USO/TAPS GOOD GRIEF CAMP OUT OFFERS COMFORT FOR CHILDREN GRIEVING A MILITARY DEATH
Children of our fallen military experience three-day, two-night camp near Camp Pendleton
Media opportunity available Saturday, August 11, 2 -3 p.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 8, 2012
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The children of our fallen military service members don’t have to grieve alone – they can find help and support at the USO/TAPS Good Grief Camp Out being held August 10-12, 2012, near Camp Pendleton. Organized by the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the camp offers specialized support for children grieving a loved one who died while serving in the Armed Forces.
The three-day, two-night USO/TAPS Good Grief Camp Out experience is filled with traditional and fun camp activities combined with grief education and emotional support. Children build peer connections and find support in knowing that there are other children who understand what they are feeling and experiencing. Grieving children leave camp with coping skills for dealing with their losses that last long after camp ends.
The program is made possible, thanks to support from the USO and a generous grant from the employees of Northrop Grumman. “We often think about our fallen heroes, but we recognize it’s important to also remember their children, the sacrifices they have made and the continued support they need,” said Jim Zortman, sector vice president and site executive, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “Northrop Grumman employees coordinate and participate in various fundraising activities throughout the year. It is their heart and soul that drive these events and have made our partnership with USO and TAPS possible.”
Media will be able to visit camp on Saturday, August 11, from 2 to 3 p.m. The camp will be located at Wildwood Ranch Camp and Conference Center. TAPS founder and military widow Bonnie Carroll will also be available to talk with reporters about the merits of camp programs for children of our fallen military.
WHO: USO/TAPS Good Grief Camp Out
WHAT: Three-day, two-night camping program to assist children ages 6-17 grieving the death of a loved one who served in the U.S. military
WHERE: Wildwood Ranch Camp and Conference Center, 14488 Mussey Grade Road, Ramona, Calif.
WHEN: Saturday, August 11, 2 -3 p.m.
PHOTO/VIDEO: Media will be able to film children participating at the camp doing an outdoor interactive activity, such as an obstacle course or relay race.
MEDIA RSVP REQUIRED: Media should RSVP their attendance before 3 p.m. Pacific time on Friday, August 10, 2012. Media seeking to attend this event should RSVP to Ami Neiberger-Miller, 202.588.8277, ami@taps.org
MEDIA CONTACTS
For TAPS – Ami Neiberger-Miller, 202.588.8277, ami@taps.org
For Northrop Grumman – Sherri Hargrove, 858-943-1152, sherri.hargrove@ngc.com
About TAPS
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, case work assistance, and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge. TAPS has offered support to more than 35,000 surviving family members of our fallen military and the caregivers assisting them since 1994. For more information go to www.taps.org or call the toll-free help line at 800.959.TAPS (8277).
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
About the USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen. The USO is a private, nonprofit organization, not a government agency. All of our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. In addition to individual donors and corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by President’s Circle Partners: American Airlines, AT&T, Clear Channel, The Coca-Cola Company, jcpenney, Kangaroo Express, Kroger, Lowe’s, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Procter & Gamble, and TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Worldwide Strategic Partners: BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft Corporation. We are also supported through the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381). To join us in this patriotic mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.
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