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Run and Remember: A Win-Win OutcomeRun and Remember: A Win-Win Outcome Run and Remember: A Win-Win Outcome Betsy Beard When I first came to TAPS in 2004, I just assumed that somehow the military or the government was paying for the services and resources that were made available to me at the time: the national toll free helpline, the Peer Support Network, a free lifetime subscription to TAPS Magazine, the interactive TAPS website, the online chats, and the national seminar with all its speakers and materials and bus transporta |
Honoring Nine Years of SupportHonoring Nine Years of Support Honoring Nine Years of Support TAPS Oshkosh Defense stands behind those who dedicate their lives to America's defense and their families, especially those who have suffered the loss of a military loved one. For more than nine years, Oshkosh Defense has generously supported TAPS programs and is a leading supporter of the TAPS Honor Guard Gala. Oshkosh donates $2 for every Facebook "Like" or signature on nationwide event campaign boards. The Oshkosh Def |
Reflections of YesterdayReflections of Yesterday Reflections of Yesterday Bob Bagosy On September 23, 2013 I traveled to the UK with a group of TAPS parents, who just like me, had their son die in Iraq, Afghanistan, or at home. We went to the UK to meet and visit fellow parents who had their sons die in military service. On September 24, 2013 I arrived in London and took a taxi to our hotel, the Victory Service Club - a British Military Club built in 1907 in the heart of London. I spent some time with TAPS peop |
Video: Suicide Postvention is PreventionVideo: Suicide Postvention is Prevention Video: Suicide Postvention is Prevention | TAPS TAPS Media There are unique needs and concerns around suicide loss that can be different than other causes of death. People who have been touched by suicide could be at higher risk for suicide themselves. Quality postvention care and support can dramatically reduce that risk. Suicide survivors in need are more likely to ask for help when they are connected to a supportive community. Call us 24/7 at 800. |
Video: National HighlightsVideo: 28th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp Highlights Video: 28th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp Highlights | TAPS TAPS Media Over Memorial Day Weekend 2022, more than 1200 military survivors, volunteers and staff gathered together for the annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp in Arlington, Virginia - a weekend of hope, healing, peer to peer connections, and a chance to honor and remember our |
#MyGivingStory#MyGivingStory My Giving Story | TAPS TAPS You can help the mission of TAPS by sharing your personal giving story this holiday season. Simply share why you support TAPS and why others should be inspired to give to TAPS, too. Your story could help TAPS win up to $10,000 this #GivingTuesday, November 28, for families of the fallen. Share the Word about #GivingTuesday Visit #MyGivingStory to share how you help TAPS in our support of families around the country. Print off the TAPS “I Give B |
There’s Still Time to Put on Those Running Shoes for TAPS!There’s Still Time to Put on Those Running Shoes for TAPS! There’s Still Time to Put on Those Running Shoes for TAPS! | TAPS TAPS The Team TAPS Virtual Fundraiser Campaign is going through December 31. The pandemic hasn’t stopped us from lacing up and running, jumping on our bikes, or hiking a trail as we honor our fallen military and raise funds to support the vital programs of TAPS. Get Involved You can still participate in our virtual campaign or make a resolution t |
To Resolution or Not to Resolution: Relaxing into the New YearTo Resolution or Not to Resolution: Relaxing into the New Year To Resolution or Not to Resolution: Relaxing into the New Year | TAPS Audri Beugelsdijk The new year is a time when we contemplate all the previous year has been and all the coming year could be. Perhaps we make resolutions, promising ourselves a change, anticipating growth, and hoping for something new - after all, it is the “new” year - shouldn’t it also be a “new” me? Whether we do this to ourselves, or others put this upon u |
Caregiver to Survivor (C2S) Partnership Executive Summary 2023Caregiver to Survivor (C2S) Partnership Executive Summary 2023 Caregiver to Survivor (C2S) Partnership Executive Summary | TAPS TAPS Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network Elizabeth Dole Foundation For more information, visit the Caregiver to Survivor page. Full Screen Download PDF Donate NOw To Impact Our Grieving Military Families // |
Caregiver to Survivor (C2S) Partnership Report 2023Caregiver to Survivor (C2S) Partnership Report 2023 Caregiver to Survivor (C2S) Partnership Report | TAPS TAPS Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network Elizabeth Dole Foundation For more information, visit the Caregiver to Survivor page. Full Screen Download PDF Donate NOw To Impact Our Grieving Military Families // |
