Yesterday, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Richard Burr (R-NC), members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, attended a hearing about supporting military caregivers and introduced former North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole and Wilmington, NC residents Tom Ward, a veteran diagnosed with ALS, and Mary Ward, his wife and military caregiver, as panelists.
 
Watch the introductions HERE.
 
Later in the hearing, Senator Tillis urged any veterans having issues with the VA to contact the offices of their representatives, noting the need to ensure military caregivers have the support and resources they need.
 
Watch Senator Tillis speak HERE.
 
Former Senator Dole on the value of military caregivers:
“Our goal moving forward is an America where military caregivers are empowered, appreciated and recognized for their service, an America where military caregivers are woven into the very fabric of the nation’s appreciation of our military. And we need the support of each and every American.”
 
Senator Tillis on veterans contacting his office:
“We’ve got a lot of red tape to cut through in the VA and the DoD. Between now and the time we get through it, let your Senate offices in your home states be the scissors. My office recently opened up our 10,000th case and 6,000 have been veteran related. The next time that you deal with the VA on benefits that you’re entitled to and you’re not getting the right answer, let your next phone call be to the senator of your choice in your state. Make it our job because we owe it to you.”
 
Senator Tillis on the need to support military caregivers:
“I really think that we have to touch on the economic case for doing this. If the burden continues to increase on caregivers, then we will have fewer caregivers. And we will end up having to pay a price for less care, and less valuable care, to the veterans.”

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