WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, a native of Salisbury, N.C., has announced the formation of a new foundation which will help raise awareness of the challenges facing the caregivers of America’s wounded warriors.
The foundation, which began work in early 2012, has commissioned the RAND Corporation to undertake the first, comprehensive, evidence-based study of military and veteran caregivers, their needs and the gaps in services to these hidden heroes — the spouses, mothers and fathers, and other loved ones who may be providing care for years or decades to come.
Phase 1 of the RAND study was released at an open press event Thursday, as part of Military and Veterans Caregivers Week. For more information about RAND go to www.rand.org.
“After many months of hard work we are pleased to announce our foundation and look forward to moving forward to raise awareness and help achieve the goal of a national strategy to help America’s hidden heroes,” Dole said.
Until this past week’s inclement weather postponed the event, A&E Network’s Lifetime Television planned to be host for a special viewing of the season-seven premiere of its top-ranked show “Army Wives” for wounded warriors, military caregivers and other Dole Foundation guests.
Dr. Jill Biden, members of Congress and actors from the show “Army Wives” were scheduled to attend.
To learn more about the show, go to www.mylifetime.com/shows/army-wives
Just as Americans honor the contributions of men and women who serve in the armed forces to protect freedom and security, so too should they honor the sacrifices of their devoted caregivers – hidden heroes with enormous responsibilities who need our help now, Dole said.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation will strive to elevate this issue to national attention.
A foundation release said, “By researching the many challenges they face, spurring innovation across their systems of support, raising awareness of their needs, and empowering these selfless individuals, we can ensure that our nation’s military caregivers receive the honor, respect, and support they have nobly earned.”
For more information about the foundation, visit its website at www.dolemilitaryfamilies.org.