By Tom Palladino and Linda Mais
As leaders, veterans and families gather in El Paso this week for Borderplex events focused on strengthening our region, it is worth recognizing a group whose work too often goes unseen. Across West Texas, military and veteran caregivers sustain the people who once wore the uniform — and they do it quietly, day after day.
But that is beginning to change. Across Texas and here in El Paso, caregivers are stepping forward — coming out of the shadows — to share their stories, advocate for resources and help strengthen the communities they serve. With the support of state and local officials, their voices are shaping policies, programs and partnerships that recognize caregiving as essential work, not invisible labor.
Texas is home to more than 1.5 million veterans — the largest veteran population in the nation. In El Paso County, tens of thousands of veterans call this community home, many connected to Fort Bliss and the broader Borderplex. Behind many of them stands a spouse, parent, sibling, adult child or friend providing daily care.
Military and veteran caregivers manage medications, coordinate appointments, assist with mobility and track symptoms that can change by the hour. They navigate complex benefits systems, advocate in medical settings, and provide emotional support for visible and invisible wounds. Many do this while balancing full-time jobs, raising children and trying to keep the lights on.
Nationwide, more than 14 million Americans care for wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans. Many receive little formal training or compensation. The economic value of this unpaid care has been estimated in billions of dollars annually. Yet its true value is measured in stability — keeping families intact and veterans engaged in their communities.
In El Paso, that stability matters. Caregivers help veterans remain in their homes, stay connected to work and school, and maintain relationships that protect against isolation. When caregivers have support, veterans are more likely to keep appointments, adhere to treatment and find a path forward. When caregivers are stretched to the breaking point, the whole household feels it — and so does the community.
Still, many caregivers do not identify themselves by that title. They see their work simply as love or duty. In doing so, they may miss resources that can help with financial strain, emotional stress, legal planning and the daily problem-solving that caregiving requires.
Research consistently shows caregivers face elevated stress and workplace strain, and support makes a difference. Resources like Caregiving in the U.S. document these pressures. National organizations such as the Elizabeth Dole Foundation offer peer networks and tools designed specifically for military and veteran caregivers — so people understand they are not alone.
Employers, healthcare providers, faith communities, and civic leaders can help, too. Flexible workplace policies keep experienced employees on the job. Including caregivers as part of the health care team improves outcomes. And simple acts — checking in, offering a ride, watching the kids for an hour — reduce isolation more than people realize.
Borderplex has long been defined by resilience and shared responsibility. Supporting caregivers reflects those same values. It intersects with workforce participation, healthcare delivery and regional economic strength — because when a caregiver can stay healthy and steady, the veteran and the household are more likely to do the same.
If you are caring for a veteran, your work matters. You deserve support, not silence. If you know someone in that role, ask what would actually help — and encourage them to connect with available resources.
At the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), we see firsthand how caregivers sustain not only veterans, but entire families. Supporting them is essential to our mission of ensuring every Texas veteran, and those who stand beside them, have access to the care and resources they have earned. As the state agency charged with advocating for Texas veterans and their families, we connect caregivers and veterans to critical support, including claims assistance, education resources, women veterans program services, mental health resources, employment services andgrant-funded programs delivered through trusted local organizations.
Our TVC grants department has awarded millions in grants to nonprofit organizations across Texas that provide direct support to veterans and caregivers — including counseling, financial assistance, housing assistance, and peer support. These partnerships ensure help reaches veterans and caregivers in communities like El Paso and throughout the Borderplex region.
Texas leads the nation in veteran population. We can also lead in recognizing and supporting those who care for them — because when we strengthen the caregiver, we strengthen the veteran and the community around them.
Tom Palladino has served as the Executive Director of the Texas Veterans Commission since 2010. Linda Mais is the founder of the Borderplex Veteran and Family Caregiver Expo and is an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow. Caregivers, veterans and nonprofit organizations can learn more and connect with dedicated support at www.tvc.texas.gov and https://tvc.texas.gov/grants.
The post Opinion: When we support the caregiver, we strengthen Texas appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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