The TAPS Daily - November 18, 2020

Welcome to The TAPS Daily - curated news and resources relevant to military, veterans, and their families. For more news and resources, visit our Government Resources page.

1. Why do we need to be aware that children grieve?
   Military Times
   The support children receive from the adults in their lives directly impacts their mental, emotional, social, and physical health now and as they grow into adulthood. TAPS has been providing bereavement care to children, teenagers, and adults for the past 26 years.
2. VA digs in, says more data needed on toxic exposure before providing more veterans health care
   Stars & Stripes
   VA digs in saying more science is needed on toxic exposure before they provide care and compensation to sick veterans, as Congress grows impatient with the agency's inaction.  TAPS monitored the Congressional hearing focused on the 15,777 veterans exposed to toxins who served at Karshi-Khanabad (K2) Camp Stronghold Freedom.
3. The COVID-19 Pandemic and National Security: 5 Lessons to Consider
   Military.com
   There are five lessons that we can draw from our experiences in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic so far.
4. Trump Shakes Up The Military, But To What End?
   NPR
   Critics say the president is taking steps that lack strategic coherence, complicate a transition to a Joe Biden presidency, confuse allies of the U.S. and harm America's standing in the world.
5. Jill Biden's ready to go to work for military families again
   Military Times
   Jill Biden has vowed to continue her work to support military families, including children who face unique challenges relating to frequent moves, deployments and other aspects of the lifestyle.
6. U.S. reaches grim milestone of 250,000 coronavirus deaths
   The Hill
   More than a quarter-million Americans have died from complications of COVID-19, as health experts warn the death toll could double in the coming months.
7. Veterans Affairs COVID-19 active cases continue record spike
   Connecting Vets
   As the number of patients sick from the coronavirus reaches record-high levels, VA is also rolling out new vaccine trials and planning for massive vaccine distribution once approved.
8. Battle at home: Service members struggle with food insecurity in growing numbers
   FOX Local
   A growing number of active-duty soldiers across the country are struggling with putting food on the table and other battle food insecurities.

• Virtual Children's Grief Awareness Day Full Schedule
  Child Grief Awareness Day
  Join us on Thursday, November 19, 2020, when we will host the First Annual VIRTUAL Children's Grief Awareness Day. Check out the full schedule.
• When Someone You Know Is Grieving
  Child Grief Awareness Day
  November 19 is Children's Grief Awareness Day. Here are some tips for what to do and say when a child you know is grieving.
• How To Talk To Kids About Death, Step by Step
  Parents
  It will never be easy telling your young child that a loved one or a pet has died, but grief specialists suggest this step-by-step advice for laying the groundwork now.
• Helping Children Cope With Death
  MADD
  This informational article discusses the factors that can impact the grief process for children and emphasizes the importance of talking about the deceased.
• Resources for Helping Children Cope with Death and Grief
  National Association of School Psychologists
  Curated articles from NASP about death and grief and how to address them and help give children cope.
• After a Loved One Dies — How Children Grieve & how parents, other adults can support them
  AAP
  Teachers, coaches, childcare providers, and other caring adults can offer better support to a child who has lost a loved one when they understand more about how children grieve.

• Raiders honor veterans, active military during Salute to Service
  Raiders.com
  The Raiders Foundation also engaged with TAPS, an official NFL Salute to Service partner, through virtual visits with Raiders Alumni and TAPS families.
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Upcoming Events
  Make plans to join your TAPS Family at an upcoming event.
• TAPS News Archive
  Catch up on all the TAPS news stories over the years on the TAPS media resource page.

