DAYTON, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine has signed a proclamation recognizing Ohio as a Hidden Heroes State in honor of military caregivers. 

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio has become the seventh Hidden Heroes State

  • Gov. DeWine’s office presented a proclamation at a Dragons game Aug. 1

  • Dr. Geri Lynn Maples pushed for this recognition to be made

  • She said its a big step forward for supporting current and future caregivers

Throwing out the first pitch at a baseball game carried special meaning for Dr. Geri Lynn Maples.

It honored her work to get Ohio recognized as a Hidden Heroes State. 

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes campaign launched in 2016, aiming to raise awareness of the issues and challenges military caregivers face every day.

“Gosh it means a lot,” Maples said. “Being the 2020 Elizabeth Dole Fellow that was one of my goals was to get Ohio a Hidden Heroes state. It really does make a difference for all of our military caregivers amongst Ohio.” 

With 5.5 million military caregivers across the U.S., the numerous calls and emails paid off. 

At the Dayton Dragons Veterans Salute game, Maples and 50 members of Blue Star Families were honored in a show of support from the state. 

Maples said this paves the way for future military caregivers to earn the support they need.

“It means preparedness for future caregivers,” Maples said. “That’s what’s really important.” 

Ohio Department of Veterans Services Director Deborah Ashenhurst said this is an important step for military families. 

“All those people behind them that have allowed them to be successful also need that recognition,” Ashenhurst said. “They are the Hidden Heroes.” 

Maples said the baseball game itself gives military families the chance to enjoy an American tradition while spending time together — but it’s also a chance to inspire a greater conversation. 

“So to be here with all these other patrons at the ball game, they can come up and ask me hey what can I do to help? How can I make a difference? And that’s special.” 

For more information on the Hidden Heroes campaign visit the website.

Statement former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole about Ohio's Hidden Heroes designation:

“I’ve seen first-hand the tremendous impact 5.5 million young spouses, mothers, dads, siblings and other loved ones make in the lives of wounded warriors every day, in neighborhoods large and small, in states like Ohio and across the country,” former Dole said. “Today we are one step closer to ensuring that these caregivers are woven into the fabric of our nation’s appreciation of the military. My heartfelt thanks to Governor Mike DeWine and his team for their strong support of military caregivers, America's hidden heroes.”