We Need to Do More for Military and Veteran Caregivers | Letter

Originally published in The State Journal-Register

By Dr. Corinne Hinton
Dole Caregiver Fellow Alum, Illinois

As a Dole Caregiver Fellow living in Illinois, returning to Washington, DC for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Heroes & History Makers celebration reminds me why I continue sharing my family’s story. I’ve been military-connected my entire life —as the daughter of two Air Force veterans, and later as the wife of my husband, Tyron, a Marine Corps infantryman who completed multiple combat deployments. During his deployment to Afghanistan, Tyron was within the blast radius of a rocket-propelled grenade while trying to reach an injured Marine. His injuries—TBI, PTSD, chronic pain, migraines, and lasting cognitive impairments—went largely untreated until after his retirement.

Today, I’m his caregiver while raising our son with special needs, working full-time in academia, supporting my aging parents, and advocating for veterans and their families through my research and community service. Like many caregivers in smaller communities, I juggle these responsibilities with few coordinated resources.

That’s why leaders across Illinois must do more to support the 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers nationwide—including those living right here at home. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes campaign ensures caregivers aren’t navigating this journey alone. When caregivers have the support they need, our veterans and communities thrive.