Military Caregivers and Families Find Support Through Ohio Conference
DAYTON, Ohio — April honors the resilience of military children, while May shines a light on the unsung heroes behind wounded veterans: their caregivers. Across the U.S., more than 14 million family members and friends step into this vital role, often without knowing the resources available to them.
For Sandy and Doug Barnum, caregiving became a way of life after Doug’s prostate cancer diagnosis—a consequence of his two tours in Vietnam during his 23-year Air Force career. “The doctor told her she’d be planning a funeral, not taking me home,” Doug recalled. Instead, Sandy became his “Guardian Angel,” navigating their new reality with support from organizations like the VA Caregiver Support Program and Blue Star Families.
Now, Blue Star Families Dayton is helping others like the Barnums by hosting Hearts of Service: A Caregiver Connection Conference on May 16 at Antioch University’s Yellow Springs Campus. The free event aims to connect caregivers with scholarships, home modification assistance, and peer support.
A Lifeline for Caregivers
Geri Maples, Executive Director of Blue Star Families Dayton, understands the struggle firsthand. As a caregiver to her disabled veteran husband, she pushed for Ohio’s Hidden Hero Scholarship, signed into law in 2023. The program allows caregivers to pursue education tuition-free at participating schools.
“Many don’t realize these opportunities exist,” Maples said. “We want to remind caregivers: Don’t forget your pre-caregiver self. You still have goals.”
How to Get Involved
The conference will feature workshops, VA representatives, and networking opportunities. For Doug Barnum, the support has been life-changing—from home ramps to veteran meet-ups. “You don’t realize how much help is out there,” he said.
His next mission? Watching his eight-year-old granddaughter graduate. “That’s my goal,” he said with a smile. “And nothing’s gonna stop me.”
Event Details:
- When: May 16, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Where: Antioch University, Yellow Springs Campus
- Registration: Blue Star Families Dayton
— Reported by Nexio News
