breaking news. deadly and destructive. a new round of violent tornadoes tearing across the midwest overni miouri's capital devastated by a direct hit. a massive search and operation underway. >> right now we have emergency personnel from allenues trying to get to the people that need our assistant. >> the threat of severe weat r moving east today. standoff.lo g jabs after the president storms outf a meeting with

democrats declaring he can't work with them. >> get these phony investigations with. >> we believe the president of the united states is engaged in a coverup. >> sohe where does t fight go from here? military buildup? the pentagon asked to send troops to the middle east amid growing tsions with iran. the latest in a live report. pose storiess going free. summit tragedy. the family of an americanbe clim who died on mt. everest remembering his legacy of adventure. zble h >> he said i feel so blessed to be on the mountain i read abouts for the lt 40 years. and hidden heroes. we're shining a light on the courageous heroeso dedicated their lives to our veterans with a little special help from guesa

tom hanksnd performance from sheryl crow. "today," may 23rd, 2019. >> ann,ncer: from nbc news this is a special edition of "today" with savannah guthrie f ivem indianapolis motor speedway and hoda kotb live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> and welcome to "today." this for joining us o special thursday morning. i'm craig melvin alongside willie geist because savannah guthrie is live in indianapolis. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, guys. get your enges running. we're here at the indianapolis motor speedway, this iconic place to do something really portant and spiring this morning. that is celebrate our hidden heroes. those who are caring for our veterans. litary caregivers are nearly 6 million people in this country. ftbut so o the work they do happens behind closed doors. not anymore. not after we're done with this show this morning.

we're going to celebrate them. we're going tir tell the story. and we're going to have some fun too. guess what. next hour, you guys, take the hour off. t because hanks is going to be my co-host for the hour. he's there this morning. he's already meeting and greeting some of the familiesre he is ready to go. is we were so excited. sheryl crow is here we've had a bit of a weather story here. we know you know this story. we'll see how we progress this morning. but i want to go back to you because i know there's a lot of breaking news. >> there is. thank you. let us get straight to that overnight. this time they've hit deadly. several cities hit hard including the o capital jefferson city. we'll talk about the devastation hand.ayor has seen first we'll also get al's forecast as well in a moment. but let's start with nbc's

rgan chesky. he is in jefferson city with the latest. morgan, good morning. >> reporter: yeah, craig. i can tell you right now that it is a wild scene to jefferson city today. we're just now seeing the extent of the damage with the arrival of daylight. i want to show youe as w walk alongside one of the main thoroughfares what the twister left last night. building after building ripped apart. power poles kcked down. people trapped inside their homes as this twister left path of destruction in its wake. overnight, a violent tornado s catchingeping residents offd guar in jefferson city. witnesses describing it as a powerful wedge tornado here the funnel is wider than it is tall. the ter tfyingwister was moving at 40 miles ahour sending debris nearly 13,000 feet into the air. the jefferson city fire department ordering every

available first responder in to help and posting on facebook, please pray for our citizens. >> right nowe ve emergency personnel from as trying to get toe the peopl who need our assistance. >> reporter: fther south in the state, twisters sparing joplin but slamming several small towns nearby. at least tee people confirmed dead in golden city where a search and rescue effort is underway. for nearly a week the great plains battered by storms. parts of kansas, missouri, ala okma under water. in some spots the flooding so nsd entire tow are being evacuated. residents near tulsa being told it's tim to go. mechanic shawn moore planned to ride out theol flood until pice told him if heo stayed put his name is permanent marker on your body. >> are you going to leave your name on your ample? >> i'm leaving. >> getting out? >> why take a chance?

pressure.er: f the governor putting 66 counties under a state of emergency. >> this is a severe threat of flooding. i can't emphasize that enough. for all of northeastoklahoma. >> reporter: the wild weather likely to o washut the upcoming meal day weekend. and one casino shutting down instead of gambling with mother nature. shop just had to close up and send everyone home. >> reporter: and this morning power is still out for much of jefferson city with many downed power lines in this area we did check with emergency officials. they say as of right now, no confirmed deaths as a result of this storm here in jefferson city, but 21 people have reported injuries and considering the dame we're seeing, that number may likely go up as the sun rises today. craig? >> morgan, tha you. we are joined now by the mayor of jefferson city. mayor turgon, thank you for your time this morning. as i understand it, you have

been going door-to-door there to assess the damage to check on the residents there in jefferson city. what are you seeing on the ground? >> we are seeing a lot of devastation on the of treesgrou down, power lines , homes and apartments with roofs and walls missing. things like that. it is pretty devastating and that's, of course, in the dark of night. theross a lot of th areas that have no power. now as the sun is beginning to rise, we'll assess the situation even hemore. >> were reports a short time ago that t trapped there i jefferson city. is that still the case? are there people trped? >> nothat i'm aware of initially when the tornado first hit it is my understanding that there were some people in some apartments they were rescuing an getting t. but it is my understanding at this time that they have located everyone. and at this time, it sounds like

the injuries are small and very thankful there are no major injuries reported as ofyet. we're very thankful. when you see the amount of devastation, it's really -- it's pretty significant and it's a wide area of the city as well. >> this nasty twister as i understand it struck in the middle ofhe night. how much warning were you able to give residentsthere? >> actually, the warning sirens were sounding. so there was some advanced warning. in fact, there was a lot of media coverage. and between that and the warnings, people were really checking on trsir neigh and taking shelter. and i think that's why so far we have not had reports of a seris injury. because people were heeding the warnings and it struck aroafd r the 11:00 hour. right around 11:30 time frame. so it was late at night. >>s the worst over? or should folks there in jefferson city brace for more?

>> we certainly hope so. we are dealing with flooding. we had an emergency dec ration yesterday due to significant flooding on the missouri river and closed the jefferson city memorial airport. so we know we're having to deal with flooding already and now this was unex rson city police department and fire department and public safety agencies from all arod mid-missouri have really converged here. all hands on deck. they a wrengor kwkiore were wng the flood. now this was totally unexpected. but they are allorking together. i've never seen a room with so many public safety officials working so hard to keep our community safe. so we're in good hands here. and we're taking care of each other. helping our neighbors e't. and wre going to do this. we're going to be okay. we're going to get through this. >> our thoughts, our prayers, and our well wishes are with the people of jefferson city mayor,

thank you. >> thank you for your prayers. we need them right now. thank you. >> that's right. and as we said, that severe g east threat is mov now set to impact millions more of you today. al is tracking it all from his spot in indianapolis.oo al, gd morning. >> yeah, guow. right ne're in the thick of it, but we've got more to talk about. let's go to the radar right now. you can see we do haveev a sere thunderstorm watch. we also have tornado watches up. and this is going toontinue to sh east. a big area and a long track area of risks today. it's going to start n the northeast. we've got a risk of severe weather for 38 million people. and that stretches all the way backnto theidwest today. look at this from texas all the way on into kansas. 4 million people at risk for damaging winds. possibility of tornadoes as well. tomorrow the risk from mid-land all the way to chicago. for 17 million people. we're also expecting this risk to continue into saturday. 13 states. 20 million people from the midwest back into texas. we're not seeing this pattern

change at all. big deep low pressure system out in the west. we've got high pressure over the ea. thelash of these air masses causing all these problems with a lot of moisture pushing in. and so we've got a flood threat he next same area over few days into next week. we're talking wednesday. areas picking up to 10 inches o today, tomorrow, and on into saturday for a good portion of the midwest. and air travel is going to be a mess for today into tomorrow from denver all the way into the nortt. these storms are just going to continue to pummel aas right back into the beginning of next week. back to you. >> all right, al. we'll come back to you in a bit. for now to the increasingly bitter battle between president teump and democrats. the president yesay storming out of a meeting with democratic leaders and the two sides exchanging political threats over what's next.

