(BPT) - "You're sitting at home one night and get a phone call that your husband is being medevaced and he's coming home. They said it was for spinal injuries," recalled Mandy Spooneybarger, 36, caregiver to her husband, Charles, an Army veteran. "You have to live in your new normal. It's stressful. It's isolating. You have to let go of what you had. That is the hardest part. Sometimes it takes years. You can find strength from the person you are caring for. If you can, find other support."
One place to find that support has been the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), the world's largest women's patriotic service
Addressing the Needs of Caregivers helping Our Military, Veteran Heroes
Article by American Legion Auxiliary (ALA),
organization. The organization recently received a grant from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Hidden Heroes Campaign for innovative and evidence-based programs that address the long-term needs of military caregivers, spouses, parents and loved ones caring for service members and veterans at home.
Veterans depend on caregivers
"The ALA recognizes that many veterans depend daily on their dedicated caregivers," said Kathy Dungan, national president of the organization. "We recognize how important it is to support caregivers and address the unique