Contributions for 2025

Seeing a counselor, especially as you work through the loss of a family member, friend, or battle buddy, can provide answers to your anxieties, validate what you’re feeling — whatever that may be, and increase your chances of getting relief.

Certain kinds of thoughts actually support healing. They help you stay connected to yourself and the person you lost, while allowing room to breathe.

As the song goes, “There’s no place like home for the holidays,” but home might feel different after the loss of a special person.

It’s been almost 15 years since my husband was killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. Some days, I still find myself expecting him to return from deployment. With every new milestone our children reach — every passing anniversary, birthday, and holiday — his absence is sorely felt anew. Yet our loss does not stop life from continuing its forward march.

It was an opportunity to send packages.

After my son, Michael, died on Oct. 28, 2020, I searched for answers in books about grief and death.

On National Tattoo Day 2025, TAPS invited you to share your ink and the story behind it on social media. Your responses blew us away.

Since beginning your grief journey, you’ve probably become familiar with triggers — those seemingly normal moments that wash over you with a powerful wave of grief.

Volume 31, Issue 4

“Today…I open my heart’s hand to allow…the touch of hope.” – Julia Cameron 

As a child, a lifetime, I thought, was being “old” — gray hair, wrinkles, an always-growing family, and decades of stories, triumphs, and challenges. It was great-grandchildren at your feet, unfiltered conversations and collections of photos, knick-knacks, and recipes.

On Nov. 17, 2024, I was part of a group of TAPS surviving families who attended the teams4taps New York Jets Salute to Service game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 

After the loss of your spouse or partner, you may be trying to find your place in an entirely new social landscape. You are walking through a complex and emotional time where your relationships are both a lifeline and a source of unexpected challenges. Grief touches every connection you have, creating a new and often disorienting terrain. 

Outwardly, I have it all together — even in the days and months after Jason’s death — stoic, intentional. I was a professor on the path to apply for tenure and promotion.

It has been said that children are keen observers but poor interpreters — meaning, they have a hard time distinguishing between behaviors they should mimic and those they should avoid.

Volume 31, Issue 3

In the weeks after my father died, I was numb. And then one day, about two months later, bam. My neck muscles were so tight I couldn’t turn my head, my stomach churned in ways unrelated to hunger, my jaw was clenched shut, and my limbs were heavy with exhaustion. The physical effects of grief had finally caught up with me

If you’re feeling angry after the death of someone loved, I want to assure you that all your emotions are normal — even unpleasant and sometimes scary feelings, like anger, rage, hate, blame, resentment, bitterness, and envy. There’s nothing wrong with you. 


2025 TAPS Advocacy Week Congressional Reception

I want to drape myself in black like widows long ago, to walk alone in somber dress so acquaintances will know

Each day since losing my brother, Sgt Steven Araiza of the United States Marine Corps, on March 13, 2023, I have made it my mission to create an everlasting legacy of his life. I strive to honor him by embodying the same kindness he showed to everyone he met, whether they were lifelong friends or strangers.

2025 TAPS Advocacy Week on Capitol Hill

TAPS survivors meet at Boeing Headquarters to prepare for meetings on Capitol Hill during Advocacy Week.

Have you ever noticed your thoughts circling around the same painful place? You’re washing dishes or driving or trying to sleep, and suddenly — there it is again: the same what-if, the same image, the same sentence you’ve already replayed a hundred times.

Hoisting my REI pack onto my back, I feel every bit of the 42 pounds inside. The seams hold together, resilient against the strain. I once again say hello to David as I start my three-mile ruck at the cemetery where he is buried. He doesn’t audibly return the gesture, but I know he is there with me.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) teams4taps attend the Atlanta Falcons and are honored as Hero of the Game.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) TAPS Denver Benefit at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum.

TAPS families attend Survivor Appreciation Day with TAPS Togethers at Dollywood.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) families attend the New York Mets baseball game.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) surviving families attend the Western Regional Military Survivor Seminar and GGC.

2025 Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Colorado Men's Retreat

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) families attend the Washington Nationals game.

“Guilt is perhaps the most painful companion of death.” — Coco Chanel

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) families attend the Kansas City Chiefs training camp with teams4taps.

It’s time to get outside and take a deep Breath of Fresh Air — on the coast, in the woods, along the river, on the prairie, in the park, and out your front door.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) families attend the New England Patriots Training Camp with teams4taps.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Surviving Families attend the Minnesota Lynx game with teams4taps.

