America's Hidden War Heroes: 'We Can Survive'

WASHINGTON -- As America's fallen members of the military are being remembered this Memorial Day, many are taking time to recognize the hidden heroes -- those who take care of wounded veterans when they come home.

In Washington, many people are advocating for more support for the spouses of veterans who have to leave their careers to become full-time caregivers for our injured soldiers.

Various resources are available for veterans, but few programs help those who dedicate their lives to caring for them.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation has been working to recognize the hidden heroes who provide care and support for wounded veterans.

"America cannot adequately care for our wounded warriors if we cannot care for their caregivers," former Sen. Elizabeth Dole said. "While they may not always wear a uniform, we've made it clear caregivers definitely serve too."

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation brought caregivers and lawmakers together recently to discuss what can be done to support these hidden heroes.

One caregiver gave a heartwarming testimony about the struggles she faced after her husband returned from Afghanistan as a quadriplegic.

"Caregivers need people that we can talk to, that we can say anything, just to help us understand our situation," Shannon Tuimaleali'fano, from Florida, said. "We, as caregivers, we need to know that we can survive, our families can survive. We also need to know that they can thrive."

Kathleen Causey, from Alabama, a caregiver whose husband lost both his legs in Afghanistan, gave an inspiring message about overcoming tough issues, like his infertility, when her husband returned.

"We are here because we have voices, stories, and vast experience that can be shared with others to empower our fellow caregivers and call America to our side," she said.

First Lady Michelle Obama, an outspoken advocate for military families, said this is a bipartisan issue everyone can support.

"All of the caregivers here today understand how your life can be flipped upside down in an instant," the first lady said. "It can be isolating and physically and emotionally exhausting."

Mrs. Obama also said there needs to be more awareness about resources available to caregivers.

"We've got to make sure that our caregivers understand those resources exist and are able to find them," she said.

Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen and Sen. Dole spoke about the important role the faith community can play in supporting caregivers.

"When you hear the stories, you can't help but feel compassion and want to help as well," Osteen said. "So that's why when we made it available to people in the faith community, you know, you can't say no."

"It's important to get the word out to raise awareness and then find solutions both short term and long term to help these caregivers with what may be decades of work," he continued. "They're heroes too, no question about it."