white house correspondent peter alexander has the latest on that. peter, good morning. >> reporter: good mou.ing to yo when it comes to this relationship between the president and top democrats, this really may be a new low.p, president trumf course, the author of the art of the deal saying no deal with democrats long as they are ft investigating him. and nancy pelosi in a letter to her colleagues last night wrote, sadly the only job the president seems to be concerned with is his own. this morning the standoff is turning into a stalemate after president trump threatened not to work withemocrats until they stop investigating him. abruptly ending a meeting witha democr leaders. >> i toldenator schumer, speaker pelosi i want to do infrastructure. bu? you know what you can't do it under these circumstances. so get these phony investigations over with. >> reporte the president fuming after these explosive comments from nancy pelosi accusing him of hiding information from congress. >> weha believe t the president

of the united states is engaged in aoverup. >> i walk in to look a people that had s justd that i was doing a coverup. i don't do coverups. >> reporter: two democratic sources with knowledge of the white house sit-down tell nbc news that contentious cabinet room meeting lasted just three minutes after wag aingle hand, sitting down, he lashed out at the democratic leaders before marching out. democrats say they were stunned and pesi in a letter to hou democrats called it a temper tantrum. >> to watch what happened in white house would make your jaw drop. >> i pray for the president of the united states. >> reporter: underscoring the bitterness after the president left, white helse couns kellyanne conway asked pelosi if she had a response to the president according to multiple people in the room. according to a senior trump official, pelosi said she would only respond to the president and wouldn't discuss it with

conaway. conway replayed that's very woman of you. >> in plain sight in the public domain, this president is obstructing justi and he's engaged in a coverup. and that could be an impeachable offense. >> reporter: republicans now challenging democrats to make a cision. >> they have a right to impeach a president. but they need to g urinate or off the pot. >> reporter: for now, this showdown is threatening the possibility of bipartisan agreemen on key isss ein lfrastrucikture and disaste. ut there are also some must-do items. government spending and the debt limit, for example. despite the president's comments, multiple white house officials insist that those negotiations on the crucial items are ongoing. back to you. >> all right. peter alexander, thank you. another major story this morning. up to 10,000 more u.s. troops could be sent to the middle east

amid ongoing tensions with iran. richard engel joins us w on that. what do we know this morning? >> reporter: good morning, willie. we know for surgecertain this i goin to cause another spiken tensions with iran. defense officials tell nbc news that centcom will ask the ahite house early as today for an 10, troops. they are described as defensive in nature.y ma involve some naval assets as swell. and ts just weeks after the white house hurried up the deployment oan aircraft carrier battle group. all of this is to contain irand to deter iran. u.s. officials saying that there are indications that iran is planning or increasing its readiness to attack u.s. forces in the middle east. iran, of course, seeing this very differently. iran says tt hard-liners in the administration particularly national security adviser john bolton are trolling for a warra

which in and u.s. officials both say they do not want. it isunclear if president trump will approve any or all of these new requests for troop deployments. >> all right. we'll ay on this one. thank you. now to a prison release that's getting attention. john walker lindh becoming a free man today. u.s. intelligence officials say despite all his time behind ars, lindh has never renounced islamic extremism. pete williams has details on this story. pete, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, ewcraig. nbc n has learned that an internal u.s. law enforcement memo circulated this week warns that john walker lindh remains a jih jihadistoc he can't bed up for what he thinks, but he will be watched osely. he's released today after serving 17 years of a -y20ear

sentence. the arrest of john walker lindh in afghanistan made worldwide headlines just two months after the 9/11 attacks. he was charged with carrying weapons while fighting with the taliban. >> what is your name? >> john. >> reporter: at the afghan prison where he was arrested, he was interrogated by a cia officer who was killed during a prison uprising just a few hours later. brought to virginia to face trial, hlind pleaded guilty to aidinghe taliban and tearfully renounced terrorism. but these u.s. intelligence assessments say he continued to advocate global jihad while in prison. l ater to nbc 4 los angeles in 2015 only now being shown, ed lindh expressupport for isis and said, quote, they are doing a spectacular job. in another he said i feel honored to have been able to take part in the afghan jihad. and in a third, he described himself as a political prisoner. johnny michael span's father

says that means lindh should not be getting out of prison. >> it seems to me like he's broken his plea agreement. i can't believe they're going th put back out into american society. >> reporter: under the terms of his release, lindh's use of the internet will be monitored. >> the restrictions for mr. lindh are probably the most restrictive i've seen in a terrorism case. i think the judge and the bureau and the u.s. attorney's office decided they were concerned about it. >> reporter: no comment this morning from lindh's lawyers. they've arranged for him to live in virginia w his trial is held and law enforcement officials say the fbi will be keeping tabs on him. >> all right. pete, thank you. let's send it back to al now in a rainy indianapolis for the rest of the forecast. hey, al. >> hey, guys. the indianapolis motoreedway under water right now. let's show you what the rest of the country is looking lisu.

plenty of hine from the to texas. some record temperatures will be recorded there. mountain snows continue in the northern rockies. some i sunshine the pacific northwest. we're going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next s 30onds. me? yes, you. ♪ ♪ you're a mind reading marvel. a thoughtful sharer. and a fast-footed friend. and from day one... ' ...youve been your cat's hero. that's why you choose rachael ray nutrish. offering recipesshith real poultry or . ...as the #1 ingredient and options with zero grains. that's amazing. nutrish. real recipes. real ingredients. oo real gd. morning, everybody. sunshine and a quiet start to your thursday. but it's going to be an active weathe day into the afternn. so storm team 4 weather alert for you today. the possibility of strong t severe storms. we're starting off in the 60s for many of the areas now.

61 in gaithersburg. already 65 in quantico. high today a very warm 87 degrees. and a slight to enhanced risk for severe weather with storms developing between about 4:00 and 6:00. be on the lookout. >> and that is your latest weather. savannah? >> all right, al. thank you so much. well, we have made our way over to our co-host for next hour, mr. tom hanks. maybe you've heard of him. >> i believe he was on the mike douglas show in the early 0s, yes. >> we are excited because we are surrounded by veterans and their caregivers. and this morning is all about them. we're going to shine a light on the work they do and we're going to have fun, too, right? >> we're goi a to have blast. if anybody can turn today's news into a rosier aspect, it's this crowd. >> we're going to have a live concert from sheryl crow. r we're backht after this. >> all right, savannah and tom

hanks, thank you. it's going to be an amazing morning. >> but first this is "today" on nbc. it's going to be an amazing morning. th but first, is is "today" on th but first, is is "today" on

i get really emotional iwhen i think about whereas. most people don't survive blood clots on their lungs and on their heart. the lastng i heard was reroute to g w hospital. on the day that i came in and they treated me, i was the sickest person in the hospital. i was put on the ecmo machine it saved my life. learn more about boni story of survivial at i was the sickest person in the hospital. n b c washington dot com backslash bonita for life's defining moments the george washington univeristy hospital defining medicine.

still ahead this morning, much more onhe devastating tornadoes we've been telling you about in the midwest. the threats still to come. also, an american climber dies after reaching the summit of mt. everest. wel hear fromis family and friends. after ♪ limu emu & doug mmm, exactly! liberty mutual customizes your car insurance, so you only pay for what you need. nice! but uh, what's up with your partner? oh! we just spend all day telling everyone r how we customize casurance because no two people are alike, so...et limu ga little confused when he sees another bird that looks exactly like him. ya... he'll figure it out. only pay for what you need. ♪ liberty. liberty. liberty. liberty. ♪ at kohl's memorial day weekend sale! save on family fun tees...

swimwear for the family... and beach towels. plus - take $10 off your purchase of $25 or more!... plus - get $5 kohl's cash fo every $25 spent! this memorial day weekend... at kohl's. ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ right now, when you buy a red nose at walgreens, you can help a child live a healthier fe. walgreens. trusted since 1901. who really likes crackerswould givand didn't have any...ve, is the se type of person who can help you quickly and easily get an appraisal on your car, because helping people is what carmax people are all about.

good morning, everybody. it's 7:26 now. i'm aaron gilchris >> i'm moelette green. every line will be closed until september. look forore in our nbc washington app. chopper 4 flew over the bay bridge showing folks lving for memorial day. aaa expects 3.2 million people ndom the d.c. area to travel between today aonday for the holiday. the absolute worst time to hit theoads today between 4:45 and 6:00 p.m. let's check the morning

commute for everybody else. melissa molletn is i first 4 traffic. >> 720 southbound, left side blocked by a crash. beltway looking typical. and centerville, braddock road near pickwick. downed pole there. they're hoping to open things by 8:30. >> thank you. a check on your forecast is coming. not all water is created equal.

