NEW LONDON PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR MILITARY CAREGIVERS

New London — Mayor Michael Passero has announced City Council approval of a resolution that pledges the city’s support to the military and veteran caregivers in the community by becoming a Hidden Heroes City.

The Hidden Heroes Cities Program is part of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign launched last fall by Sen. Dole, Campaign Chair Tom Hanks and over 50 military caregivers representing virtually every state.

Hidden Heroes raises awareness about the issues military caregivers face, brings critical resources to our nation’s “hidden heroes” caring for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, and connects military caregivers to a community of their peers.

New London joined the campaign as the 114th community to sign on as a Hidden Heroes City, one of the campaign’s key national initiatives designed to develop military caregiver resources at a local level. Each Hidden Heroes City helps identify local military caregivers and deepens community resources to offer them vital support.

The city’s New London Veteran Affairs Advisory Committee is the point of contact for the program. It will be working to identify military and veteran caregivers residing in the community. It will work to ensure that government, organizations, employers and nonprofits are aware of the unique challenges of military and veteran caregivers and are encouraged to create supportive environments and opportunities for assistance. In addition, they will plan an annual observance to honor the community’s military and veteran caregivers.

Individuals caring for someone who served, or who wish to support the program, can contact the NLVA office at (860) 440-6691. The office is on the third floor of City Hall.