Washington, D.C. – The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is proud to announce and welcome celebrity stage and screen actor Joe Mantegna as the newest Hidden Heroes Ambassador. Mantegna will serve as a national spokesperson and advocate for the Hidden Heroes Campaign which raises awareness and strengthens support services for the nation’s 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers.
Mantegna is widely known for his celebrated, award-winning acting career in popular television shows, movies, and stage productions. Off screen, he is recognized for his extensive work advocating for veterans and those serving in uniform. As a Hidden Heroes Ambassador, Mantegna will rally military organizations and local communities to help meet the needs and challenges military caregivers face on a daily basis.
“We are delighted to welcome Joe Mantegna to the Hidden Heroes family as an Ambassador,” said Foundation President Senator Elizabeth Dole. “The commitment he has demonstrated to the military community is remarkable, and we look forward to working with him as we continue to build a network of support for our Hidden Heroes.”
The Hidden Heroes program is a multi-year, multi-faceted campaign that provides a safe space for military caregivers to share their untold stories, challenges they face, and long-term resources they are lacking to aid their wounded, ill or injured service member or veteran. Through this network, organizations, communities, government leaders, and celebrities encourage others at the grassroots and national level to collectively raise awareness and provide positive change for these military families.
“It’s an honor to join forces with Senator Elizabeth Dole and her Foundation as a Hidden Heroes Ambassador,” said Joe Mantegna upon accepting the Ambassadorship. “Growing up in a military family myself, I understand the importance of having a supportive community behind you. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s commitment to improving veteran and caregiver services is vital and I look forward to carrying out that mission, while urging Americans to take action.”
Mantegna is a Tony Award winner and a three-time Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor. His on-stage roles have included his acclaimed performance as Richard Roma in David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Glengarry Glen Ross. He has performed in dozens of movies, such as Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather III and Steven Zaillian’s Searching for Bobby Fischer. Among his ongoing projects, Mantegna stars in CBS’ Criminal Minds, and hosts and produces Midway USA’s Gun Stories on the Outdoor Channel.
Inspired by his military family, Mantegna supports a number of veterans and military organizations. Memorial Day 2018 marked the 17th year he has co-hosted or performed at the National Memorial Day Concert on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
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Senator Elizabeth Dole, President of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Joe Mantegna, actor and Hidden Heroes Ambassador at the 2017 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. (Photo courtesy of: Elizabeth Dole Foundation)
