Thank you, Chair, and thank you all for being here today.
I can't help but notice that those who are here in the role of giving assistance are veterans themselves. This just speaks so strongly to the whole case of veterans understanding and helping veterans at every level.
Dr. Whelan, first of all, I appreciate the professional perspective that you bring to this because so often I hear from those who are struggling and it's like they hit a wall when they try to express their concerns. Coming from you, it adds that other level of credibility.
Caregivers' Brigade were here and gave testimony, and today we heard from Ms. Evanshen. These are people who are in the circumstances of experiencing what you call being “invisible linchpins". Their role is essential. I can't help thinking of COVID and how we've all come to realize the importance of essential services. Could you just expound on that essential service that plays such a huge role in the health of our nation, let alone the health of these particular individuals?