The city of San Diego will help lead a campaign launched Tuesday by the foundation of former Sen. Elizabeth Dole to recognize and support caregivers to members of the armed forces and veterans.
The “Hidden Heroes” campaign is being chaired by actor Tom Hanks. Former network news anchor Tom Brokaw, the author of “The Greatest Generation,” will also play a leading role.
“We’re talking about human beings in one of the greatest love stories that has ever been told,” Hanks said at a launch event in Washington, D.C. “We must be a nation who cares for those that give care.”
Mayor Kevin Faulconer said San Diego, home to around 330,000 active-duty military and veterans, was the first city selected to join the campaign.
“San Diego is home to a proud military community, so when Senator Dole asked me and our city to help Hidden Heroes, there was no question that we would not only join the cause but help lead it,” Faulconer said.
“The blueprint San Diego develops will be a template for cities across the nation to follow,” Faulconer said. “Much of the conversation about veterans care is focused on Washington, but the reality is family members are often the first in line to care for veterans. This is why cities should be the first in line to support these hidden heroes.”
A steering committee will develop a blueprint for how cities and local governments can raise awareness and support the men and women who care for veterans and military personnel. The steering committee is composed of caregivers and local organizations.
Hidden Heroes will include a public service announcement featuring Hanks with a military caregiver and her family; the launch of HiddenHeroes.org to be an online hub for caregivers; and formation of a network of 50 cities that will provide support.
In California, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland and San Francisco will join San Diego in the city network.
The foundation estimated that 5.5 million people care for military members and veterans around the U.S.
Faulconer and other regional leaders are in the nation’s capital on a trip led by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
— City News Service
