BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — In celebration of May as Military Caregivers Month in Idaho, the Idaho State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (ISSDAR) chapters, together with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Cities & Counties initiative, announce today they have secured the 50th proclamation from an Idaho city or county, in support of military caregivers. This campaign, which began in February, educates Idahoans, county, and city governments about the challenges and struggles of Idaho’s military caregivers. Further supporting education and outreach, the Idaho DAR organization created a website, hiddenheroesidaho.org, as a resource for all Idahoans to learn more about military caregivers and how non-caregivers can provide critical support. The website also helps Idahoans identify themselves as caregivers, locate local and national resources available to assist them, and connect them with supportive government contacts and a national network of caregivers.

Governor Brad Little, who issued a proclamation declaring May 10, 2024, as Daughters of the American Revolution Day in Idaho, noted, “Idaho’s military caregivers provide critical services for our veterans, often without recognition or support. I am pleased to see that our county and city governments are joining forces with the State of Idaho, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and Idaho’s Daughters of the American Revolution to educate all Idahoans on what it means to be a military caregiver and the resources available to support their selfless work.”

Janice Beller, Idaho State DAR Regent, is proud to bring this message to Idaho’s communities, large and small. “We have been overwhelmed in the number of cities and counties who immediately committed this important initiative,” she said. “The first DAR members were also some of the first military caregivers in America, so our service now honors this cherished legacy.”

“Idaho is setting an example for the nation. They are stepping up to show what it means to support military and veteran caregivers. It is thanks to the work of our Dole Caregiver Fellows, like Linzi Andersen, and strong partnerships with local government that we are able to create such an impact for our community,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

About Daughters of the American Revolution

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890. In Idaho, DAR has almost 900 members in 15 chapters in every corner of the State. The current State Regent, Janice Beller, selected Hidden Heroes as an area of focus and service during her two-year term, 2023-2025.

About Elizabeth Dole Foundation

The 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 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. e Foundation’s Hidden Heroes program brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and provides a network for military caregivers to connect with their peers and access resources. Visit www.ElizabethDoleFoundation.org for more information.

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