Cindy Woodman

Cindy Woodman holds a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. Since 2009, she has advocated for the social needs and services of the residents of her home state of Idaho. She also devotes time to supporting the veterans community as a member and leader of the local American Legion Auxiliary, volunteering both in the community and at her local Idaho State Veterans Home.  

Cindy’s husband George Austin “Woody” Woodman is a retired Senior Master Sergeant with 24 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. He was trained in several occupational specialties over his career, from aircraft maintenance crew chief to mortuary affairs, and received four Meritorious Service medals, two Air Force Commendation medals, two Air Force Achievement medals, and the Southwest Asia Medal with one Campaign Device.  

Since his retirement, his disability rating has risen to 100 percent. Today, Woody lives with Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s-related cognitive decline, and multiple other service-connected health conditions. He also relies on a walker full-time. Despite these challenges, he remains engaged in his community through the American Legion and veteran advocacy efforts. 

Cindy cares for Woody by ensuring their home is safe and accessible, making renovations and upgrades to support his mobility and independence. She also manages a battery of medications, including weekly and daily injections and an extensive pill regiment. Cindy balances these responsibilities with working full-time as a Clinician with Adult and Children’s Mental Health, serving the people of Idaho.

As a Dole Caregiver Fellow, Cindy says she is working toward two goals: ensuring military and veteran caregivers are seen, heard, acknowledged, and remembered; and making sure caregivers receive the rights and benefits they have earned regardless of the rank, ethnicity, gender, or relationship to their care recipient.