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Denton, Tx - The Elizabeth Dole Foundation has named its 2026 Class of Dole Caregiver Fellows, a group of military and veteran caregivers selected to advocate for innovative, impactful and sustainable solutions. Among them is Megan Byers, a University of North Texas counseling graduate student and longtime caregiver to her husband, a wounded Iraq War veteran.

Over the course of their two-year term, Fellows will receive training and resources to engage their home communities, build local Hidden Heroes networks and work directly with the White House, Congress, the U.S. Departments of War and Veterans Affairs and other federal partners on issues affecting family caregivers and their loved ones. Byers calls the honor “incredibly meaningful,” especially as 2026 marks twenty years since her husband’s injury. She sees the Fellowship as a chance to give back to the community that supported her family through two decades of recovery.

“As a Dole Caregiver Fellow, I have the unique opportunity to publicly highlight the challenges in our family’s recovery journey to inspire lasting change for future wounded veteran families,” Byers said.

Established by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers—the spouses, parents, siblings, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans.

A Focus on Mental Health and Reducing Stigma

Byers’ motivation to apply grew from her passion for mental health advocacy and encouragement from friends involved with the Foundation. She notes that stigma around veterans’ mental health remains a major barrier.

“Caregivers like myself and my children are not only supporting our veteran through very real mental health challenges but also navigating societal pressures that further isolate these families,” Byers said.

Byers’ academic work aligns closely with the Foundation’s mission to strengthen emotional wellbeing and reduce caregiver isolation, a commitment shaped by her own two‑decade caregiving journey. She explains that compassionate mental health professionals helped her recognize how her own wellbeing directly influenced her ability to care for her husband and show up for her family in the way she intended.

That experience drives her determination to ensure that caregivers, who often carry the invisible weight of combat injuries alongside their veterans, are not left to shoulder those burdens alone. Byers hopes to use her training to help identify gaps in mental health support for wounded veteran families.

“I am confident that my counseling education at UNT along with advice and mentorship from my professors and advisors will be some of my greatest assets during my time as a Fellow." Byers said.

A Historic Moment on Capitol Hill

As the 2026 Fellows gathered in Washington, D.C. for meetings with Congressional members and staff, they witnessed a major legislative milestone: the passage of the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmunson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act.

The bill, named in honor of two caregivers whose stories helped drive national awareness, expands access to critical benefits for veterans and their families. Its passage underscored the power of caregiver advocacy, and the importance of elevating lived experience in policymaking.

For Byers, being in Washington during this moment added even greater meaning to her first days as a Fellow.

“I’m incredibly excited to make connections with Senators and Congressmen who can join EDF’s efforts and pave the way for lasting change,” she said. “Seeing meaningful legislation move forward while we were on Capitol Hill was inspiring.”

Encouraging Others to Step into Advocacy

Byers hopes her journey inspires other caregivers and students to speak up and share their experiences, noting that meaningful change begins when the realities families face are openly acknowledged.

“Share your stories. It’s only by knowing what challenges our families are facing that adequate support and change can happen,” she said.

Byers believes lived experience is a powerful foundation for advocacy, offering insight into both the struggles and strengths within caregiving communities. To her fellow and future peers, she emphasizes that leadership doesn’t have to wait until graduation, pointing out the abundant access they have to support and resources during their education.

Her message to all caregivers is simple and hopeful:

“Whether you’ve been caregiving for years or are only now realizing you are a caregiver, there is a community and resources available to you. Raise your hand, reach out, and ask for support.”