There are approximately 22 million former US servicemen and servicewomen in America. That’s more than 7% of the population* — and many of these courageous men and women left service needing medical attention and care. As the TheVeteransSite.com reports: “Battlefield medicine has saved the lives of thousands of military personnel injured in war, but the illnesses, injuries and wounds follow them home.”
That care is often left in the hands of family, friends and loved ones. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which focuses on veterans families and caregiving, puts the number of caregivers at 5.5 million Americans — wives, husbands, parents, children and friends who minister to wounds sustained long ago by people who sacrificed their health in service to the country. Dole’s Foundation sponsors the Hidden Heroes Campaign — with the help of people like Tom Hanks — to make sure these caregivers get the kind of support they need. The support to take care of not just their wounded, but themselves. Learn more at Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
*Data comes from the Defense Manpower Data Center, which is part of the US Department of Defense.
