The City of Texarkana, Texas has pledged its support to the military and veteran caregivers in its community by becoming a Hidden Heroes City.

The Hidden Heroes Cities Program is part of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign launched last Fall by Senator Elizabeth Dole, Campaign Chair Tom Hanks and more than 50 military caregivers representing virtually every state in the union.

Hidden Heroes raises awareness about the issues military caregivers face, brings critical resources to our nation’s “hidden heroes” caring for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, and connects military caregivers to a community of their peers.

According to a press release from the city, Texarkana has joined the campaign as the 94th community to sign on as a Hidden Heroes City, one of the campaign's key national initiatives designed to develop military caregiver resources at a local level. Each Hidden Heroes City signs on to help identify local military caregivers and deepen community resources to offer them vital support.

"The Hidden Heros Cities Program is an excellent program that provides awareness about military caregivers and the issues they encounter,” says Mayor Bob Bruggeman. “We are very pleased to bring this program to our community as a way to assist these caregivers."

Local veteran caregiver Rebecca Harrison has high hopes for the new collaboration.

“My hope is that by collaborating with others in my community and beyond, more doors will open, which will enhance my ability to share [my experiences] and learn about others’ experiences,” says Harrison.

Harrison also believes Texarkana’s designation as a Hidden Heroes City will provide caregivers like herself opportunities to “dispel any fears and myths within our community about our wounded warriors and their families.”

“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,” says Senator Dole. “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 community of military caregivers – it’s why our partnership with the City of Texarkana, Texas is so important.”

Additional key national initiatives of the Hidden Heroes campaign, include:

  • Video public service announcements featuring Campaign Chair Tom Hanks and Campaign Ambassador Ryan Phillippe airing nationwide and on the campaign's website HiddenHeroes.org. Print public service announcements appearing in national publications such as Time, Entertainment Weekly and The Wall Street Journal.
  • org, a first-of-its-kind website that serves as the premier online community for military caregivers. The website features a private community where military caregivers can share questions and advice, a directory for caregiver resources, and a national military caregiver registry to help connect caregivers with support. The website also features a call to action page for every American who wishes to be part of the campaign.

Senator Dole added, "The Elizabeth Dole Foundation envisions an America where military caregivers are empowered, appreciated and recognized for their service to the nation. Together, are working towards a future where supporting military caregivers is no longer a cause, but it is part of the culture of our nation."

About Hidden Heroes and The Elizabeth Dole Foundation

The mission of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation is to strengthen and empower American military caregivers and their families by raising public awareness, driving research, championing policy, and leading collaborations that make a significant impact on their lives.

Learn more about the Hidden Heroes campaign at this website.

 

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