• Karshi-Khanabad: Congress says VA must care for K2 veterans
  Connecting Vets
  'VA needs to fix this:' K2 veterans sick from toxic exposure need help now, lawmakers say.
• As COVID-19 cases surge, Congress sounds pessimistic about a new relief package
  NBC News
  Congress remains deadlocked over a coronavirus relief bill, and lawmakers in both parties are pessimistic about passing one in the near future, even as COVID-19 cases nationally surge.
• Settlement will ease process for veterans looking to upgrade less-than-honorable discharges
  Military Times
  Under a legal settlement, Army officials will now automatically review tens of thousands of discharge upgrade applications denied over the last nine years.
• Five ways VA supports rural Veterans during COVID-19
  VA.gov
  While COVID-19 has affected all Americans, the challenges facing rural communities during the pandemic leave residents - including nearly 5 million veterans - particularly vulnerable.
• Federal tools to help maximize GI Bill® education benefits
  Consumer Finance
  Highlighting some of the federal tools available to help servicemembers, veterans, and military families pick the right program and make a sound plan to pay for it.
• DoD to Retirees: Set Up Tricare Select Payments Now or Risk Losing Coverage
  Military.com
  Military retirees and their family members who use Tricare Select risk losing health coverage if they don't arrange to begin paying new enrollment fees by January 1, Tricare officials said Monday.

• Veterans and therapists decry San Diego VA’s mental health care
  inewsource
  Amid a worsening pandemic, the San Diego VA is making access to mental health care harder for veterans, outraging therapists who say the agency’s actions are dangerous and irresponsible.
• Bring on the holiday cheer! Putting up holiday decor early can help boost your mental health
  CNN
  According to research, the holiday spirit really does brighten our mood, and the simple reasons why can actually be used to help lift our attitude and mental health all year round.
• Mental health issues during holidays more likely in Black community
  Chicago Tribune
  “This is the time where people can bottom out through situational depression and anxiety about jobs, about how I’m going to feed my family.”
• Is online school hurting your mental health? You aren't alone
  The Beacon
  Many students may be evaluating if they can handle another semester of online school. Taking care of your mental health should always come first.
• New report on teens, mental health: impact of screen time on kids
  Today
  The in-depth report surveyed a small group of teenagers about their screen time and other technology habits.

• Vandenberg AFB to receive COVID-19 vaccine within the next month, wing commander says
  Stars & Stripes
  Doses of a COVID-19 vaccine fast-tracked for emergency use will arrive at Vandenberg Air Force Base and will be available within the next month.
• In Shake-Up, Acting SecDef Elevates Special Operations to Be 'On Par' with Service Branches
  Military.com
  Acting Defense Secretary Christoper Miller announced Wednesday that U.S. Special Operations Command will now report directly to him, putting it on par with the service branches.
• As virus cases rise, Navy limits sailors' travel, activity in Hampton Roads region
  Navy Times
  U.S. Navy bases and personnel in Virginia’s Hampton Roads region were ordered Tuesday to limit travel and other activities as coronavirus cases rise.
• Army Must Take 'Hard Look' at Sexual Assault Prevention Program, Fort Hood Review Finds
  Military.com
  An independent review of Fort Hood in the wake of Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen's murder has recommended that the service take a "hard look" at the effectiveness of the SHARP program.
• Air Force Will Now Offer Enlisted Troops a Path to Pilot Training
  Military.com
  The U.S. Air Force is giving enlisted airmen a chance to earn their wings through a program for aspiring pilots and crew.

• Prince Harry Makes Surprise Appearance at Veterans Volunteer Event in L.A.
  People
  Prince Harry was photographed quietly volunteering with a veterans' charity last week to pack and deliver food to veterans in southern Los Angeles County.
• Microsoft wants to help more veterans get tech jobs
  Military Times
  The largest software company in the world launched a toolkit on Veterans Day with resources and tips for veterans looking to transition into civilian tech careers during the pandemic.
• LEGO Masters is teaming up with Merging Vets & Players charity to combat PTSD
  We Are The Mighty
  LEGO Masters provided hundreds of LEGO sets to allow veterans to find the joy and peace of building during this challenging time.
• Helping Veterans with therapeutic exercise and holistic interventions
  We Are The Mighty
  Kinesiotherapy is a rehab profession that provides therapeutic exercise and holistic interventions to improve well-being and functional abilities. It has been used to help veterans since WWII.

• Military families can register now for holiday meals from Operation Homefront
  Stars & Stripes
  Operation Homefront has opened online registration for holiday meals to be distributed to more than 12,000 military families at more than 70 locations across the country.

Banner photo courtesy of the School of Advanced International Studies | John Hopkins University.