Washington, D.C. – The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is pleased to announce its 2019 class of Dole Caregiver Fellows. More than 25 military and veteran caregivers will join the nearly 170 past and present Dole Caregiver Fellows representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia to bring attention to the tremendous challenges facing America’s 5.5 million hidden heroes – the spouses, parents, family members, and loved ones who provide more than $14 billion in voluntary care for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans every year.
Dole Caregiver Fellows are advocates and ambassadors for military caregivers in their communities and across the nation. They are trained by the Foundation and empowered to share their stories and perspectives directly with the White House, Congress, Department of Veterans Affairs, and other government agencies, as well as leaders in the business, entertainment, and nonprofit sectors. They advise the Foundation, its coalition partners, and government and community leaders on the most pressing issues concerning military caregivers and influence positive change on behalf of these hidden heroes.
“The Foundation is thrilled to welcome our seventh class of Dole Caregiver Fellows to join us in our mission,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “Our Fellows come from different backgrounds but share the same story of strength and resilience in caring for their wounded warriors. They are the heart and soul of our Foundation, lending their experiences and wisdom to support our work on behalf of military caregivers nationwide. We are beyond grateful for their willingness to step forward as advocates for their fellow hidden heroes.”
This year’s Dole Caregiver Fellows class includes loved ones whose service members and veterans represent all branches of service and different eras of peace and conflict. They represent 20 states and the District of Columbia. The 2019 class includes an Air Force Reservist caring for her veteran husband, a nonprofit founder who makes care packages for other caregivers, and a mother caring for her son across state lines.
The 2019 Dole Caregiver Fellows include:
- Alana Centilli-Cropwell, Alabama
- Kelly Hunsucker- Stockton, California
- Briarly Wilson- Murrieta, California
- Krystle Hamlett- Aguanga, California
- Kimberly Brown- Granby, Connecticut
- Colleen Rose- Washington, District of Columbia
- Lori Smith Starnes- Waikoloa, Hawaii
- Ililani Foree-Kamuela, Hawaii
- Theresa Coomer- Paw Paw, Illinois
- Melinda Smith-Pace- Bettendorf, Iowa
- Patti Walker- Junction City, Kansas
- Nancy Kules- Severna Park, Maryland
- Stephanie Hall- Mount Pleasant, Michigan
- Rachel Moyers- Smithville, Missouri
- Andrea Dorsey- Omaha, Nebraska
- Tera Sanderson- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Katie Butterfield- Plaistow, New Hampshire
- Maggie Bristol- Pennellville, New York
- Shirley Stanton- Alden, New York
- Sarah Roses- Stanley, North Dakota
- Consuelo Bulawan-Jessop- North Providence, Rhode Island
- Caira Benson- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Lara Garey- Cedar Park, Texas
- Deborah Elliott- Fairfax, Virginia
- Connie Ozmer- Bonney Lake, Washington
- Helen Yourchuck- Luck, Wisconsin
If you are interested in conducting an interview with any of the 2019 Dole Caregiver Fellows, or with a spokesperson from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, please contact Austin Courtney at [email protected].
About the Elizabeth Dole Foundation & Hidden Heroes
Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military 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 www.hiddenheroes.org for more information.
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