TAPS Families Enjoy Cookies and Cocoa with SantaTAPS Families Enjoy Cookies and Cocoa with Santa TAPS Families Enjoy Cookies & Cocoa with Santa | TAPS TAPS For the second year in a row, TAPS families in the Colorado Springs area were able to attend an evening of cheer and holiday spirit thanks to generous supporters. The Mike Boyle Show and Greiner Electric teamed up with 710KNUS-1460KZNT for a holiday toy drive and then hosted a Cookies and Cocoa night at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. The heartwarming holiday event was a chance for the |
Tribe: On Homecoming and BelongingTribe: On Homecoming and Belonging Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging Jerry Landrum War correspondent and documentarian Sebastian Junger’s latest book deals with the failure of American society to reintegrate American soldiers returning home from combat. Junger is most known for his book “The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea” and his film documentary “Restrepo.” Given his deep connection with soldiers and experience as a war correspondent, Junger’s perspective is based on ra |
Get Involved, Meet Your Peers in the TAPS Young Adults ProgramGet Involved, Meet Your Peers in the TAPS Young Adults Program Get Involved, Meet Your Peers in the TAPS Young Adults Program TAPS For military surviving children and siblings ages 18 to 30, the TAPS Young Adults Program focuses on 5 Pillars of Growth and Healing during your grief journey—personal development, career guidance, communications, financial stability, and service to others. Whether you are a TAPS Good Grief Camp graduate or new to our TAPS family, please know you have a place here |
Bringing Alex HomeBringing Alex Home Bringing Alex Home | TAPS Donleigh Gaunky A Brother’s Loss During War I am a man. I am a brother. I am a combat veteran. And I am a sibling survivor. Nowadays, there are not that many of us who have survived going to war and, at the same time, lost a family member to that same war. In the 1940s there were more of us. A visit to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor will give you a great example of the magnitude of this reality in just a single event. More than 30 sets of si |
International Survivors of Suicide Loss DayInternational Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day | TAPS Carla Stumpf Patton International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, commonly referred to as ISOSLD or Survivor Day, is on Saturday, November 20, 2021. It is declared as a day of healing throughout the world, where all those impacted by suicide loss can connect around the lives of their loved ones and share their experiences of support, encouragement, and hope. According to The American Foundation for |
Run and Remember: Corporate ChallengeRun and Remember: Corporate Challenge Run and Remember: Corporate Challenge TAPS Most members of our TAPS family are familiar with our Run and Remember Team, and many of our survivors are participants, running a grueling marathon or walking a 5K “race” to honor their loved ones who died in service to America. But not everyone knows about the special Corporate/Company Challenge program that TAPS instituted in 2010, three years ago. The Corporate Challenge program was designed by Run and Rem |
Hurricane Disaster Assistance Helps One Family BelieveHurricane Disaster Assistance Helps One Family Believe Hurricane Disaster Assistance Helps One Family Believe | TAPS TAPS In the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, TAPS families found themselves needing assistance with basic life necessities. Our Casework Team was able to help by connecting our survivors to resources through our long-standing partnerships with government, private, volunteer and charitable organizations that help with military benefits. The Casework Team operated |
National Suicide Prevention Month: TAPS Support and ResourcesNational Suicide Prevention Month: TAPS Support and Resources National Suicide Prevention Month: Support and Resources | TAPS Carla Stumpf Patton Each September we recognize Suicide Prevention Month, and while every day of the year is an opportunity for awareness, this time of the year specifically we emphasize education and sharing life-saving resources on all issues related to suicide—also referred to as prevention, intervention, and postvention. For those who are suicide loss survivors |
Run and Remember: My DestinyRun and Remember: My Destiny Run and Remember: My Destiny Xiomara Hall A Journey from Arlington to Arlington I used to think life was an adventure. I had lived through so much in my few years... I experienced loss early in my life when my mother passed, but I still I believed it was the natural order of things: children bury their parents. As I reflect on that period I understand now that it was part of a master plan, one that I did not understand, one I could not control, one that would car |
