Letters: Military caregivers need a break

Even though there are 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers in America, we often feel alone in the challenges we face. As an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow representing South Carolina, I am proud to advocate for this incredible community of caregivers, and for the veterans in our lives.

My new normal as a veteran caregiver began when my husband, David, was injured in October 2006 while serving as an Air Force flight medic in Afghanistan. Dave’s post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury made it difficult for him to continue his job. After he was medically retired, I eventually had to leave my full-time position as a registered nurse to care for him.

This is National Family Caregivers Month, centering on the theme of respite care. With the needs of our loved ones taking top priority, caregivers don’t always recognize that we too need a break. Respite care allowed me to attend a retreat with other caregivers, without having to worry about my husband, who had just had nasal surgery. Our respite nurse spoiled my husband rotten while I was gone.

I encourage readers to learn more about the foundation, which provides resources for our growing community of military and veteran caregivers, and for Americans to step up and show their support for these hidden heroes.

This story was originally published November 19, 2015 at 2:14 PM.