DENTON (UNT), Texas — University of North Texas counseling graduate student Megan Byers has been selected as a member of the 2026 Class of Dole Caregiver Fellows, a national group of military and veteran caregivers chosen by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to advocate for solutions that support caregivers and their families.

Byers, who has cared for her husband, a wounded Iraq War veteran, for nearly 20 years, will spend the next two years working with fellow caregivers, policymakers and federal agencies to raise awareness of issues affecting military and veteran families.

“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.

Byers said her passion for mental health advocacy motivated her to pursue the fellowship. As both a caregiver and counseling student, she hopes to help reduce stigma surrounding veterans’ mental health and improve support systems for families navigating long-term recovery.

“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,” she said.

She credits her studies at UNT with helping prepare her for the role.

“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,” she said.

The fellowship began with meetings in Washington, D.C., where Byers and other fellows met with members of Congress and witnessed the passage of the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmunson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, legislation aimed at expanding benefits for veterans and their families.

Byers hopes her experience will encourage other caregivers to share their stories and seek support.

“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,” she said. “Raise your hand, reach out and ask for support.”