Saturday Morning Message: Dreams Part 2Saturday Morning Message: Dreams Part 2 Saturday Morning Message: Dreams Part 2 | TAPS Carol Lane Good Morning, This Sunday is Veterans Day, so in addition to the delightful answers that were sent in response to our question about dreams, I thought I would add a Comcast Newsmakers interview with Erin Jacobson who is on the TAPS staff and talks about the service of our organization. It will be broadcast as part of an hour-long Veterans Day broadcast. This way you get to see it first! You can |
Run and Remember: Running the Boston Marathon for TAPSRun and Remember: Running the Boston Marathon for TAPS Run and Remember: Running the Boston Marathon for TAPS TAPS The TAPS Run and Remember Team fields most of its runners every autumn in the annual Army 10 Miler and Marine Corps Marathon events in Washington, DC. But those aren’t our only venues. Any runner can participate in any event in any location. This year, we are proud to acknowledge two runners who supported TAPS in the prestigious Boston Marathon! Andre Karr Andre Karr was fi |
Hershel Woodrow "Woody" WilliamsHershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams Tribute to Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams | TAPS TAPS An American Hero and Friend to Gold Star Families This summer, our community lost a hero who had become a familiar face to surviving military families. Hershel "Woody" Williams was a Marine whose uncommon valor was equaled by his uncommon kindness. A Medal of Honor recipient, his compassion and his peer-based understanding of loss and grief were learned at a young age and only grew during World War II |
Pure GoldPure Gold Pure Gold Michele Hiester Marcum As a child, I loved the rambunctious revelry of Christmas, with its brilliant lights, mammoth toy catalogs, never-ending wish lists and long days of cookie baking and candy making. I loved the noise and commotion and the belief in Santa, who reigned in not only his reindeer, but over the whole world, it seemed. As an adult, however, I love the rich history and familiar traditions that accompany the Christmas season, begging my spirit to calm itse |
Run and Remember: Finding Our StrideRun and Remember: Finding Our Stride Run and Remember: Finding Our Stride Marie Campbell How the Marine Corps Marathon became a fundraiser for TAPS On June 25, 1996, at three o’clock in the morning, my life changed forever when three Air Force officials knocked on my door to tell me that my husband and best friend, Dee “Soup” Campbell, was one of nineteen Airmen who did not survive a terrorist attack at the Khobar Towers Military Housing Complex in Saudi Arabia. I couldn’t comprehend this, s |
Run with TAPS in 2019Run with TAPS in 2019 Run with TAPS in 2019 | TAPS TAPS It’s not too late to commit to setting your resolution to run with TAPS in 2019. We’ve got two fun races coming up in February and March, with each race offering multiple distances for every level of runner. Photo: TAPS Archive The last day to register for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is Monday, January 28. The weekend event will be held February 21-24 in Orlando, Florida. Entries are available for all distances—5K, 10K, h |
The Rewards of Mentoring Military SurvivorsThe Rewards of Mentoring Military Survivors The Rewards of Mentoring Military Survivors | TAPS Amber Loveless Noah Velazquez Kristin Cook In honor of National Mentoring Month, several of our mentors, TAPS Military Mentor Amber Loveless, TAPS Peer Mentor Noah Velazquez, and TAPS Peer Mentor Kristin Cook, have shared their mentoring story. To learn more about mentoring opportunities at TAPS, please refer to Peer Mentors and Military Mentors and Legacy Mentors pages. |
Photos: Team TAPS Army Ten MilerTeam TAPS Army Ten Miler Army Ten Miler Photos | Team TAPS TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (61 photos) Team Taps, Army Ten Miler, Photos Team TAPS Army Ten Miler Photos Flickr Album Event Photos: Team TAPS participate in the Army Ten Miler October 8, 2023. |
Photos: Team TAPS Army Ten MilerTeam TAPS Army Ten Miler Army Ten Miler | Team TAPS TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (74 photos) Team Taps, Army Ten Miler, Photos Team TAPS Army Ten Miler Photos Flickr Album Event Photos, Team TAPS participate in the Army Ten Miler October 13, 2019 |
Photos: Team TAPS Army Ten MilerTeam TAPS Army Ten Miler Army Ten Miler | Team TAPS TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (113 photos) Team Taps, Army Ten Miler, Photos Team TAPS Army Ten Miler Photos Flickr Album Event Photos, Team TAPS participate in the Army Ten Miler October 7, 2018 |