only 1 billionthraf 1% is filtered natully. and emerges crisp and refreshing enough to be called deer park 100% natur spring water. born better® ♪incuum] troducing fresh step clean paws, t with lowracking litter. your vacuum becomes a cat toy.s let'ke litter less of a mess. let's start fresh. good morning, everybody. a storm team 4 weather alert for you into the afternoon. slight to enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms today. developing around 2:00 or 3:00. then rolling through here during the course of the rush hour. keep that in mind. any storm that develops could become severe. highs today, even without the rain with it's going to be warm. lower humidity and a refreshing

breeze for tomorrow. nice weather saturd getting hot and humid for sunday into monday. >> all right, chuck. thank you. another local ns update in 25 s. minute >> for now back to the "today" (vo) ♪yo i know what u're thinking. electric, it's not for you. and, you're probably right. electric just doesn't have enough range. it will never survivthe winter. charging stations? good luck findg one of those. so, maybe an electric car isn't for you after all. or, is it? ♪

we are back now. 7:30 with a look at the devastation scattered across missouri this morning after a night of violent tornadoes touched down there. >> incredible pictures coming out of that area. at least three people were killed in the southwest corner of the state. jefferson city, search and rescue operations are underway after a tornado there caused extensive damage. nbc's morgan chesky is in jefferson city with the latest. good morning again. >> reporter: yeah, good morning. what a wild scene here in jefferson city with the daylight coming, we're seeing the true extent of the damage. if there was any doubt to which path this tornadoes took, we arn walking ihe middle of it right now.

as you can see behind me, building after building ripped apart by the high winds. wer poles knocked down. and a lot of the power out in the city right now asreany people a trapped inside their homes. we have video when this made its way through. it was hard to see. it was dark. the sky only lit up by lightning but the unmistakable sight of the wedge tornado making its way through is unmistakable. le had tely the pe warn there were sirens. they knehere was a tornado warning in the area. a tornado emergency was a few minutes before thisstruck. she said that's why more people are not hu this morning. no confirmed deaths at this time, 2 butpeople are reported injured. we're hearing from governor mike parsons this morng showing support for his tornado stricken area saying that tornadoes hit this area last night. we're okay, but py for those caught up in the midst of that damage. and of course this jefferson city tornado, not the only one

hitting missouri overnight. one struck just a few iles north of joplin. eight years to the day after that devastating tornado hit hat community killing 161 people. the tornado that struck last night killed three. now back here live in jefferson city,tehe true ex of the damage won't yet be known as officials are still making their way around these communities. but we expectrn to l more in the coming hour. s we'lld it back to you. >> that area has been through so much. morgan chesky in jefferson city, missouri. >> let's send iack to al in indianapolis for more on the storms and where those storms are headed. al? >> hey, guys. thanks so much. you can see the rain coming down this is part of that same system. almost 170 tornadoes have touched down since thi all began seven days ago. and it just keeps going. let's show you the latest radar. you'll see we do have heavy shower and thunderstorms pushing through. theillion people at risk in

northeast. enhanced risk of storms here. that pushes back into the midwest again stretching from texas intokansas. 4 million people at risk for damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes possible. frid more of the same for 17 million people from texas into chicago. then saturday, again from the midwest all the way back to texas. 20 million people. and you'll see it moves into sunday as well. and you c see that risk of very strong flooding going on into the weekend. that's what's going on around country. here's what's happening in your neck o the woods. >> morning, everybody. i'm storm team 4 meteorologist chuck . southerlily breezes means warmer weather. high near 87 degrees this afternoon. we are as al was just mentioning under risk for some potentially strong to severe weather. have your nbc washington app ready to go. stay with nbc washington this afternoon at 4:00,, 5:00 and 6:00.

doug will be here to keep you updated. otherwise have a good thursday. >> guys, take a look. the indianapolis motor speedway. 400,000 people can fit into this. but right now nobody's out on the track because we are going to -- we continue to have lightning and they won't let anybody out there until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike. so it's pretty dicey right now. >> al, thank you. we'le com back in a moment. now to a o tragedy mt. everest. a community grieving the loss of a utah man who died while descending from the summit. miguel almaguer has more on that. goodepmorning. >> rter: craig, good morning. this morning we are learning more about the circumstances around don cash's death. we were able to speak to his children about a man who led a remarkable anddv aenturous life. every spring climbers travel to the himalayases hoping to themselves but summiting the

highest peaks on the planet. everest. it's a spectac . ar amtnd exhilarating challenge tha s fraught with very real dangers. >> he always told me, nothing worth doing comes easy. >> reporter: donald cash, a 55-year-old husband and father whose passion for mountaineering drove him to reach the highest peaks on seven continents. >> it was the big finishing aspect of his dream. >> just acclimation hike. >> reporter: cash's family say well. on a previous expedition, he lost fingers to frostbite but still finished the climb. >> he last message he sent to m, personale said i feel so blessed to be on the mountain that i read about for the last 40 years. >> reporter: cash actualo made it the top of everest's 29,000 foot mmit. at that altitude, the so-called

death zone. the body is pushed to its limits. every step becomes a test of human will. but on the descent nearly hilary step, he reportedly collapsed. ent intoly believes he cardiac arrest. >> i think there's just so much peace knowing that he didn't suffer. that it was the best way to go. >> reporter: cash's final message to his wife. w i justted to tell you how much i love you and how much i appreciate you supporting my dreams. cash is the 12th climbing fatality in the himalayas this year. this month traditionally marks peak climbing season be more than 300 permitted climbers and many more sherpas expectedo make the attempt. for one american, a life-long dream to reach the top of the rld that came at the highest cost. cash's famil hopes he'll be remembered as someone who not

only pushed the limits but wanted to explore andonnect with nature. while he died on everest, he was tiebl live out his life-long dream. >> that's aard story. miguel, thank you. let us send it back now to miss guthrie and mr. tom hanks. >> guys, we're here in indianapolis. and in a moment we're going to costart our rage. and we're going to talk about the state o t veteransay in this country. whathey're dealing with, what they're facing, and what fhey needm all of us to support them. our coverage continues right after this. hey! alright, l 's get going! and you want to make sure to aim it. i'm aiming it. ohhhhhhh! i dered it for everyone. [laughing] (dad vo) we got the biggest subaru to help bring our family together. i'm just resting my eyes. v (dado) even though we're generations apart. what a day. i just love those kids. (avo) presenting the all-new three-row subaru ascent. wave to grandma, everybody. (avo) love is now bier than ever.

" when better chickens are hatched, we will hatch them." it's why all of the tyson chicken that bears his name is raised with no antibiotics ever. every nuggic, strip and drumstk. i keepreal. keep it tyson. who used exped to book thel which led to the discovery that sometimes a little down time expedia. everything you need to go. brushing only reaches 25% o. listerine® cleans virtually 100%. helping to prevent gum disease and bad breath. never settle for 25%. alwayso for 100. bring out the bold™ delivered too our door try tso you canre.y delivery. ♪ feels so good ♪ feels so good ♪ feels so good target run and done.

it's like friday night, where you made plans, but you and your bff change into sweats and finish the whole series instead. k new two good greewfat yogurt. slow-strained down to 2 grams of sugar. because somes you just gotta do good by you. if you have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, every day can begin with flakes. 's a reminder of your struggles with psoriasis. but what if your psoriasis symptoms didn't follow you around? that's why there's ilumya. with just 2 doses, a majority of people were clear or almost clear. and over time, even more people were clear or almost clear. all with dosing 4 times a year... after 2 initial doses. plus, ilumya was shown to have similar risks of infectionsco mpared to placebo. don't use if you a allergic to ilumya or any of its ingredients. your doctor shou check for,ld tuberculosis and infections. after checking there is no need for routine lab monitoring unless youdoctor advises it.

