MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — There are 5.5 Million military caregivers across the United States who are challenged to take care of the health needs of family and loved ones who served. 

What You Need To Know

  • Middletown has committed to becoming the 161st Hidden Heroes City in the U.S. 

  • The Maples family in Middletown is a shining example of a caregiving family
  • The campaign backed by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation aims to support military caregiving families

So to increase the amount of support and awareness, communities across the country are pledging to become Hidden Heroes Cities by way of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. 

Middletown is the 161st city to join the campaign aimed at creating support and awareness for caregiving families. 

A great example of the dedication and unconditional love showed by a military caregiving family can be found in Middletown. 

Dr. Geri Lynn Maples cares for her husband of 30 years, retired Army National Guardsman Robert Maples, who suffered a traumatic brain injury while in service. The injury has impacted his health since returning home to the U.S. 

“It all pretty much started in ’07, I guess, where I wasn’t getting treatment, which I was supposed to get treatment when I got home,” Robert said. 

Robert suffers from PTSD, back and knee issues and heart problems. All of these issues require he has a dedicated caregiver. Geri Lynn never hesitated to fill the role. 

“It’s just something I jumped into doing right when Robert came home, which seems like yesterday, but actually was 16.5 years ago,” Geri Lynn said. “Which has become part of our daily routine.”

Part of that routine includes checking his blood pressure and making sure he’s taking his medications, as well as scheduling all of his appointments to stay on top of his health concerns. 

“He’s my husband and he really just kind of needs me and it’s really not just me, it’s a whole household kind of thing,” Geri Lynn said.  

Geri Lynn is the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow for 2020 and said it’s important for families going through the same situations to know what help is available. 

“Just having those resources and knowing that there’s people out there to support us and encourage us and help make our life just a little bit easier is a tremendous honor to do that,” she said.  

And it’s something her husband of 30 years is so grateful for.

“She’s always there to try to calm me down,” Robert said. “My kids too.” 

Individuals caring for someone who served, or those who wish to support the campaign can visit HiddenHeroes.org for more information.

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