When you strengthen the caregiver, you strengthen Alabama’s veterans: op-ed

This is a guest opinion column

From the shores of Mobile to the hub of Huntsville, Alabama’s foundation is built upon families who answered the call to serve and the spouses and children who shouldered the burden when those veterans returned home. I am proud to be part of that community.

When my husband, Andy, was diagnosed with service-connected ALS, a friend mentioned I would eventually become an advocate for others facing this disease. At the time, that felt like a kindness beyond my reach; I was simply focused on loving him and caring for our family. Andy, an Air Force veteran, was the rock of our household and father to our two daughters. While ALS claimed him this past January—15 years after his diagnosis—the strength he instilled in us remains, as does my commitment to veteran caregiving.

Before his passing, I was one of an estimated 14.3 million Americans supporting a wounded, ill, or injured service member, according to a 2024 RAND study commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. Many of us navigate complex, broken bureaucracies and a world not designed for our needs, providing this care not for a paycheck, but out of necessity and love.

Advocating for Change in Washington

Earlier this month, I joined fellow caregivers in Washington, D.C., with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to advocate for those who support our heroes. I shared my own experience with burnout and the life-saving impact of skilled nursing. Federal support for these families is not a luxury; it is a vital lifeline. Alabama has a deeply rooted veteran community, and our federal leaders must ensure these caregivers and survivors have the resources they deserve.

During that visit, I watched from the gallery as the House passed the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. This bill, which would increase Special Monthly Compensation for our most catastrophically injured veterans and provide needed adjustments to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, now heads to the Senate. I look forward to seeing Sen. Katie Britt and Sen. Tommy Tuberville carry this legislation forward to President Trump’s desk.

Strengthening the Future of Caregivers

The mission continues with other critical priorities. The CHAMPVA Children’s Care Protection Act aims to rectify a coverage gap where children of permanently disabled veterans lose health benefits at age 23, unlike their civilian counterparts who stay covered until 26. Additionally, the bipartisan Veteran Caregiver Re-education, Re-employment, and Retirement Act addresses the long-term financial toll of caregiving. Many caregivers lose retirement contributions, professional certifications, and earning potential while managing the needs of their loved ones. This legislation would provide employment transition assistance, cover relicensing fees, and extend vital health coverage.

These issues transcend party lines. Service members are not wounded based on their political affiliation, and the promise to support them—and their families—should be a shared commitment. When we empower the caregiver, we bolster the veteran and the entire community.

If you find yourself providing care for a veteran fighting a service-connected illness, know that you are not alone. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation offers resources and support through its Hidden Heroes campaign. Returning from Washington, I am energized and hopeful. By working together, Alabama can lead the way in keeping our promise to those who have sacrificed so much.

Lisa Musselman is a 2025 Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow. She lives in Daphne where she cared for her late husband Andy, an Air Force veteran who lived with service-connected ALS and continues to raise their two daughters.