The service and sacrifice of our military caregiver kids deserves to be supported and recognized

Our service members answer the call to defend America. When they return home wounded, a loved one steps in to care for them—with 5.5 million Americans serving as military and veteran caregivers.

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10: First Lady Dr. Jill Biden holds hands with children of military and veteran caregiving families as she arrives at an event celebrating them in the East Room of the White House on November 10, 2021 in Washington, DC. The event was the first in-person event for First Lady Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) ( ) WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10: Children of military and veteran caregiving families introduce First Lady Dr. Jill Biden in the East Room of the White House on November 10, 2021 in Washington, DC. The event was the first in person event for Dr. Biden's Joining Forces initiative. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) ( ) Right to Left-US First Lady Jill Biden, former Senator Elizabeth Dole, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough listen during an event to honor children in military and veteran caregiving families at the White House in Washington, DC on November 10, 2021. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) ( ) Caregiver kids are strong. They meet the challenges of their lives with courage and resilience—but they are still kids. They, and their families, shouldn’t have to carry the weight of this responsibility alone.  US First Lady Jill Biden, right, speaks with former Senator Elizabeth Dole during an event to honor children in military and veteran caregiving families at the White House in Washington, DC on November 10, 2021. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) ( ) WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10: Former Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) shakes hands with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during an event honoring children in military and veteran caregiving families in the East Room of the White House on November 10, 2021 in Washington, DC. The event was the first in-person event for First Lady Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) ( ) US First Lady Jill Biden speaks during an event to honor children in military and veteran caregiving families at the White House in Washington, DC on November 10, 2021. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) ( )

These "hidden helpers," who often carry adult-sized worries and responsibilities, are a critical piece of the support system that cares for those who return home with visible and invisible wounds of war. Yet, their service and their sacrifice often go unseen.