Caregivers of Wounded Veterans also Serve. They Need Support

When service comes home, the mission doesn’t end—it evolves.

Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow Karee White shares a deeply personal reflection on what it means to care for a wounded veteran—and how that responsibility reshapes entire families, including the children who quietly step into caregiving roles of their own.

Her story is a powerful reminder that behind every wounded, ill, or injured service member is a network of caregivers carrying the weight of service long after deployment ends. Today, 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers—and millions of children in those households—are navigating that reality, often without recognition or adequate support.

At the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, we know that strengthening caregivers strengthens veterans—and strengthens communities. Karee’s voice underscores why elevating these stories and advancing meaningful support systems is not optional—it’s essential.

Read Karee’s op-ed in The Charlotte Observer here.