TAPS families attend the Flying Squirrels game with the Good Feet Store.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) stands with Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counseling, Invictus Australia, the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs, and Austability in support of families of Australian Defence bereaved by suicide, July 2025.

First Sergeant Ryan Teter’s 20-year military career in the Colorado National Guard has been peppered with many memorable and commendable acts of service.

The loss that brought you to TAPS and the secondary losses that follow can impact your connection to the world around you and the people in your circle — even those closest to you. As you navigate your grief and changing relationships, let the words that follow be a guide and source of support.

TAPS Surviving Families attend the KC Royals game with teams4taps.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors TAPS Young Adults at the Niagara Falls Experience

That I fell was not surprising. My eyes had been blurry from crying. “Are you all right? Are you hurt?” I looked up into concerned, but stunning, eyes as a strong pair of hands placed me safely back onto the walking trail.


Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) families attend a tour at the United States Naval Academy as part of the TAPS College Experience Program.

2025 TAPS Colorado Springs Songwriter Dinner Show

Families attend the Washington Nationals game with teams4taps.

TAPS families attend the Boston Red Sox game with teams4taps.

TAPS families tour Paramount Studios with TAPS stars4taps

Volume 31, Issue 2

TAPS surviving families attend Los Angeles Galaxy practice with teams4taps.

Losing a person with whom we shared a close bond is shattering. That is certainly how I felt after the loss of my son, Joe.

TAPS surviving families attend the NY Yankees game with teams4taps to honor their fallen heroes.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors families attend the St. Louis Cardinals game with teams4taps.

Walking the Grief Journey Together on International Widows Day and Every Day Lynzy Savage, Surviving Spouse of Cpl William Savage, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

TAPS surviving families attend the San Diego Wave practice and game in honor of their fallen heroes.

Families attend the Pittsburgh Pirates game with teams4taps.

Families attend a Washington Commanders practice with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors teams4taps program.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors TAPS TOGETHERS events in 2025.

Surviving families attend the Detroit Tigers game with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors teams4taps program.

Surviving families attend the Los Angeles Angels game with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors teams4taps.

Surviving families attend the Washington Nationals Salute to Service game with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors teams4taps.

TAPS survivors attend the Montana Men's Retreat in Emigrant, MT.

2025 31st NMSS and GGC in Arlington, VA.

Surviving families attend the Atlanta Braves game with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors teams4taps program.

A poem written in loving memory of two special Marines and in recognition of the friendship of two surviving moms, written by a surviving mother.

TAPS surviving families attend the Baltimore Orioles game on Armed Forces Day 2025 as guests of The Good Feet Store to throw the first pitch and to be recognized for their loved ones' service and sacrifice.

Between 200 and 300 bikers from AmVets Post 176 Memorial Poker Run ride roughly 110 miles annually to celebrate a Marine's life and what he sacrificed.

A note as we head into Memorial Day weekend

A surviving fathers honors his son's service by remembering who he was and what he loved and finds healing in the process.

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) hosts surviving families at a San Diego Wave and San Diego FC game to honor their fallen service members through the teams4taps program.

Lieutenant Joe Cimini was an excellent cook. His surviving spouse shares a couple of his favorite recipes.

Read about the heartwarming story behind the TAPS tradition of singing "The Unicorn Song" with General Dempsey every Memorial Day weekend.

Event Photos: TAPS Surviving Parents create new bonds, start new memories and honor our loved ones at Lake of the Ozarks, Lincoln, Missouri.

Event Photos: The TAPS family of U.S. Army Specialist Christopher Kube announced the Detroit Lions Draft pick with teams4taps in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Sadness plays an essential role toward healing. It forces us to regroup — physically, cognitively, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Survivors attend the 2025 TAPS Savannah Women's Empowerment Retreat in Savannah, GA.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend a Texas Rangers Meet and Greet with Jon Gray in Arlington, Texas.

Rachel Hunsell is on a 58 day journey across the nation as a tribute to her brother Lance Corporal Kyle Price, killed in Iraq in 2006.

TAPS recognizes that men require the support of fellow men to navigate their grief in a way that feels authentic to them, free from any expectations.

A surviving widow shares how two families came together because of two incredible losses, but with those losses came priceless friendships.

Video discussion to look at the ways that grief changes us and ideas for embracing a growth mindset as we adapt to life after loss.