Photos: Suzanne Youngkin VisitSuzanne Youngkin Visit to TAPS Headquarters Suzanne Youngkin Visit to TAPS Headquarters TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (37 photos) taps headquarters, photos, honor the fallen Flickr Album Event Photos: First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin toured TAPS headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. |
Fallen Hero Match Made in HeavenFallen Hero Match Made in Heaven Fallen Hero Match Made in Heaven | Team TAPS Lalaine Estella Samira and Jennifer When Samira Chagua got up well before dawn to drive to Walt Disney World Resort in February 2018, she was excited to cheer on the Team TAPS runners at the start and finish of the Disney Princess Half Marathon. She was especially looking forward to seeing Jennifer Kinnett of Vincennes, Indiana, cross the finish line. The two had never met, but Jennifer had signed up for a Fallen |
Why I RunWhy I Run Team TAPS Runner John Rhoten - TAPS News John Rhoten In high school, I ran to be the best, but stopped running competitively due to injuries in 2000. Now I run for a totally different reason. I started running road races again in 2012. This time, I wasn’t on a quest for the golden fleece but needed an outlet to honor Soldiers with whom I served. From the high school classmate who became a Marine, and a Ranger buddy with whom I spent 62 awesome days, to the Mogadishu Ranger mento |
10 Things We Know to Be True about Suicide Loss10 Things We Know to Be True about Suicide Loss 10 Things We Know to Be True about Suicide Loss | TAPS TAPS Losing someone you love to suicide comes with complex grief. You might catch yourself asking why or what if or even wrestling with guilt, thinking you could have done something more — "If only I would have..." or "I should have known something was wrong." These questions, though raw and overwhelming — especially in grief — and processing these questions over time and with support can he |
Saturday Morning Message: The Difference TAPS Has Made — Part 2Saturday Morning Message: The Difference TAPS Has Made — Part 2 Saturday Morning Message: The Difference TAPS Has Made — Part 2 | TAPS Carol Lane Good morning, This week, I am going to keep my comments short as there were several writers who have responded to the question about the difference TAPS has made in their lives. In addition to the Saturday Morning Message, there is also a monthly Writers’ Circle Newsletter that is published and goes out to those who sign up to receive it. It is for |
The Richard Tree: Never ForgottenThe Richard Tree: Never Forgotten The Richard Tree: Never Forgotten Ester Allgower Christmas 2010 came four short months after the death of my 29-year-old son, Cpl. Richard Allgower. As the holiday approached, neither my husband, daughter nor I could find any Christmas spirit. In fact, we wanted desperately to avoid the sadness we felt as everyone around us was wrapped up in holiday planning. We needed to get away from the pervasive joy in the air this time of year. What could we do to av |
Nashville Songwriters Rock the House for TAPS FamiliesNashville Songwriters Rock the House for TAPS Families Nashville Songwriters Rock the House for TAPS Families | TAPS TAPS Four of Nashville’s top songwriters performed in Colorado Springs as headliners for the Colorado Springs Celebrity Classic, a fundraising event for TAPS. The Classic was born 14 years ago in Denver. “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for Bonnie Carroll and TAPS,” said singer/songwriter Brett Jones. “These families deserve our country’s support and I am happy they asked me t |
Letters from TAPS: From the Run and Remember TeamLetters from TAPS: From the Run and Remember Team Letters from TAPS: From the Run and Remember Team Marie Campbell Dear TAPS Family, In Texas, we have really hot summers! Despite the heat, I enjoy the many wonderful things summer has to offer: ice cream, the pool, the beach, my birthday, my parents’ anniversary, and cookouts with family, and the Fourth of July. But I didn’t always find summer so enjoyable. On June 25, 1996, my husband Sergeant Dee "Soup" Campbell was killed in the Khobar |
Adventures Give Us Strength in the Wilderness of GriefAdventures Give Us Strength in the Wilderness of Grief Adventures Give Us Strength in the Wilderness of Grief | TAPS Rachel Hunsell When grief halts everything we once knew, we are asked to pause, reflect, and then rebuild. Planning and preparation are the gateway to discovering something new outside of who we are — learning to step into what we can become if we simply keep going. On TAPS Expeditions, we explore the wilderness of our earth and of our grief. We discover the ways in which the |