ilumya may increase your risk of infections and lower your ability to fight them. tell your doctor if you have asy infection or have mptoms, or if you plan to or have recently received a vaccine. this could be your chance to leave your psoriasis symptoms behind. ask your doctor for ilumya today, for a clearer tomorrow. new clairol root touch-up gel. discover a 10-wash, damage-free y to blend greys. now greys are gone for 10 washes. new clairol root touch-up gel. you've got tcovered. is this ride safe? i assembled it myself last night. i think i did an ok b. just ok? s?at if something bad happ

we just move to the next town. justk is not ok. especially when it comes to your network. at&t is america's best wireless network according to america's biggest test. now with 5g evolution. the first step to 5g. more for your thing. ts our thing. [zara larsson - "wow"] ♪ ♪ make you'reaw drop drop say oh my drop drop drop ♪ ♪ make u say oh my god my drop drop ♪ ♪ make you're jawgorop make u say oh my d ♪

we are back as we we are back. as we head into memorial day weekend with the state of our nation's veterans. >> tom and w il be sharing a stick mic as we honor heroes and those who take care of our >> we want to look at what challenges they're facing. >> 1.3 million people right now men and women serve active duty in the military very often putting their lives on the line. they leave theires famili when they come home, how well are we taking care of them? >> reporter: trivia night at the vfw post in carmel, indiana, wednesday where vets say -- >> we are a band of brothers. we look out for each other. >> reporter: nationwide there are currently 19 million veterans who have served the country. 3.5 million of those since 9/11 nearly50% of vets are 65 o

older. about 10% are women. but after their tours of duty end, for many vets new battles begin. >> this is the table i sat at when i tried to end my own life. >> reporter: you were going kill yourself right here? >> yes. >> reporter: army sergeant eric onahoe survived three ied explosions. the last oneeaving him with injury and ptsd. he wasaunted by war, marital trouble, several miscarriages, and his wife's cancer diagnosis. in 2015 it became too . .> i decided everyone would be better without i putin my glocy mouth and trigger.pull the the thing that stopped me was the realization that my family would have to live here in the house. >> reporter: every single day in the u.s., 20 verans die by

suicide. roughly 1.5 times the rate among civilians. the iraq and afghanistan veterans of america say nearly 6 60% of its members personally know a vet who died bysuicide. and many feel a disconnect with civilian culture. >> most of our members feels the american public do not understand their service. they see the appreciation, but lyey know the american public is getting largeremoved from the military community. >> reporter: in march, president trump signed an executive order creating a task force to combatd veteran suice. >> they kept us safe and we're going to keep themafe. >> reporter: while in the halls of congress, veteran issues are rising to the forward. tammy duckworth lost both her legs when an rp hit the helicopter she was piloting in . ir today she's a senator. n access to mental health recare. >> the are not enough mental

health care professionals. they're needed. >> reporter: in t house, dan crenshaw who lost an eye as a navy s.e.a.l. in afghanistan ays unemployment can be devastating for vets who thrive when given a mission. >> what i would tell people who are looking to help vets, i would say hire them. hire them. give them a shot. they might surprise you. they'r fastearners and they have a sense of duty. >> reporter: under and unemployment among vets often leads to homelessness. 9% of homeless adults are veterans. today eric is an award winning photographer. he says he had to focus on the light, not the dark, to turn his life around. and he needed a new mission to help other ts. while focusing on being a good husband and father. you feel good today. >> i do. yeah, i do. i'm happy to be here. i'm happy to be helping

veterans. but most importantly, i'm so thankful that i didn't make that choice. because i wouldn't get the pleasure of getting to see my kids grow. >> eric talked about needing to find his own personal mission. he has started a group called rock warrior. it's all aboutelivering s to ki world countries who need help. tough news lot of in there. there's a lot of disappointing bad sonews, o speak, that can swamp the good stuff that's happening. so what are they doing that's working? >> a lot of veterans will complain and tell youhe va system is slow and not always responsive. but the care they get in the va, they feelretty good about overall. and also companies are really stepping up. they're hiring veterans. police departments, fire departments making that a priority. i spent a shift with the boston fire department about a year and a half ago, they would only hire vetera as their priority. everybody on that rig that day was a veteran. >> wow. tom, thank you so e'much.

w going to shift our focus now. we talked about the veterans. now we're going to talk about the hidden heroes, the people caring for them. we'll talk about their heart felt work, their struggles, how they're staying strong on the hard days. but first these messages. swell. the psoriasis. swell. cosentyx treats more than just the joint pain of active psoriatic arthritis. it even helps stop further joint damage. 'r don't use if youallergic to cosentyx. before starting, get checked for tuberculosis. an ictreased risk of infeions and lowered ability to fight them may occur. tell your doctor about an infection or symptoms, if your inflammatory bowel disease symptoms develop or worsen, or if you've had a vaccine orlan to. serious allergic reactions may occur. get re relief, with cosentyx. just wait'll you get to the berester., isn't it? introducing new lower prices on produce. oy atta b

♪ ♪ a serious error has occurred. a serious errohas o... ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ seed to the oat to the o ♪ to the honey in each bite ♪ healthy hearts make life sweeter ♪ ♪ so you can live it right ood goes around and around and around and around ♪ and now try new maple cheerios. as a cemenmason, i use a dove bar because i work with a lot of dust and dirt. i's not just about getting clean, it's about feeling moisturized. check out the glow. you see the glow? that's a dove bar. dove cleans andcares beautiful.

now we look goodright?to be! you see the glow? that's a dove bar. in old navy, always! , gingham and dots! what's good here? nothing, i just come for the outfits. hurry in for fifty percent off all tees, tanks, shorts and swim. now, at old navy. new clairol root touch- gel. discover a 10-wash, damage-free way to blend greys. ansimply apply, rinse d dry. now greys are gone for 10 washes. new clairol root touch-up gel. you've got this covered.

you know those butterflies aren't actually in the room? hey, that baker lady's on tv again. she's not a baker. she wears ceat apron to sell insuran. nobody knows why. she's the progressive surance lady. they cover pets if your owner gets into a car accident. covers us with what? you got me. [ scoffs ] she's an insurance lady. and i suppose this baker ses insurance, too? progressive protects your pets like you do. you can see "the secret life of pets 2 only in theaters. "the secret life of pets 2 when you make a pb&j with smucker's and jif, that's the difference between ordinary everyday and exquisitelerdelicious in an ay sort of way. because with a name like smucker's, it has to be good. it's either the assurance of a 165-pointor it isn't.on proces. it's either testing an array of advanced safety systems. or it isn't. it's either the assurance of a 165-pointor it isn't.on proces. it's either the peace of mind of a standard 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. or it isn't.

it's either merc-benz forcertified pre-owned.tle,es or it isn't. dthe mercedes-benz certif pre-owned sales event. now through may 31st. only at your authorized mercedes-benz dealer. i'm workin♪ to keep the fire going for another 150 years. for beauty that begins with nature. ♪ to make connections of a different kin at adp we're designing a better way to work, so you can achieve what you're working for. you guys are- oh, he said -- okay. here we are in indianapolis. al is here. you're the man of thehour. don't you want to ask him about weather? >> yeah. what's with this stuff? >> there's no crying in neweath. r heard that before. >> well, we're really excited because in the next half hour, we're going to introduce you to some of the incredible caregivers who are here. they are he hidden heroes. we will tell their stories. first a look atl your lows

and weather and th. well it finall happened, zachary. down my she shed. mebody bud your she shed was struck by lightning. is my she shed covered by state farm? your she shed's covered, cheryl. that's wonderful news. go with the one that'sere to help life go right. state farm. better chickens are hatched, we will hatch them." it'sis raised with nantibiotic. chicken that bears his name every nugget, strip and drumstick. keep it real. keep it tyson.

see ya later. i'm outalright.. fellas. ♪ hello, are you the lock smith? yes i am. come on in. i think we were able salvage the lock. ( shouting ) ♪ muchas gracias. ya tú sabes.la ( ughing ) the pink?le go mets! go time daddy! ( giggles )nu er six, number six. ohhhh man. took my hat off. ♪ that's crazy! lets go mets! lets go meeets! ♪

delivered to your car door so you can do more. try drive up at target. ♪ feels so good ♪ feels so good target run and done. befo to treat her frequent heartburn, marie could only imagine enjoying freshly squeed orange juice. now no fruit is forbidden. nexium 24hr stops acid before it starts for all-day, all-night protection. can you imagine 24 hours without heartburn? i'm workin♪ to make each day a little sweeter. for all-day, all-night protection. to give every idea the perfect sodtrack. to make each journey more elegant.es at adp we'rening a better way to work, so you can achieve what you're working for. anna? did you make two identical purchases of $104 at cut and cloth? ♪ capital one knows life doesn't update you

about your credit card. so, meet eno, the capital one assistant that cches things that might look wrong, em so, meet eno, and helps you fix thstant another way capital one is watching out for your money, when you're not. what's in your wallet? ♪ and relief from symptoms caused feel the clarity of non-drowsy claritin what's in your wallet? by over 200 indoor alike those from buddy. because stuffed animals are clearly no substitute for real onesa feel the cty. and live claritin clear.

