American Legion welcomes VA’s establishment of Elizabeth Dole Caregiver Center

American Legion National Commander Brett P. Reistad praised the Department of Veterans Affairs for its latest initiative to support caregivers of disabled veterans.

“The American Legion has always believed that it is not just veterans who serve and sacrifice for our nation, but their families as well,” Reistad said. “We are very pleased that VA recently announced the funding for and creation of the aptly named Elizabeth Dole Center of Excellence for Veteran and Caregiver Research. Just last month, we honored Sen. Elizabeth Dole with The American Legion Distinguished Service Medal for her leadership and advocacy on behalf of the nation’s 5.5 million military and veterans caregivers. Most of the time this care is provided by loving family members. These caregivers need a strong support network to provide for their wellbeing. The National Executive Committee of The American Legion unanimously passed a resolution in 2017, which calls for the establishment of a caregiver program. This has also been a longtime recommendation of our own national TBI / PTSD Committee. We are pleased that the VA Mission Act signed by the president is working toward delivering equal benefits for all caregivers.”