Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts on Monday proclaimed military caregivers as “Hidden Heroes” and announced steps for becoming a Hidden Heroes state, joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation initiative to identify and support military caregivers.
Rickets told a ceremony at the State Capitol that the “goal is for Nebraska to be the most welcoming state in the nation for veterans (and) to reach our goal, we not only have to support our veterans and military members, but also those who care for them.
Ricketts said frontline caregivers are vitally important to the well-being of veterans and they deserve recognition, thanks, and support.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation – created by the former U-S Senator, Secretary of Transportation and of Labor, and head of the American Red Cross – launched the Hidden Heroes Campaign in 2016 with actor Tom Hanks as chairman.
It 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.
Nebraska is the 156th Hidden Heroes Community, and the Nebraska Dept of Veterans’ Affairs will focus on several initiatives including raising awareness of the challenges faced by military caregivers and creating opportunities for assistance.
Plans are being laid for May to be proclaimed the Month of the Military Caregiver in the state.