Johnston County Joins Campaign To Support Hidden Heroes

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – Johnston County has joined the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes initiative.

“The Hidden Heroes are spouses, parents and children providing unpaid essential care to those wounded, ill and injured in military service,” explained Robert Boyette, head of the Johnston County Veterans Services Office. “They’re hidden because they often live in isolation, facing significant physical, emotional and financial strain.”

The Dole Foundation launched the Hidden Heroes campaign to transform how America supports these families, Boyette told Commissioners. “The goal is to identify caregivers in our community, acknowledge their sacrifice and need, and connect those families with local and national resources,” he said.

Register of Deeds Craig Olive brought the Hidden Heroes initiative to the County’s attention, and at his request, Commissioners on April 6 joined the campaign by issuing a proclamation.

“Military and veteran caregivers are an essential part of the support system for those who have served our country,” Olive said. “This proclamation is a small but meaningful way for Johnston County to recognize their sacrifices and ensure they know their service does not go unnoticed.”

Nationwide, more than 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers provide essential, long-term support. Boyette said the proclamation was the first step in recognizing their significant contributions.

“The next step is to identify those in need, followed by mobilizing community businesses, civic and faith organizations to provide support,” he said. By issuing the Hidden Heroes proclamation, Johnston County joins a growing number of communities across the country working to elevate awareness of caregivers as a vital part of the military and veteran support system.