7:56 is your time on this thursday, may 23rd. i'm molette green. there is a threat for severe weather later this afternoon. let's go to storm team 4's meteorologist chuck bell for details. >> good morning. de this uiet out morning. temperatures are noticeably warmer than yesterday for sure. southerly bleezs are up. it'll be breezy and warm today. enhanced slight to risk now for the possibility of severe weather later on in the day today. main timing on that most likely between 3:00 and 7:00 this afternoo we'll keep you posted should any severe weather develop. today's high, a very warm 87 degrees. cooler, less humid, and breezy tomorrow. and staying d most of the holiday weekend. >> all right. a check of your traffic on this getaway thursday next.

♪ ♪ yo protect ur pet with the #1 name in flea and tick protection. frontline plus. trusted by vets for ne.

at havertys, we know a something you sleep on. it's something you live on. [giggling] and we want it to be perfect. get the most out of your mattress with havertys mattress sale! our experts will help you choose from a wide selection of top brands'l and wel match any price. right now, save up to 00 on serta icomfort mattresses. and save up to $800 on beautyrest black mattresses. havertys life looks good

. aaa expects 3.2 million people from our area to travel the through monday for memorial day holiday. the worst time to hit the road today is between 4:45 and 6:00 p.m. now let's get over to melissa mollet and your first 4 traffic. >> good morning. right now beltway looki okay. inner loop here as crossin the american legion bridge a little bit slow. southbound 270, 10 miles per hour through roc right now. gw parkway an earer crash. and the bay bridge, eastbound/westbound no problems yet. >> yet being thed.keywor another local update in 25 tminutes. back the "today" show.

it's 8:00 on "today." it's 8:00 on "today."" e hidden heroes among us. those military kifr caregivers' stories who are untold. >> i know i'm not alone. that more than anything this journey worth it. >> today we prepare a heroes' welcome as we celebrate their sacrifice for our country and their service to our men and women in uniform. all live from the iconic indianapolis mor speedway. joining us, former senator elizabeth dole who has championed their cause for years. >> goal now is an america where their caregivers are

empowered, appreciated, and recognized for their service. >> grammy award winning artist sheryl crow paying tribute with a special live performance. and my co-host for the hour, hollywood legend t hanks showing his support as he stands with our nation's military a caregiversnd their families. we sleet our hidden heroes today. m thursday, 23rd, 2019. ♪ >> good morninan >> from indiapolis! >> here to honor hidden heroes. >> 17 years, coastar gu >> 27 years, air force. >> 11 years, navy. >> eight years, army. >> and 24 years, marine corps. ♪ >> my dad's a veteran and i'm his caregiver. >> we love you, jerry! >> ready forhe sl crow and tom

hanks! >> and good morning, everybody. welcome back to "today" on this thursday morning. we are here in a historic place. indianapolis. this is the indy 500 motor speedway. and i'm here with a special -- we're not going to call you guest anymore. >> my name is brad clooney and it's great to be here. this is the firstime your little outfit has broadcast from the trickyard. >>s is the first time you've co-hosted the "today" show, isn't it? >> i'm trying to get the gig as the host on concentration. >> you've been wowing this crowd. this hour is all about shining a light on our military caregivers. we want to talk about the liz belt dole foundation which saw a need several years ago for those

caring for our veterans. they saw this ts a needt needed to be met. >> reporter: behind of our nation's 5.5 million military caregivers, a unique story of bravery, true grit, and unconditional love. >> you were high school sweethearts. >> reporter: we spent the afternoon meeting families and listening to their s at an event hosted by the elizabeth dole foundatio and the hidden heroes campaign. >> you have a good one here. >> reporter: savannah is one of the campaign's ambassadors. >>el do you fe somebody something that you can call? >> i do. >> reporter: and i've been chair since i launched. we continue to shine a light on these caregivers' face and encourage the natioo lift them up. if you could have anything within the next 72ours from hidden heroes, what would it be? some time off? >> i neea vacation.

>> reporter: these spouses, mothers, fathers, siblings and friends are the new front line for our nation's veterans. providing $14 billion a year in voluntary uncompensated care. senator elizabeth dole wnessed the issues first hand when her husband bob dole was admitted to walter reedn 2011. >> we got to know my of them. they were scared. they were really worried, what's going to happen when we leave the hospital. >> reporter:he created the liz both dole foundation. >> our nation's leaders must stand with america's military caregivers. eporr: determined to raise public awareness about the care giving crisis. >> i have been givenss a min. you've seen it. go do something about it. wa up,america. >> reporter: then in 2016 she launched the hidden heroes campaign to give military caregivers a voice. and resources to help them adjust to their new normal. >> every care givin story

begins with an individual who raises their hand to serve our country. sometimes in the course of carrying out that duty, they fall. when that happens, their caregivers often the love of their lives is the person there to lift them up off the ground. >> and we are joined now by senator elizath dole who started this good work. good morning, senator. >> wonderful to be with you in indianapolis. >> tell s us thery of how you discovered this need. >> well, you know, my husband bob was hospitalized as waltere reational military medical center. and this was back in 2010. and he was there for almost 11 months. and i got to know all these young caregivers. they were the spouses, mothers, dads, sisters taking care of the wounded warriors. and it was incredible what i saw. they were really suffering. they had no idea where to turn for help. worlds were

turn upside down really. my heart went out to them. when y see somethingike that, you're compell to do t me sog foundation. and we were able to get the which ul research, two yea indicated there are 5.5 monil caregive cinor wound homers >> the term caregivers would make some people think they're doctors and professionals. but carsivers in this about families. like you said. >> that's right. thesmoerres, a the dads, theibl caringorhe wound warrrs. >> we got some brat kids in here there are tre for their part of it as well. >> that's right. absolutely. >> if we had one thing that we could say the people could do because we have good hearted people watching and they're going to want to put their arms around these caregivers, what's the need? how can they help?

>> you know, the small acts of kindnee can mak a real difference. for example, go help mow a lawn. you know? take a good dinner over to the family. take the children out for an event. or sit with the wounded warrior and let the caregiver get a little respite. and i think it can make a lot of difference if we just go to hiddenheroes.org and find a lot of ideas about what can be done. >> so much of what you do in the foundation is connecting up the people who have a need and those with an ability to help. sometimes it's just being part of the carpool t t get community college on time. >> indeed. but i think it's so important that we alert america. it's like america has been asleep to this. to think there are 5.5 million caregivers who desperately need help and they are in many cases bathing, feeding, dressing the wounded. they're providing mications every day. medical injections. they're trying to prevent triggers that can set off an emotional response thatan last

r days. and they're handling all the household functions and most of them are raising children. there's a desperate need here. >> i'm never going to interrupt senator elizabeth dole again for the rest of my life. i was just talking to -- there's a couple here celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary. and the wounded veteran cannot come into the room because it ould set off too many hat'comp tliheca types of burde that a lot of these famies are facing. >> we have fellows chosen aech year. steph's husband tom has post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. and steph says, you know, tom is constantly talking about how to commit suicide. he is talking about it. he's looking for ways to do it. and at one point, he did make a. attemp and on the way to the hospital, he was pleading with steph. he said, please just let me lr. i've ady died in iraq.

