military families, this partnership is personal to me,” said First Lady Dawn Moore. “Military caregivers step up to meet the needs of our service members and veterans – day in and day out, and without fanfare. With this partnership on the Hidden Heroes campaign, Maryland is holding up its responsibility as a state to support the whole family and those who care for our service members and veterans.”
To learn more about Hidden Heroes, visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.