Pittsburgh VA joined state and local officials in encouraging Pennsylvanians to support caretakers of Veterans, the hidden heroes among us.
Pittsburgh VA hosted an event on its H.J. Heinz III campus announcing recent legislative action designating Pennsylvania a Hidden Heroes Commonwealth. Hidden Heroes works through the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to ensure caregivers of Veterans and service members have access to resources such as Pittsburgh VA’s Caregiver Support Program (CSP).
Director Donald Koenig said the medical center has expanded and improved its CSP in the six years since Allegheny County signed on as a Hidden Heroes Community in 2017. “To us, they are more than caregivers. They are our partners. They are our teammates. They are hidden heroes,” Koenig said.
Keynote speaker and Pennsylvania Adjutant General Mark J. Schindler encouraged all Pennsylvanians to support military and Veteran caregivers. “It is not easy to care for others. It can be physically, emotionally and even financially draining. As a Hidden Heroes Commonwealth, we are all responsible to do anything in our power to ensure caregivers have the resources needed to keep caring for their loved ones,” Schindler said.
“He exemplifies the definition of a hidden hero.”
Officials presented caregiver and Elizabeth Dole Foundation fellow Robert Grier Jr. with citations from the Pennsylvania House and Senate. Grier, who cares for his father—Air Force Veteran Robert Grier Sr.—represented all caregivers across Pennsylvania.
Jamie DaPos, Pittsburgh VA’s CSP manager, described Grier Jr. as a compassionate caretaker for his father and a strong voice for all caretakers. “He strives every day to do anything he can to support his dad and ensure he receives the best care possible. He exemplifies the definition of a hidden hero,” DaPos said.
Grier Jr. said VA Pittsburgh and the Dole Foundation have been invaluable resources for his family and all the caregivers they serve.
DaPos and the medical center’s CSP staff maintain the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) and Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) for Pittsburgh-area caregivers.
PGCSS provides peer support mentoring, skills training, coaching, telephone support, online programs and referrals to available resources to caregivers of Veterans. The program adds a monthly stipend, access to health care insurance, mental health counseling, certain beneficiary travel benefits and respite care.
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Pittsburgh sounds like they have a very good, very strong supportive and striving Caregivers Support Program, and Hidden Heros of the Commonwealth of PA.
I wish this support and Hidden Heros information was better known to other VA clinics and Caregivers that are in the program, where the program is trying to remove many “legacy participants ” who have remained tier 3 as needed, at the end of 2025. What can we do?
I think this is wonderful. In Illinois where my disabled veteran and myself live alone, I was told I have to get training to be his caregiver. I don’t have time for training I’ve been taking care of him for most of our life together as a married couple. This in my opinion is totally stupid.
I’m a Veteran this program not stupid. I believe deep inside that it is not getting enough support and or attention. The stigma is real out here in America don’t support those who have paved the way to secure our nation. I understand not having time I have special needs child and I am disabled with a caregiver support group comprised mostly with family members and doctors. Do not share this program is stupid please uplift become a lifter not a leaner. We need You! You are Loved!!
I am a new caregiver myself and was worried how I would go to classes. I did all of mine online and at my own pace. Just wanted to make sure that you knew that was an option. Best of luck to you and your husband.