April 18, 2017

Oldfield Named City's First Hidden Hero

Mayor Steve Allender and Amber Oldfield.  Oldfield was recognized at the April 17 City Council meeting as the City's first Hidden Hero of the Month for her work as a veteran caregiver and caregiver advocate. Mayor Steve Allender and Amber Oldfield. Oldfield was recognized at the April 17 City Council meeting as the City's first Hidden Hero of the Month for her work as a veteran caregiver and caregiver advocate. (City Photo)

AMBER OLDFIELD NAMED RAPID CITY'S FIRST HIDDEN HERO

New City honor recognizes caregivers of veterans

 

RAPID CITY--Amber Oldfield, who was selected last year by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to serve as South Dakota's Dole Fellow for her efforts as a veteran caregiver and caregiver advocate, has been recognized as Rapid City's first Hidden Hero of the Month.  Oldfield was recognized with the honor at Monday evening's City Council meeting.

            Oldfield, a native of Colorado, moved to Rapid City after her husband's military retirement.  Through the years, Oldfield has supported her husband through a failed spinal surgery, three subsequent surgeries and the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  In 2016, Oldfield was chosen by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to work as South Dakota's Dole Fellow.   As a Dole Fellow, Oldfield assisted in launching the Hidden Heroes Campaign last September in Washington, DC and she drafted pending legislation requiring the Department of Defense to counsel separating military members on the availability of veteran caregiver programs to better assist with the hardships endured by military families.

            "We are pleased to honor Amber as the City's first Hidden Hero of the Month," said Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender.  "She has been humbly serving our country as a military spouse and veteran caregiver with dedication, compassion and sacrifice.  Her advocacy and service to our military and veteran community makes her deserving of this honor and the City and its citizens would like to extend our gratitude."

            Oldfield is also a business owner and public speaker.

            The Hidden Hero of the Month Recognition is provided by the City of Rapid City in partnership with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the VA Black Hills Caregiver Support Group.  To complete a nomination form, go to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Visit HiddenHeroes.org for more information regarding the Hidden Heroes program provided by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation @ElizabethDoleFoundation .

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