VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator Ruben Gallego, and Senator David McCormick and The Honorable Dina Powell McCormick Join in Mapping the Future of Veteran Caregiving in America
Washington, D.C. (May 21, 2025) – National leaders on both sides of the aisle joined experts and advocates weighing in on the future of caregiving at yesterday’s Elizabeth Dole Foundation National Convening on Military and Veteran Caregiving in Washington, D.C. The Foundation organized the event, sponsored by TriWest Healthcare Alliance, to create a blueprint for action in response to its 2024 RAND study, which revealed that 14.3 million Americans are caring for a wounded, ill, or injured service member or veteran, and that alarming gaps in resources and support persist. The study also revealed for the first time that 100 million+ Americans are engaged in caregiving, meaning one-third of our nation’s population is impacted.
“This year’s convening was a catalytic moment for the future of the caregiving movement,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “We brought together caregivers, their care recipients, and leaders across all sectors of society to lay the groundwork for a national blueprint to better meet the needs of caregivers across the country.”
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins opened his remarks by announcing that the VA was ahead of schedule on implementing many of the major provisions of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. The Secretary then delivered a powerful address about the emotions of caregiving by sharing his own experience caring for his daughter who lives with spina bifida. Looking to the Convening’s participants, Secretary Collins said, “What you are doing here matters. What you are doing is leading the world.”
U.S. Senator David McCormick and The Honorable Dina Powell McCormick participated in an insightful discussion about the lessons of mentoring and leadership from their book Who Believed in You: How Purposeful Mentorship Changes the World. During the conversation, Ms. Powell shared her advice to emerging women leaders who disproportionately manage family and caregiving responsibilities. Senator McCormick expressed hope for bipartisanship around policies supporting military and veteran families, emphasizing that, “Nothing says more about a country than how they treat those who serve.”
Later in the day, U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego echoed similar optimism for bipartisanship and praised the VA’s Caregiver Support Program, especially resources that give caregivers a break from their daily responsibilities and protection from financial stress. The Senator also spoke about his own experience with PTSD and survivor’s guilt, explaining that when luck keeps you alive, you cannot help but ask, “why me?”
As part of the event, the Foundation presented the Congressional Champion Award to both Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA), whom the Foundation heralded for their persistence in advancing the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, a comprehensive package of legislation signed into law earlier this year, providing life-changing and life-saving support to millions across the greater veterans’ community.
The Foundation organized the convening around the four key pillars of its strategic plan: emotional and mental wellness; economic mobility; caregiving youth and families; and supportive care ecosystems. Caregivers and their children shared their personal experiences and insights around these issues before Alexandra Drane, co-founder of ARCHANGELS, delivered an energizing presentation about the daily challenges of caregiving and the value of caregivers’ devotion to their loved ones.
David J. McIntyre, President and CEO of TriWest Healthcare Alliance, shared a message about the vital role of caregivers in the health and recovery of those who serve before introducing surprise guest, retired Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry, a Medal of Honor recipient from the war in Afghanistan. Sergeant First Class Petry delivered a message that served as a powerful undertone for the convening, asking participants to “stay united in this country that we love.”
About the Elizabeth Dole Foundation
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers–the spouses, parents, family members, and friends—who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans at home. Founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its support and advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit, and faith communities to recognize military caregivers’ service and promote their well-being. The Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and provides a network for military caregivers to connect with their peers and access carefully vetted resources. Visit elizabethdolefoundation.org for more information.