Danette G. is a grandmother, a Veteran, and a Caregiver to her husband, Gabriel, a United States Marine Corps Veteran. Danette met Gabriel after he had been injured in service and became an above-the-knee amputee. Balancing her own needs can be challenging, as she takes on both physical and emotional Caregiver duties for her husband. Danette focuses on managing her husband's health while motivating him to stay active through pursuits like Jiu Jitsu, helping him navigate the profound challenges of life as an amputee. Danette says no one quite understands her like other Caregivers, which is why the Caregiver Program has changed her life! As The Independence Fund recognizes the Month of the Military Caregiver, it is essential to understand the realities of life for wounded heroes and those who care for them. It is not enough to provide basic support - Caregivers regularly go above and beyond, and they need support, too. The Independence Fund’s Caregiver and Family program is designed to support the unsung heroes behind our nation's heroes by providing a foundation for support and respite through life-changing retreats. Show your support today by donating: https://give.independencefund.org/social #BeyondTheCall #BeyondTheCall2025 #Caregivers #MilitaryCaregivers #MonthoftheMilitaryCaregiver #Veteran #VeteranCaregivers (fb)

Beth S. is a stay-at-home mother of two children and a Caregiver for her husband Justin, a United States Marine Corps Veteran. While leading his unit on a deployment, an improvised explosive device was detonated. Knowing the territory was dangerous, Justin put himself in the first Humvee, with the hope of protecting his men in case an explosion occurred. However, the IED struck the second vehicle instead, missing Justin but leaving him with emotional scars. After 20 years of infantry service, Justin’s body had undergone considerable wear and tear. He lives with several invisible issues affecting his back, joints, and more. Beth works daily to help Justin take care of himself, their family, and Justin’s service dog. It was through The Independence Fund’s Caregiver program that Beth realized the work she does makes her a Caregiver. Despite some of Justin’s wounds being invisible, Beth is still mentally on the clock, always. As The Independence Fund recognizes the Month of the Military Caregiver, it is important to understand the realities of life for wounded heroes and those who care for them. It is not enough to provide basic support. Caregivers regularly go above and beyond, and they need support, too. The Independence Fund’s Caregiver and Family program is designed to support the unsung heroes behind our nation's heroes by providing a foundation for support and respite through life-changing retreats. Show your support today by donating: https://give.independencefund.org/social #BeyondTheCall #BeyondTheCall2025 #Caregivers #MilitaryCaregivers #MonthoftheMilitaryCaregiver #Veteran #VeteranCaregivers (fb)