Special to the American Press
Gov. Jeff Landry had pledged support for the more than 100,000 military and veteran caregivers in the state by joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign, making Louisiana the 12 th Hidden Heroes state in the nation.
The campaign raises awareness and brings critical resources to military and veteran caregivers — referred to as hidden heroes — who care for wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans.
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Jerome Buller was joined by Elizabeth Dole Foundation CEO Steve Schwab, and local military and veteran caregivers at the National World War II Museum to announce this partnership.
Louisiana’s recognition as a Hidden Heroes state coincides with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s rollout of its latest RAND study, “America’s Military and Veteran Caregivers: Hidden Heroes Emerging from the Shadows,” in cities across the United States.
The study revealed nearly 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers who provide care valued at a minimum of $119 billion. In Louisiana, more than 30,000 veterans rely on family and friends for care, making up 12 percent of the state’s total veteran population. Researchers also found that more than 30,000 Louisiana veterans have an unmet need for care, underscoring significant caregiving needs.