WEBINAR: BUDDY CHECK WEEK, LIFE-SAVING CONNECTIONS FOR THE VETERAN AND MILITARY COMMUNITY

add to outlook calendar add to gmail calendar October 23, 2025, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM Eastern
Live Webinar
Registration Close Date: October 23, 2025 11:00 AM Eastern

 

In recognition of Buddy Check Week (October 20–24, 2025), TAPS is hosting a special webinar panel highlighting the power of connection and peer support among Veterans and service members.

A panel of special guests within the military community will share personal stories and practical insights on how simple check-ins can make a meaningful difference.

Whether it's a call, text, or in-person visit, reaching out can be life-changing—and even life-saving.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that reminds every Veteran and Service Member: You are not alone.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Veterans, active-duty service members, military families, caregivers, and supporters of the military community.

 

 

Presenters

 

Carla Stumpf-Patton

 

Carla Stumpf Patton, EDD, LMHC, NCC, FT, CCTP

Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton, Ed.D., LMHC, NCC, FT, CCTP, an expert in grief, trauma, and suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, oversees TAPS’ services for suicide-loss survivors. Carla consults with civilian providers and military leaders to provide effective outreach and clinical care to military personnel, veterans, and military families. She is certified as an ASIST trainer in suicide first aid and is qualified to conduct Psychological Autopsy Investigations through the American Association of Suicidology. Carla holds an Ed. D. in counseling psychology, an M.A. in clinical mental health counseling and school guidance counseling, and a B.S. in psychology. Carla is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Fellow Thanatologist, a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Florida Qualified Supervisor, and a counseling educator. She is the surviving spouse of Sergeant Richard Stumpf, U.S. Marine Corps, who died by suicide in 1994. She is now married to a retired U.S. Marine, who was also a suicide-loss survivor, and they share five children.


 

Erin Jacobson

 

Karl Hillway, Military Mentor Manager (TAPS)

Karl Hillway, a former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, came to TAPS in 2011 as a Military Mentor. After the Army and multiple deployments, his service turned toward supporting children and teenagers. Prior to joining TAPS, he served as an elementary and middle school teacher and coach. In his role at TAPS, Karl continues to support children and teens who have lost a military or veteran loved one by growing the Military Mentor program and supporting the mentors and survivors in his care. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of California Los Angeles, an Master of Business Administration, an M.S. in science and technology management, and graduate certificates in project management and leadership and management.

 

About the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing®

The TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing® is positioned to be the national and worldwide leader in training and education for bereavement professionals, bereaved individuals, and grieving military, veteran and civilian families. The Institute serves as a resource and training center, providing a hub for high-quality collaboration among professionals working in the field of grief and loss.

The Institute is where practical information on coping with loss are accessible for all who seek current strategies, the most effective tools, and best practices for supporting those who are grieving and those who serve the grieving. 

The Institute provides workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and more to educate caregivers, mental health professionals, clergy, funeral directors, casualty officers, the bereaved themselves, and so many others on the best ways to travel the grief journey.

TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing® is located at TAPS Headquarters, 3033 Wilson Blvd., Third Floor, Arlington, VA 22201

Email us at Institute@taps.org or give us a call at 800-959-8277 (TAPS) with any questions.