"Hidden Heroes": Soldiers' Caregivers

"Hidden Heroes": Soldiers' Caregivers
My FOX LA
By: Laura Diaz, Anchor
Posted by: FOX 11 Web Staff
September 24, 2013

The painful return of soldiers from wars around the world is well documented. Many will struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and bouts with alcohol abuse. These are the scars of war. But what about those who care for these soldiers struggling to assimilate back into civilian life? Who helps them? Enter former Senator Elizabeth Dole.

Mrs.Dole, of course, is married to former Senator Bob Dole. Her husband is a World War Two Hero. Several years ago when her husband was being treated at Walter Reed Army Hospital she spent months around the families of soldiers. What she discovered was heartbreaking. Nearly all of the responsibility of caring for the "wounded warrior" fell on the young spouses. Often they were overwhelmed by the crush of hours, expense and worry of caring for their loved family member. They had little money, little sleep and felt alone in their struggle to keep their families together.

Mr. and Mrs. Dole befriended the young families. And in a poignant account, she told me the Dole's invited these army families to their small Washington apartment for a party. They made room by pitching a tent in the backyard to accommodate the many deserving families. Later, they took the soldiers, their wives and kids to see the Washington D.C. monuments. Most had never seen them! It was a special evening. And she vowed to do more for the caregivers of soldiers.
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