Johnston County Joins Campaign to Support Hidden Heroes

For Immediate Release: April 9, 2026

 

Smithfield, NC – Johnston County has joined the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes initiative.

“The Hidden Heroes are spouses, parents and children providing unpaid essential care to those wounded, ill and injured in military service,” explained Robert Boyette, head of the Johnston County Veterans Services Office. “They’re hidden because they often live in isolation, facing significant physical, emotional and financial strain.”

The Dole Foundation launched the Hidden Heroes campaign to transform how America supports these families, Boyette told Commissioners. “The goal is to identify caregivers in our community, acknowledge their sacrifice and need, and connect those families with local and national resources,” he said.

Register of Deeds Craig Olive brought the Hidden Heroes initiative to the County’s attention, and at his request, Commissioners on April 6 joined the campaign by issuing a proclamation.

“Military and veteran caregivers are an essential part of the support system for those who have served our country,” Olive said. “This proclamation is a small but meaningful way for Johnston County to recognize their sacrifices and ensure they know their service does not go unnoticed.”

Nationwide, more than 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers provide essential, long-term support. Boyette said the proclamation was the first step in recognizing their significant contributions.

“The next step is to identify those in need, followed by mobilizing community businesses, civic and faith organizations to provide support,” he said. By issuing the Hidden Heroes proclamation, Johnston County joins a growing number of communities across the country working to elevate awareness of caregivers as a vital part of the military and veteran support system.

For more information about Johnston County Veterans Services and the Register of Deeds Office, visit JohnstonNC.gov.

Pictured left to right:

Photo 1: (top row): Johnston County Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis, Commissioner Bill Stovall, Commissioner Ted Godwin, Chairman Patrick Harris, Vice Chairman Butch Lawter, Commissioner Michael Rose, Commissioner April Stephens.
(bottom row): Craig Olive, Register of Deeds | Jeannette Davidson-Mayer with grandson, Hidden Heroes Caregiver Program | Robert Boyette, Johnston County Veterans Services Director | Kevin Wilson, veteran and president of the Johnston County Veterans Advisory Board

Photo 2: Elizabeth Dole and Craig Olive