and then there was a bad fire in their house and she said, i was thinking about, yes, where are we going to sleep tonight and is the insurance going to cover all this damage. but primarily i was thinking is this going to set off suicidal thoughts in tom. that's what they're dealing with in many cases. >> i imagine that kind of story being repeated again and again. we have 5.5 milli caregivers, our nation's veterans need them. we need to support them. senator hadole, you for starting this. >> absolutely. my privilege. >> and we are going to continue it and we're going to talk to some of those caregivs just ahead and hear their stories. fo the most, we'll send it to al. we've had a bit of weather here which is why we' not out on the track. i hope y've got sunshine coming. >> well, we don't have sunshine, but we have -- the skies are brigening and finally things are clearing up. i think we'll get our concert . we have guys trying to squeegee out the area where our vips will

be sitting, some o our wounded veterans and their caregivers. because it has really come down quit e he changing. fa linct get,oo's t line of showers and thunderstorms have now moved past, indiana. but we still have that line pushing through. here's the risk areas we'reg talkinout. in the northeast, you're going to be g under theun this afternoon and this evening. 38 million people at risk. it stretches back to the midwopt, 4 million pe. then tomorrow, much the same area. from chicago all the way back to midland for 17 million people. tornadoes, dil,aging winds. continues right on into saturday for 13 states from western new york, western pe all the way back. we're looking at lubbock, texas. and we're going to see more dangerous weather. and airport delays today from salt lake, denver, kansas, st. louis. all the way into the northeast for borkon, new yo philly, washington, pittsburgh, detroit. we've got the all clear. they are starting to bring our

audience in. we're going to have a concert from sheryl crow. it's all happening. but first, that's what's going on around the country. here what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> a lot milder start this morning than yestery. we're now in the mid-60s across much of the region. 66 in arlington. 63 leesburg. we do have a slight risk for severe weather from the washington area south and anis enhanced rk for severe weather across northern maryland and into southern pennsylvant. don' turn your back on the chance for any severe weather chances today. a little cooler tomorrow. >> all right. good news. got the crowd coming in. a thousand people strong going toe -- this is going to be the first concert ever on the track of the indianapolis 500. coming up savannah and tom introduce us to the heroes who sacrific so much for o military folks. and we'll share their untold

stories. talk about what you can do to help with the challengesy face. and we're going to treat them all and all of you to a live concert from sheryl crow. it's all coming up. t first these messages coming u. but first these messages. guys, what's the matter? the great outdoors is supposed to be fun. i heard there were fleas out here. and t-t-t-t-t-icks! and mosquitoooooooooooes! listen up, scaredy cats. we all have k9 advantix ii to protect us.ep it kills and rels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.d anmosquitoes? all three. so let's just enjoy ourselves out here. i edsn't really that scar. ahhh! get it off! get it off! it's a leaf. k9 advantix ii kills and repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, too. by the laughing cos you can dunk, snap, or twirl. so however you snack, snack like you. the laughing cow.

♪ ♪ ght now, when youlguy a red nose at waens, you can help a child live a healthier life. walgreens. you can help a child live a healthier life. trusted since 1901. whenmuou make a pb&j with ser's and jif, that's the difference between ordinary everyday and exquisitely delicious in an everyday sort of way. because with a name like smucker's, t has to be good. and exquisitely delicious in an everyday sort of way.

♪ at kohl's merial day weekend sale save on kids' tops and shorts... flip-flops... and an anti-gravity chair. plus - take $10 off your purchase of $25 or more!. plus - get $5 kohl's cash for every $25 spent! this memorial day weekend... at kohl's. readyaveeno's sheer formulaiant? packed with pure soy evens tone and texture. s. so skin looks like thi and you feel like this. aveeno® pitively radiant get skin happy™ [zara larsson - "wow"] ♪

♪ make you're jaw drop drop say oh my drop drop drop ♪ ♪roake u say oh my god my dp drop ♪ ♪ make you're jaw drop make u ♪ welcome back to "today" on this very special morning. we are live at the indianapolis motor speedway and the crowd is ready.e ther they are. because sheryl crow is goi to

take our concert stage. we are working with theab elizh dole foundation and hidden heroes. tom and i have had the honor together to meet and get to know the nearly 6 milon individuals helping our warriors at home. we're shining a light on them, sharing their i said prapgsd anoving stories. stories of unconditional love, courage, and triumph. and yes sometimes heart ache a pain as well. >> reporter: for many veterans once they return from the frontr lines, anoattle remains at home. fighting beside them and for them spouses, children, families. the are the hidden heroes. joe dorsey, a purple heart recipient was injured in an ied explosion in iraq in 2004. he came home with shrapnel wounds, head and neck injuries, and ptsd.

>> there's a lot of fanfare coming home. then life goes on. be a lot of veterans and tnciry you don't share with everyone. >> reporter: a public school teacher, andrea setimes uses her sick days to care for her husband as he continues to cope with the visible visie woun o wa >>he and world goes on w hther you'reing a tough day or whether you're not. so when you decide that you don't have any other choice, you have to keep going. i ha to justake on these challenges as they come and i am strong enough to do this. and if there's going to be a litary hen i'm going to be the b tescat onegir ever could be. >> reporter: her husband is in awe of his wife. calling andrea his rock as she picks him up on his toughest days. for her to be as supportive as she has, it means morybthan any will ever know. >> reporter: just a few weeks deployment to

afghanistan, amy jenkins got a call she'll never forget. >> i only heard his broken voice and it said, hey, baby. i'm alive, but. that was heart wrenching. heart wrenching. >> reporter: an enemy attack left andrew with a traumatic brain injury. his condi forever changing their lives. >> all theor deployments bef that had taken little pieces. but this one took, it took his spunk. and i miss him. i've had to learn i have to fall in lovim with all over again. r tefep>>myr:or a hersn d hoe hus. their three children have become caregivers too. >> my children encompass what it means to love without boundaries. when they notice that i am streed, they will try to pick up the slack. there is nothing that my children would not do for the

father. >> reporter: her husband knows how lucky he is to have them by hiside. >> i owe her my life. i do. the amount of stuff i've put hek and thes through not just ofimts bs but the aftermat deployments and all the demons and struggles. >> reporter: robert greer sr. served in the air force in the v korean andtnam wars. reversing roles, his son robert jr. became t primary caregiver for his 86-year-old dad when his late mother wash diagnosed w alzheimer's. for military caregivers, there are no days off. >> it is a labor of love. it's almost like having children. de's the har job you'll ever love. you know? s constantly curve balls that happen with us. >> reporter: his father is eternally grateful for his son's selflessness. >> son, i love you. you are tmendous to me.

>> wouldn't have it any other way. >> thank you. >> reporter: once strangers with familiar stories, now finding comfort in one another. and we are so happy to have andr, rob, amy with us now. guys, good morning. >> good morning. >> a lot of tears. yeah. >> it's so emotional. andrea, it's really as tom has said before and i think it's so profound, this is an act of love. >> oh, absolutely. it's a great service and i'm honored anddo happy to it. >> do you think of yourself as a caregiver? >> not really. i think i just do what anyone would do if you love someone and you want what's best for them. you step up and do what needs to be done. >> you have like nine full-time jobs. you are a teacher. you're a homemaker. you've got kids. how do you get through just the ts and day that has hundreds and hundreds of duties?

>> i think you just try your best because you put a smile on and find theood in situation. you do what all of us do. we just keep going. >> amy, one of the things that caregivers say a lot is that it can be isolating and that you can fl very alone. have you gone through that yourself? >> absolutely. the most powerful words i've ever heard are me too. and that's what i've gotten with this fellowship through elizabeth dole foundation. a me too. >> there's something about it, right, rob? when you have that connection and you realize that you're in your own army. army ofer caregiv reaching out and taking care of our veterans who we so treasure. >> absolutely. it's just a treasured resource that i wish all caregiversou c have. but this is part of it. we're only three people out of over 5. million caregivers. it would beas fac, too, if you could take this on the road and see those other stories of people.

you know, there's millions of people out here. >> what other raceways? daito nytona maybe? >> exactl >> the connection you talk about there, no one wants to be going alone.h a tough time and that you can meet people, of course, from across the country. but there's also folks that literally live jus a couple of corners away from where you are. i think that's key. also, the work of hidden heroes is ming surehat those people who have something they can contribute be it their expertise in a job they have or as elizabeth dole said, the kid with a lawn mower can make a big difference on every other saturday. >> that's difficult for caregivers. we find it difficult to ask for help. in of expertise,offer that help that would be nttic. >> what's just one thing, a simple thing that you could get from some place like the elizabeth dole foundation? if you could have, say, next tuesday boy you'd really like to

ok forward to, blank, what uld that be? in your life as a caregiver. >> that's a tough question. aoo. >> a break. >> a break? >> yes. >> we heard that a lot yesterday. >> over and or ag a wife or girlfriend or grandparents were saying i'd like to have an afternoon off. >> but there are resources that n help. it's just getting to those resources. >> what's it been like, amy? not only are you a caregiver, you're a wife too. and your d kids, you talkeout it. they step up and carrybuhat rden as well. and it's really -- it's the whole fyily is reall transformed when you're caring for one of our wou warriors. >> it's hard. because there's nothing sexy about, here honey take your medicine. you have to love fiercely but also care for them.

