FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- February 16, 2010
 
FORT BLISS, Texas – Coping with the death in wartime of a military spouse, parent, child, or sibling can be a lonesome and difficult journey. But the survivors of our fallen heroes don’t have to walk alone. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will hold a grief seminar for adults and a good grief camp for children at Fort Bliss Feb. 19-20, 2010.

In conjunction with the seminar, TAPS will offer peer mentor training on Friday to equip survivors in how to companion another person who is grieving a death. Peer mentors play an important role in helping other survivors find a place of connection and understanding.
 
WHO: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

WHAT: Peer Mentor Training, Grief Seminar for Adults, Good Grief Camp for Children – offers peer-support and coping skills to help those dealing with the traumatic death of someone who served in the military

WHERE: Fort Bliss. Texas

WHEN: Saturday, February 20, 2010 (all media attendance must be pre-scheduled)
12:30 – 1:30 Adult interviews available, interviews with Bonnie Carroll available at 1:15pm
1:30 – 2:00 Good Grief Camp Balloon release by children for filming and photography

WHY: Interviews will be available with adults who have lost loved ones serving in the military, and with Bonnie Carroll, the founder and chairperson of TAPS. TAPS provides a supportive environment where families can come together to share their stories, find strength in friendship, and help each other.
                            
MEDIA RSVP REQUIRED
Media seeking to attend this event should RSVP to the Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office, (915) 568-4320 or 568-4601.  Confirmed media will meet at Cassidy Gate at Noon, Feb. 20.

Media seeking information about TAPS should contact Elizabeth Kreft, 202.905.7262, elizabeth@taps.org  or Ami Neiberger-Miller, 202.588.8277, ami@taps.org.

TAPS is the national organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes and has offered support to more than 25,000 surviving family members of our fallen military since 1994. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars, case work assistance, and 24/7 crisis intervention care for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge. For more information go to www.taps.org  or call the toll-free crisis line at 800.959.TAPS.