Member Benefits
Hearts of ValorTM is a network of female caregivers
of wounded, ill or injured service members. Through empathy and
mutual understanding Operation Homefront created this community of
support for those whose lives are forever changed by the wounds of
war, seen and unseen. We offer the following benefits:
Retreats
Throughout the year, we host retreats in cities around the United
States. There is no cost to attend and it's an opportunity to come
together and gain additional tools for successful care-giving.
Additionally, those who attend spend time sharing stories,
networking and connecting to other caregivers in their area.
Care Packages
New members receive a care package that contains items that not
only help welcome them to the program, but also communicates one of
the program's basic tenets; self-care is essential to caring for
others.
Support Groups
Peer-facilitated support groups are hosted in several locations
around the United States. The support groups are not led by
professionals or certified experts instead they are led by
volunteer caregivers willing to serve as facilitators. The goal of
every group is to improve the lives of the individual, who are
caring for wounded warriors.
Online Forums
Our virtual community features an online discussion forum that is
private and protected. Here members can ask any question, share
struggles, successes and encourage each other in their unique
roles. One caregiver recently wrote, "It's nice to know that we're
not crazy and not alone." Caregivers frequently comment that "it is
always great to talk with other wives that have even an inkling of
an idea of what I go through daily!" The forum can be accessed
anywhere there is internet access.
Blog
We host an online blog at www.wifeofawoundedsoldier.com
and it contains the joys and achievements of Cheryl Gansner, the
caregiver of a wounded warrior.
Facebook
Our Facebook site can be found at www.facebook.com/heartsofvalor
and here we post current events, contests and success
stories.
Newsletters
Newsletters are sent out monthly by way of email and contain new
caregiver information, upcoming events, contests, and success
stories.
ELIGIBILITY
All members must meet the following criteria:
- A female caregiver of a wounded, ill or injured service member.
- The service members wound, illness or injury occurred after 9/11/2001.
- The female caregiver has supporting documents of the wound and/or injury.
For our purposes the definition of service member is a wounded,
ill, or injured service member of any status (e.g., active,
reserve, guard, or retired) and of any branch of military
service.