Local boy takes his story to Washington

What does a small-town kid from Buckingham County, VA have to do with passing national legislation? Everything.

Matty, son of Rock Island Farm founder Betsy Eves, might call Buckingham County home now, but his story stretches far beyond its quiet roads and rolling hills. As a Hidden Helper, Matty has spent his young life navigating a world shaped by his dad’s service and its challenges. Being a Hidden Helper means stepping up in ways most kids don’t have to think about—helping when his dad needs support, understanding when things don’t go as planned, and carrying the quiet weight of caregiving as part of his everyday life.

Last week, Matty’s story became part of something bigger. He went to Capitol Hill to celebrate the passing of the 21st Century Veterans Healthcare & Benefits Improvement Act, a bill that will change the lives of millions of veterans, caregivers, and families like ours. This wasn’t just about politics or policy—it was about people. People like Matty, who represents one of the thousands of children living in veteran families across Buckingham County, and one of the 2.3 million Hidden Helpers nationwide.

The legislation we celebrated recognizes kids like Matty—not just as bystanders but as vital contributors to their families’ strength. It ensures better access to mental health resources, expanded caregiver support, and a brighter future for the families of those who’ve served. For Matty, it was a chance to see how his story—his life—mattered to the people making decisions in that room.

And he wasn’t alone. He stood with his mom, a Dole Caregiver Fellow & Advocate, alongside dozens of other Fellows who’ve lived these same struggles and poured their hearts into making this bill a reality. Together, we showed Matty that change doesn’t just happen—it’s built by people who care, who persist, and who believe in something better.

What happened on Capitol Hill is a reminder for all of us here in Buckingham County. Change doesn’t start in the spotlight. It starts in communities like ours, in families like Matty’s, and in the hearts of those who refuse to give up. Matty may be a small-town kid, but his story—and yours—has the power to shape something far bigger.

Content submitted by Betsy Eves, rockislandfarm.org