WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 18, 2019) – Senators Elizabeth and Bob Dole will host the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s second annual Heroes and History Makers, a special evening honoring military and veteran caregivers, on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at 7 p.m. at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama will be honored as the inaugural recipient of the Tom Hanks Caregiver Champion Award for outstanding support of military caregivers.
Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Phil Roe will receive the Congressional Caregiver Champion Award in recognition of their leadership on military caregiver issues on Capitol Hill.
Also participating in the evening will be Tom Hanks, chair of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign, Savannah Guthrie, TODAY co-anchor and Hidden Heroes Ambassador, and there will be a special performance by singer Rita Wilson.
*** Elizabeth Dole and Tom Hanks will take media questions related to military caregiving in an informal press briefing during a ceremony break***
***Elizabeth Dole, Foundation leaders and military caregivers are available for interviews***
MEDIA ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS
All media will need to arrive at the appointed time below. Please bring a government issued photo I.D. and official media credential.
● 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Anthem, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Media must RSVP in advance due to expected interest. RSVPs and interview requests should be sent to Dan Gregory at dgregory@susandavis.com.
USAA is the presenting sponsor of Heroes and History Makers. More than 80 military caregivers from across the nation will be in attendance.
Senator Elizabeth Dole was the first to call the nation’s attention to the 5.5 million Americans caring for a wounded, ill or injured service member at home.Military caregivers face increased emotional and physical stress, financial and legal troubles, employment difficulties and feelings of isolation due to the enormous responsibility and severe lack of resources for those caring for someone who served. The Foundation is committed to recognizing, supporting and empowering America’s hidden heroes.
Heroes and History Makers is a part of a week of events hosted by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation that will bring military caregivers from across the country to Washington, D.C. Other events include the 4th Annual National Convening for Military and Veteran Caregivers, “Hidden Heroes Among Us: Inspiring Community Action in the Caregiver Journey” co-hosted by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Philips on October 21 at the Capitol Hilton. On October 22, more than 80 Dole Caregiver Fellows will meet with Members of Congress on Capitol Hill.
Photos will be available after the event.
Heroes and History Makers is possible with additional support from AARP, Ambassador C. Boyden Gray, Anne Lantry, Bill Graham, Boeing, Booz Allen Hamilton., Bristol Myers-Squibb, Cerner, Comcast/NBC Universal, Constellation Brands, Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, FedEx, Hilton, HomeInstead Senior Care, Humana, Jacqueline Mars, Modern Technology Solutions Inc (and Phil Soucy), Newman’s Own Foundation, Philips, Pritzker Military Museum & Library, Prudential, SCI, Social Driver, TriWest, Wells Fargo and Wounded Warrior Project.