Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Dole Foundation

Sarasota has pledged its support to local military and veteran caregivers by signing on as a Hidden Heroes City, joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s network of more than 160 communities nationwide committed to identifying military caregivers and increasing awareness and support.  The Hidden Heroes Cities and Counties program is part of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign launched in 2016 by Senator Elizabeth Dole, Campaign Chair Tom Hanks and nearly 200 military caregivers representing every state in the union. 

Hidden Heroes 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. “If we want to be a nation that truly cares for those who have borne the battle, we must also be a nation that cares for our caregivers,” said Tom Hanks, Hidden Heroes Campaign Chair.  

The City of Sarasota joined the campaign as the 169th community to sign on as a Hidden Heroes Community, one of the campaign's key national initiatives designed to develop military caregiver resources at a local level. Each Hidden Heroes City, County, or State signs on to help identify local military caregivers and deepen community resources to offer them vital support.  

“It is our duty and our honor to provide support for these ‘hidden heroes’ and the essential role they play in caring for Sarasota’s veterans and military members,” said Mayor Hagen Brody, who brought the resolution forward. “We recognize the unique challenges that they face, and we pledge to do whatever we can to help them continue their critical service in our community.”

Individuals caring for someone who served, or those who wish to support the campaign can visit HiddenHeroes.org for more information. 

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Dole Foundation