Representing Florida Caregivers at Heroes & History Makers 2025

Originally published in The Florida-Times Union

By Mary-Ella Majetich
Dole Caregiver Fellow Alum, Florida

I recently traveled to Washington, DC for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Heroes & History Makers celebration, an event that reminds the nation—and caregivers like me—why our stories matter. I represent Florida as a Dole Caregiver Fellow, and today we call Ponte Vedra home, where I care for my husband, Jerry. He served in the Army, Marine Corps, and National Guard, and while deployed to Iraq, survived an IED explosion that left him with severe, lifelong injuries.

Although fortunate to have training as an RN, nothing prepares someone to become a caregiver. I stepped into that role with skill and love—and because necessity called. Over the years, I’ve met with members of Congress and national leaders about what military caregivers need most: respite time and recognition of emotional and financial burdens we shoulder.

Florida has thousands of military and veteran caregivers, many navigating this quietly and without the resources they deserve. That’s why our state’s leaders should engage more deeply with this community.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes campaign helps ensure caregivers are seen and supported. And when caregivers thrive, the veterans they care for—and the communities they live in—are stronger for it.