Honoring Caregivers: Heroes Caring for Heroes podcast series

November is a month of remembrance and gratitude. We honor our brave military members on Veterans Day and Remembrance Day. This month also recognizes over 90 million caregivers in the U.S. during National Family Caregivers Month.

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver is grateful to present Heroes Caring for Heroes this November. This series honors military members on Veterans Day and recognizes 14.3 million military caregivers in the United States during National Family Caregivers Month. This special series focuses on the caregivers who support our Veterans and military personnel. These heroes will share their brave caregiving journeys and discuss the challenges of caring for loved ones with both the seen and unseen scars of military life.

The Heroes Caring for Heroes podcast series includes four episodes featuring military caregivers. Featured guests include:

Angelena and Benjamin Taylor

At 28, Detroit native and Ms. USA World Universal Ambassador Angelena Taylor became her father’s caregiver after a stroke left him unable to walk or speak. While completing her studies, she managed his care and helped him regain speech, sparking her advocacy work with organizations like Caring Across Generations and The Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

Dr. Qwynn Galaway-Salazar and Jose Salazar

In August 2023, Qwynn received a call from her husband, Jose, a retired combat Veteran. He was facing a major medical emergency. During long days in the hospital, a diagnosed palsy severely impacted his mobility and vision. Sadly, no one asked, “Have you served?” Qwynn shares her story to help others feeling the weight and loneliness of caregiving.

Bob and Gretchen Evans

Robert “Bob” Evans, with 25.5 years of military service, now cares for his wife Gretchen, who was severely wounded in Afghanistan. Despite her injuries, they married soon after her release from the hospital. Bob’s devotion empowers Gretchen to become a nationally recognized advocate for service members and Veterans.

Thom and Jack DeLeuw

Paratrooper Jack DeLeuw survived a serious motorcycle crash but later suffered another that left him paralyzed. His father, Thom, a 6-year Army Veteran, retired to become a certified caregiver. They start each day with a morning brief, and Jack credits his father for his participation in events like the Warrior Games.

Crystal and JP Lane

JP Lane was severely injured in Afghanistan in 2011, losing both legs to an IED explosion. With Crystal’s support, JP has become a motivational speaker, musician and adaptive sports athlete. Their story is a testament to resilience, love and determination.

You will also find four educational episodes that provide valuable resources for military caregivers, helping them find support and understanding, from VA, Restoration Alliance, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.

The podcast series will premiere on October 29th, with new episodes every Tuesday through November 26th. Educational episodes will begin on October 31st, airing every Thursday through November 28th.

The series will feature a Mid-November one-hour program produced by PBS Appalachia. This discussion-style show will air nationally, bringing together the podcast guest and their loved ones to share insights and experiences.

This series is made possible by the generous sponsorship of CVS Health, Tena, Fisher House, Summit Behavioral Healthcare, and CareForward. Without their support, sharing these important stories would not be possible.

We invite you to listen to these heartfelt stories that highlight the struggles, resilience, and love of our military caregivers. Heroes Caring for Heroes is more than just a series; it’s a celebration of the strength and dedication of caregivers. This series aims to raise awareness of their vital role in the lives of our Veterans. Don’t miss the PBS special airing on your local PBS station and online. These inspiring stories will remind us all of the power of love and commitment.