The American Legion Auxiliary is a community of volunteers that focus, and serve veterans, military and their families. “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up,” per Mark Twain, an American writer once shared. The Menominee American Legion Auxiliary Unit 146 members attempt to do this on a regular basis.

However, there has not been enough emphasis on the caregiver, adults and youth, that aid others with extra assistance such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, hospice, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), immobility, incontinence, etc., while taking care of a veteran, father, mother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, etc. The caregiver experiences a range of emotions from anger, anxiety, depression, sadness and loneliness. Unless you are, or have been, a caregiver, you will not understand the job it entails as you need to keep up with the cares of children, home, job, etc.

Since the majority of caregivers do not get paid, and need to work, children often miss school to assist in the caregiving of a family member.

The question is, “How can we help the caregiver?”

We can volunteer to give them a break, cook a meal, do errands, visit and enjoy a cup of coffee or take them out.

Extend appreciation, support and love to the caregiver.

In addition, resources are now becoming more available for the caregiver, as reported in the March 2025 Military Officer magazine. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans and Benefits Improvement Act was signed into law by then-President Joe Biden on Jan. 2, and consisted of 90 pieces of legislation developed throughout the 118th Congress, providing relief to veterans and families. Some key benefits are as follows —

— Home Care and Caregiver Support: Full coverage for home nursing care.

— Mental health grants for caregivers.

— Streamlined application processes to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for caregivers.

— Expanded support programs: Offers training, financial aid and mental health resources for caregivers not eligible for the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

— Home Health Aides: Can hire nursing assistants for in-home care.

Additional resources: VA Caregiver Support Line 1-855-260-3274; www.caregiver.va.gov; AARP, call 877-333-5885; Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 855-ASK-MICH; Veterans Administration benefits, 800-827-1000; or contact your state representative for concerns.

In addition, a Caregiver Retreat is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 12 at Raven Wood Gardens on Highway M-35 in Menominee. It will feature workshops, speaker and lunch. The non-profit Raven Wood provides garden therapy that helps veterans and caregivers find a sense of peace through gardening. For more information, contact 715-923-9362 or go online to www.ravenwoodgardens.org.