Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Dole Honor Veteran Caregivers

State and federal officials joined actor Tom Hanks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Wednesday for the Hidden Heroes campaign that raises awareness for caregivers of military veterans.

Speakers included former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, Indianapolis Major Joe Hogsett, Hanks and Indiana caregiver Jennie Beller.

Dole says that oftentimes caregivers must put their own lives second to care for their loved ones.

“Sometimes, in the course of their service, they are brought down,” Dole says. “When that happens, a caregiver puts aside their own life to lift them back up. It’s one of the greatest love stories ever told.”

The Hidden Heroes Campaign aims to create a connection among of caregivers and local services that can provide assistance.

Hanks, the chair of the Hidden Heroes Campaign, says the rally was not a plea for money, but instead a plea for involvement.

“There is a job you do very well that you can do for one of the hidden heroes,” Hanks says.  “There’s time you have. There’s a lawn you can mow. There’s a car you can drive. There’s a class that you teach that will go to help the hidden heroes. And that’s really what it’s about, you at home saying 'oh, there’s something I can do.'”

The Hidden Heroes Campaign hopes to reach more cities across the nation by establishing rally points. These points would assist by forming a network of caregivers and campaign-affiliated services and organizations.

This luncheon is part of a two-day celebration to recognize the millions of veteran caregivers across the country.