>> what about you, andrea? what have you learned that you could share? and hearing those powerful words, me too. what word of encourement would you have for them? >> you're not alone. there's a lot of people like kiu. if you're loong like a network, come join eus. we'rhere. >> and practical needs. we kind of talked about i but let's just say you're home and you're thinking,th okay. e's someone. i got a neighbor. you might be afraid. sometimes i think we're afraid to reach out. we're afraid to say, do you need help? you don't want to be presumptuous? how would you tell somebody to approach someone in their own community? >> that's a hard question. we're military children. many of us. it's like, okay. get out of the way. i got this. so just know tha you don have to do it all. you don't have to do it all. >> tre's the visible wounds that anybody could see because there's a wheelchair or a ramp in a house. or a special vehicle. but there's also -- i met two of the husbands here.

and if i saw them at a or drugst i wouldn't think that they were any brand of a wounded veteran that's come back that needs a specific type of care. that must be one of the added burdens. because it just looks so normal. yet it's far from that. right. he looks healthy. >> i hope people areorking close together. this work is just beginning. hiddenheroes.org. elizabeth dole would kill me if i didn't mention thatt say i early and often because there are a lot of resources that are out there. we're going to take a turn and we're going to have some fun, okay? i that the clouds have parted. i think we're going to get a concert. are you ready to have a little fun out there? >> yes. >> okay. we're going to do that. for the moment we'll send it over to al. >> thank you, savannah. yes. the clouds are starting to part. we've got sheryl crow. yeah. are you ready to sing for these hidden heroes?

>> i thinkg we have to sin stuff about the sun. >> yeah. that's right. it's a weather song. we love it. itti exci. we are going to be performing. it's all but infirs ct,om your local new weather. good morning,everybody. 8:26 now on this thursday, may 23rd. i'm aaron gilchrist. let's start with a look at the roads. >> good morning, aaron. bay bridge looking good eastbound and westbound at this point this morning. congested, of course, as the day goes on. inner loop of the beltway acrossing the american legion bridge. slow in those spots. 270 still low southbound. going about 10 miles per hour southbound through rockville. same thing with 95. >> we wil get a check of the forecast when we come back.

stay with us. i don't remember when i was introduced to duke's. i feel like it's just always been there. it feels like home to me duke's mayonnaise has be in our family ever since i was small. i love the way that the duke's mayonnaise o toastsn the outside of the bread. it's nice and smooth and tangy, and you don' it's good, right? oh, yes. we cure ou meats in-house,of we make all our pickles in-house, and we buy duke's mayonnaise. we can't make it any better.aughs).

morning, everybody. breezy and mild this morning. mid-60s alre watching for strong toevere storms into the afternoon. little cooler and less humid tarm with a refreshing breeze around her sunday hot and humid with a chance for a thunderstorm. these storms later today, stay with us on nbc washington.

we'll keep you posted. >> all right. thank you. news and weather in the get the washington app. we'll have another date for you in about 25 minutes. right yow back to newk and more of the "today" sh

♪ we'reack now. 8:30 on this special thursday morning live in the indianapolis motor speedway and surrounded by remarkable military veterans and incredible loved ones and ce givers. just ahead we're going to treat them to a live concert from none other than this lady right here. sheryl crow, good morning! >> hello. >> you look gorgeous. >> how did you make that happen? >> i just said, we want to wpl. sore going to play for these great caregivers and veterans. >> i think your drummer made it

happen. >> our hair is very friz. >> exactly. bad hair day but great day to celebrate veterans and their caregivers.n one questio haven't asked this morning, how did you get involved in this? >> senator dre got togethe with me and a b deal going to the hospital with her husband bob and saw all the other families dealing with the ongoing duration health crisis of the wounded veterans, and wasn't more than a couple of minutes into her presentation and i said, i'm your guy. i grew up, you know, as a lay historn between world war ii and vietnam when i was just becoming of a social conscious myself, another thing, dealing with iran and iraq. the need wa was so i obvious was surprised i had never seen it myself so i got involved. i said, yeah. >> we're excited. >> and now it's all about the

ert in a few.ne but more check of al's weather. >> announcer: "today's" weather is brought to you by sleep number. this is not a bed. it's a proven quality sleep. >> we aren't the only ones honoring these hidden heroes here in indianapolis. just yesterday the indianapolis colts and star quarterback andrew luck gave tickets to military members, caregivers, and their families to the salute to service game that's going to be played against the miami dolphins later this fall savannah, tom, and senator dole all there. it was a great day. this is going to turn into a great d as well. let's check your weather. look ahead to the memorial day weekend. first of all, let's talk about the indy 500. that's right. right here on nbc starts at -- and 80 degrees. rest ofr memorial day weekend looking like this.

we start off with friday. spring sizzle in the southeast. showers in the great lakes, severe storms through texas. then into saturday, we're looking at showers around the northeast. gusty storms. upper dwest, the heat wave in the southeast. then on sunday, record heat contdues. scattere showers in the pacific northwest on memorial day when we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. plenty of sunshine on the east coast. rainy and cool back through the rockies. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> morning. i'm storm team 4 meteorologist chuck bell. it is amoild ing. it's going to be a hot afternoon today. high temperature near 87 degrees and a likelihood of strong to severe storms later in the day. everyone has an opportunity. here's our future weather model storm bubbling up between about 3:00 and 5:00 this afternoon. hen rolling into southern maryland after about 5:00 or 6:00. keep a weather eye to the sky and stay with us here at nbc

washington. >> and we're right along bricks here. this is where they start and finish the race. the 103rd runningf the indianapolis 500, it is going to be a spectacular race. and i think the weather will hold off. th tradition was started in 1966. drivers actually kiss the bricks. i would get down to kiss the bricks but then i couldn't get back up. you can catch the indianapolis 500 right here, the best place to watch it. nbc. exclusive home of indycar. coverage starts sunday morning1 at a.m. a new tradition begins right here on nbc. nine-time grammy winner sheryl crow is one of the biggest names in music. for more than 25 years, she's been writi hit songs, performing for audiences around

the world. she joins us now. so good to have you here. yeah. live. live from the brickyard. >> when we asked you to do this, you came running. it means a lot to your heart. >> it does. this song, i think johnny cash would be proud to have it come out now. i redid it in '96. wrote this song and since johnny cash recorded it before he died. this is going to be the corner stone of my record. it's about freedom. it's about what these people do to make sure we have the freedoms that we have. he passed away and now i have a cord coming out in may that is all collaborations andhe fir song out is with johnny. >> we live in a world where you and johy cash get to sing together. i don't care what the technology

is. i want to hear that. >> it's amazin i had a great conversation with hem before he passed about the song. said i want to know every song why you wrote it. he was so outspoken about how he felt about the iraq war and vietnam. he defended native americans. he's just a great american patriot. >> well, we're going to hear that new song, new album coming out as you mentioned. but for now you're going to play one of our favorites. take it away. th ♪ i belong ♪ a long way from here ♪ i put on poncho and played for mosquitoes ♪ ♪ and drank 'til i was thirsty

again ♪ ♪ i went searching through thrift store jungles ♪ ♪ found jeronimo's rifle shampoo ♪s ♪ and benny goodman's cursive pen ♪ ♪ well okay made this up ♪ i promise you i'd never give up ♪ ♪ ift makes you happy ♪ it can't be that bad ♪ if it makes you happy ♪ then why the hell are you so sad ♪ ♪ nget dow ♪ real low down