Event Photos: TAPS adult survivors explore the earth's wildernesses and their emotions at Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah.

Event Photos: TAPS Young Adults partner with the Men's Programs in this experience for mentoring and connecting in Morgan, Utah at Warrior Rizen Ranch.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) survivors meet up during the Breath of Fresh Air Roadtrip at various national parks.

TAPS Youth Programs 2025 theme builds on this concept by focusing on behaviors or character traits we learn, practice, and develop as we grieve.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the teams4taps Washington Nationals Salute to Service Baseball Game in Washington D.C.

Event Photos: TAPS surviving families learn to grieve as a family with new tools for the path ahead at Camp Bob Waldorf in Glendale, California.

A surviving mother shares how writing helped in the healing process and gives some ideas for others to get started writing too.

As we head into April, the National Month of Hope, our TAPS Family is here to help you find hope and healing in your own time and hold on to it.

TAPS Outdoors is going on the road, exploring our Nation's public lands and waters, and opening ourselves up to awe, mile by mile, step by step.

Event Photos: TAPS Young Adults partner with Olympic Coaches and athletes as they are guided through winter activities in Lake Placid.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Wizards vs Pacers Game in Washington D.C.

What stumps or zip lines do you have in your life? Do you cherish and hold on to every memory of your loved one or too afraid and practice avoidance?

This year's recipient, Army Veteran Staff Sergeant Jay Hufford (Ret.), was honored for ongoing participation in TAPS and his lasting positive impact on each child.

This year's recipient, Head Coach Dan Quinn, was honored for his heartfelt dedication to honoring fallen service members and their families.

Event Photos: TAPS supporters join together in supporting the families of our fallen military members.

At the Gala, we remember the love of our fallen heroes, celebrate their lives and share the stories of the journey we have with our TAPS family.

Event Photos: US and UK Families celebrate the life and service of fallen loved ones with LFC Foundation along side Home Base and SSAFA.

Volume 31, Issue 1

Part 2 video discussion on how to recognize the stories guiding your life and learn practical tools to become the deliberate author of your journey.

As the weather warms, it's a wonderful opportunity to embrace the outdoors and reconnect with your community.

Video discussion on the unique challenges veterans face when coping with loss, highlighting the impact of military experiences on emotional well-being.

Event Photos: TAPS surviving families learn to grieve as a family with new tools for the path ahead at Camp Southern Ground in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Event Photos: TAPS Survivors move beyond your comfort zone with the support of others who understand in Anchorage, Alaska.

Event Photos: TAPS Young Adults lean into focus of self-discovery and self-care through creative expression in Tampa, Florida.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Rangers Experience in Glasgow, Scotland.

The Washington Capitals and MSE (Monumental Sports and Entertainment) Foundation announced special edition 50th anniversary Courage Caps.

Video discussion on how the TAPS Government and Legislative Affairs team is advocating for ALL Survivors on Capitol Hill on a variety of issues.

Event Photos: TAPS fundraiser held in Jupiter, Florida by hosts Tom and Sharon Chisholm

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the NBA All-Star practice and game in Oakland, California.

Video discussion on exploring changes that happen after loss and areas of our lives that are transformed through our experience of grief.

Event Photos: The National Football League hosted TAPS Families at NFL Practice/Skills showdown, Disney World, and the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games.

Though we end each year in winter, it’s also how we begin each year. It’s a reminder that growth is still happening, and hope is all around.

This is the final article in a six-part series to serve as a reminder that crazy is normal when grieving. It is adapted from Dr. Wolfelt's new book.

Event Photos: TAPS surviving women create a plan for healing and growth in Savannah, Georgia.

Video discussion on how to recognize the stories guiding your life and learn practical tools to become the deliberate author of your journey.

TAPS Education Support Service Advocate is competing in the Empire State Winter Games this month, read his words of inspiration.

Parents have the power to teach, shape, encourage, lift, support, and impact their lives like no one else. Let’s explore how to tap into that power.

If you are an adult survivor and ready to comfort and give hope to another bereaved person, consider becoming a TAPS Peer Mentor.

Video discussion hearing from those who have walked the path of mentorship with empathy, dedication, and wisdom.

As the pieces of our lives scatter after a loss, finding a way to put them back together can seem overwhelming.

TAPS Outdoor Programs Manager is passionate about connecting survivors to the healing power of nature as part of their grief process.

The new year brings opportunities to grow with your grief, honor your fallen hero, and embrace your community of peers at TAPS.