Joins a Growing Movement of more than 150 Communities Nationwide Committed to Empowering Caregivers in their Hometowns
Los Angeles, CA —
Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez introduced a resolution pledging the City of Los Angeles’ 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 150 communities nationwide committed to identifying military caregivers and increasing awareness and support.
“As a city and as a nation, we bear a solemn responsibility to serve the women and men who serve us in uniform — and that includes the families who sacrifice so much to keep our heroes healthy and safe,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Thanks to the leadership of Coucilmember Rodriguez and the partnership of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, our City can keep its firm commitment: that we will always do our part to support any veteran and caregiver that calls Los Angeles home.”
“As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, I believe in the importance of supporting our veterans and their caregivers,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. “Most of their care falls on their families, yet these caregivers are often overlooked. Hidden Heroes raises awareness of the issues they confront daily and provides resources and support. I am proud to introduce this resolution declaring the City of Los Angeles a Hidden Heroes City in support of military and veteran caregivers.”
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 virtually 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.
Los Angeles joined the campaign as the 161th 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.
Individuals caring for someone who served, or those who wish to support the campaign can visit HiddenHeroes.org, LAmayor.org/veterans and email the City of Los Angeles’ Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, military.veterans@lacity.org for more information.
“I have dedicated my life to this cause because I’ve seen first-hand the tremendous impact our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers make in the lives of our veterans each and every day, in neighborhoods big and small,” said Senator Elizabeth Dole, Founder of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “But their needs are overwhelming, and as a country, we must come together to find helpful ways to support them in their life-long journey of care. That begins by encouraging our caregivers to raise their hands, become a part of our Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community – it’s why our partnership with the City of Los Angeles, which has the largest concentration of veterans in the country, is so important.”
Senator Dole added, “The Elizabeth Dole Foundation envisions an America where military caregivers are empowered, appreciated and recognized for their service to the nation. Together, we are working towards a future where supporting military caregivers is no longer a cause, but it is part of the culture of our nation.”
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Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez serves as the City’s Chair of Public Safety and represents the 7th Council District in the Northeast San Fernando Valley which include the neighborhoods of Sylmar, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Lake View Terrace, Sunland, Tujunga, North Hills, Shadow Hills, and La Tuna Canyon.