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.

“We have a duty as a nation to offer continuous support and care to each and every man and woman who have served in our Armed Forces,” said Landry, a veteran himself. “We also know that many veterans will look to a family member or friend for care. To honor our military and veteran caregivers, First Lady Sharon Landry and I are proud to proclaim Louisiana as a Hidden Heroes state, solidifying our commitment to support our nation’s heroes.”

Launched in 2016 by Sen. Elizabeth Dole and chaired by actor Tom Hanks, the Hidden Heroes Campaign uplifts the stories of military and veteran caregivers, seeks solutions for the challenges and long-term needs they face and connects them to one another. Working with individuals, businesses, communities and civic, faith and government leaders, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Communities program represents a network of more than 200 communities nationwide committed to increasing awareness and support for military and veteran caregivers.