♪ you listen to coltrane ♪ derailour own train ♪ who hasn't been there before ♪ i've come around ♪ around the hard way ♪ bring you comics in bed scrape the mold off the bad ♪ ♪ and serve you french toast again ♪ ♪ well okay i still get stoned ♪ i'm not the kind of girl you'd take home ♪ ♪ if it makes you happy ♪ it can't be that bad ♪ if it mes you happy ♪ then why the he are you so

sad ♪ ♪ if it makes you happy ♪ it can be that bad ♪ if it makes you happy ♪ then why the hell are you so sad ♪ ♪ ♪ >> sheryl crow is just getting started. we're going to have a lot more from sryl crow in a moment

from indianapolis live. but first this is "today" on nbc. ♪ i've slain your dreaded dragon. for saving the kingdom what doth thou desire? my lord? hey good knight. where are you going? ♪ ♪ climbing up on sobury hill ♪ grab your things, salutations. coffee that is a cup above is always worth the quest. nespresso.

tis all i desire. did thou bring enough for the whole kingdom? ge geornespresso, what else?

on this special morning from indianapolis, there's more music from the great sheryl crow. >> she's performing redemption day. it's out august 30th. once again, here she is. sheryl crow. ♪ ♪ i've we want for those who suffer long ♪ but how i weep for those

who've gone ♪ questioned wrong ♪ killing ♪ it's inheh t sl things ♪ ♪ but weak to watch without speaking ♪ ♪ oh what mercy sadness brings ♪ if god be willing ♪ there is a train that's headed straight ♪ ♪ to heaven's gate ♪ to heaven's gate ♪ and on the wayld c and man ♪ and woman wait ♪ watch and wait ♪ for redemption day

streets ♪es in the et ♪d swallows everything it ♪ it's just an image often seen ♪ ♪ on television ♪ come leaders, come ye men of great ♪ ♪ let us hear you pontificate ♪ your many virtues laid to waste ♪ ♪ and we aren't listening ♪ there is a train that's heading straight ♪ ♪ to heaven's gate ♪ to aven'se gat the way

♪ child and man ♪ and woman wait ♪ watch and wait ♪ for redemption day ♪ it's buried in the countr♪ide ♪ it's hidden in the shells of night ♪ ♪ it've ewhere a baby cries ♪ freedom ♪ freedom ♪ freedom ♪ freedom ♪ freedom

>> sheryl crow and the late johnny cash. an incredible song coming out on her new album out august 30th. coming up, cheryl's going to sing one ofne everyo all-time favorite songs. boy wob do we need it today. but first this is "today" on nbc.

compare comcast business to your current provider. vi my current service proder does not provide half of what you provide. and to know that i could save money? i'd behrilled. this sounds like a whole business package, which would be incredible. so what are you guys waiting for? let's do it. (laughs) comct business gives you more. stitch now and get fa, reliable internet for a new low price of $39.95 a month. plus, get free installation. better, faster? i mean sign me up. call today at 1-800-1-6000. comcast business. beyond fast.

♪ all i ♪ we are back. >> we're back! we're back, savannah! >> it's the indianapolis motor . >> get your engines running. incredible crowd. our tion's caregivers. we love them so much. and sheryl crow is about to perform one of her greatest hits. "soak up the sun." take it away. >> bring it on. ♪

♪ my friend the communist ♪ ♪ holds meetings in his rv sh♪ t ♪ i can't afford his gas ♪ so i'm stuck here watching tv ♪ i don't have digital ♪ i don have didly squat ♪ it's not having what you want ♪ ♪ it's wanting what you've got ♪ i'm gonna soak up the sun ♪ i'm gonna tell 'em that i'veo

got n one to blame ♪ ♪ every time i feel lame i'm looking up ♪ ♪ i'm gonna soak up the sun ♪ i'm gonna soak up the sun ♪ i've got a crumby job ♪ it don't pay near enough ♪ to buy the things it takes ♪ to win me some of your love ♪ every time i turn around i'm y looking up're looking down ♪ ♪ maybe something's wrong with you ♪ ♪ that makes you act the way you do ♪ ♪ maybe i am crazy too ♪ i'm gonna soak up the sun ♪ i'm gonna tell everyone to lighten up ♪ ♪ i'm nna tell 'em that i've

got no one to blame ♪ ♪ every time i feel lame i'm looking up ♪ >> sing it with me! here we go! ♪ i'm gonna soak up the sun ♪ goa tell everyone to lighten up ♪ ♪ i'm gonna tell 'em that i've got no one to blame ♪ every time i feel lame i'm looking up ♪ i'm i'm gonna soak up the sun ♪ ♪ i've got my 45 on so i can

rock on ♪ >> oh,s. yes. >> >> sheryl crow getting it done in dianapolis. we're back with much more of "today." but first on a thursday morning, this is "today" on nbc. [vacuum] ♪ introducing fresh ep clean paws, with low tracking litter.co your vacuum bemes a cat toy. let's make litter ss of a mess. let's start fresh. the big carriers are talking about their current 5g roll outs, but th r efforts are limited a few pocs or trying to convince consumers that 4g is actually 5g. they're neglecting small towns and rural communities, leaving them on the wrong side of the digital divide.

ineeded to quickly ingr on all cunprecedented 5g connectivity tacross the nation. nexgard chew comes the confidence you'reng what's right to protect your dog fra fleas and ticks for ll month. and it's the only chew fda approved to prevent infections that cause lyme disease. nexgard. what one little chew can do.

[ chrs and applause ] this has been an incredible morning at the indianapolis motor speedway. we are so grateful to everyone who made this morning possible. tomha nks, our co-host for the hour. whose work and devotion and passion with without measure. >> i was told i was going to get a set of america first luggage.

>> you are. and a "today" show t-shirt. and our military veterans and caregivers, thank you for wha you do every day. thanks for the courage to speak out. who knows how many people you helped today.t >> jusegular folks. >> thank you so much. sheryl, you're beautifu we love it. the album is out august 30th. and none of this is possible withou senator elizabeth dole. and our finale, look at our friend mark. o one ofr nation's finest. he loves tom hanks so much, he put woody on his belly. >> there's a snake in his boots. >> okay, put it down. >> thank you so much. senator dole what you have done is remarkable. i love your passion. i love the way you saw a need and you said why not me,ot why n do something about it. you're doing something. this work is just beginning. hiddenheroes.org if you're home

and caringso forone. you're loved and supported. we see you. third hour of "today" straight ahead. after your local news. good morning. it's 8:56. let's start with a check of the roads with melissa mollet and your first 4 traffic. >> outbound looking good. inbound looking good. definitely going to change as the commute progresses and everyone starts hitting the rd to head out of town for memorial

day weekend. ltway, no major complaints right now. clarksburg southbound at the weigh station there, disabled vehicle crowdinghe left side. >> all right. we've got some changes coming your way so we'll get a check of the forecast when we com

breezy and much warmer atday. temperes reach the mid to upper 8las. ter in the afternoon, likely to have a round of thunderstorms go through here between about 3:00 and 7:00 today. we'll keep you posted on our nbc washington app and also stick around here today. no chance for rain tomorrow or saturday though. >> all right. thank you.he at day. get t latest news and honey, this gig-speed internet is ridiculously fast. we are seriously keeping up with the joneses. s.eping up with the ford' keeping up with the garcia's. the romeros. -patels. the wahh-the-wahh... -wolanske's. -right. no one is going to have internet like this. xfinity makes keeping up with the joneses. simple. easy. awesome. want gig-s we've got you covered.peed? or check out our other amazing speed ewtions at now prices.

get started now for as low as $29.99 a month. call, click or visit a store today. live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of "today." ah, good thursday morning. welcome to the third hour of "today." i'm craig hereid alon dylan dreyer, willie geist is sitting in today. shasnelle on gnment. al, of course, in indianapolis for the heroes events you just watch wd, wrapped up an entire hour celebrating military caregivers and their families and what an hour it was.s tom hankco-hosting with savannah. there were folks concerned about mr. hanks' ability to co-host a -- >> does anybody have any, any concern over his ability to do anything? >> no. none. but that was, like, the last thing he had not done. checked it offis