Saturday Morning Message: The Difference TAPS Has MadeSaturday Morning Message: The Difference TAPS Has Made Saturday Morning Message: The Difference TAPS Has Made | TAPS Carol Lane Editor's Note: This week, we are re-posting one of our most popular Saturday Morning Messages that originally was published on November 4, 2017. We hope some of our newer survivors can learn from others about how TAPS has helped them face the challenges of grief. Good morning, This week, I am going to keep my comments short as there were several writers who hav |
Saturday Morning Message: Special Places Shared with Loved OnesSaturday Morning Message: Special Places Shared with Loved Ones Saturday Morning Message: Special Places Shared with Loved Ones Carol Lane Good Morning, Survivors wrote this week about special places they shared with their loved ones. Several people talked about going to a particular location on the day such as a birthday when they celebrate the life of their loved one. Let us share ideas of what we have done or plan to do to commemorate that particular day, so the question for next week is: |
Point of View: Congress needs to eliminate the Widow’s TaxPoint of View: Congress needs to eliminate 'Widow’s Tax' Point of View: Congress needs to eliminate 'Widow’s Tax' | TAPS Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann This opinion piece was originally published in The Oklahoman on September 13, 2019. It is reprinted here with permission. The day my dad died was the worst day of my life. I was 10 when two officers in dress uniforms showed up at our door to tell us that a routine day of training had turned into our worst nightmare. It was April 12, 2002, and the |
Video: Words Matter. How We Talk About Suicide Matters.Video: Words Matter. How We Talk About Suicide Matters. Words Matter. How We Talk About Suicide Matters. | TAPS TAPS Media Using safe messaging when we talk and post about suicide makes a world of difference, reinforces hope, and ultimately, saves lives. If you're in emotional distress or a suicide crisis, call/text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 988 (Veterans press 1) If you are struggling with the loss of a military loved one to suicide, TAPS is here for you. Call us |
Video: TAPS Honor Guard Gala HighlightsVideo: TAPS Honor Guard Gala Highlights Video: 2021 TAPS Honor Guard Gala Highlights TAPS Media The TAPS Honor Guard Gala gives the opportunity to remember the love of our fallen heroes, celebrate their lives and share the stories of the journey military survivors experience with their TAPS family. See highlights of the Gala held on November 16, 2021. The 2022 TAPS Honor Guard Gala is on April 27, 2022. For more information, visit www.taps.org/gala. Select image below to play. honor them |
Video: What Music Teaches Us About Coping with GriefVideo: What Music Teaches Us About Coping with Grief What Music Teaches Us About Coping with Grief Webinar | TAPS Institute Joy Berger Even after a loved one dies, love lives on and the bond continues. If there's a person, time, or place you'd like to visit or connect with, what music would take you there? Join Joy Berger in exploring rich entries into our life-stories through music, both literally and metaphorically. This video was recorded and presented by the TAPS Institute for Hope and H |
Seven Years Since My Last HugSeven Years Since My Last Hug Seven Years Since My Last Hug Charles Palmer December 20th marked seven years since I hugged my son Charles for the last time. I remember that day like it was yesterday. We went to visit Charles at Christmas time, before he was due to deploy. My wife and I were there for ten days. We had a great time meeting his friends and other Marines he worked with. I remember one day we went to a small place on base to watch football with his friends. Marines can be r |
Sibling Survivors of SuicideSibling Survivors of Suicide Sibling Survivors of Suicide Michelle Linn-Gust Sibling Surivors of Suicide Article This article first appeared on Legacy Connect, an online grief support community. For more information, articles, and resources, go to at www.connect.legacy.com. By Michelle Linn-Gust, PhD: Michelle Linn-Gust, PhD, is an international speaker and author on suicide prevention and postvention issues. A survivor of her younger sister's suicide, she is the author of Do They Have |
Very Important DocumentVery Important Document Very Important Document | TAPS Diego Rincon Kristi Stolzenberg Ideliz Mora-Cruz This article is available in English and Spanish. (Este artículo está disponible en inglés y español.) FORWARD: PFC Diego Rincon died on foreign soil on March 29, 2003, proudly wearing a U.S. Army uniform, but he was not a U.S. citizen. He was just 5 years old in 1989 when he immigrated to the United States with his older brother and his parents, Jorge and Yolanda. The |
You Deserve to HealYou Deserve to Heal You Deserve to Heal Alan Wolfelt “Wounds don’t heal the way you want them to; they heal the way they need to. It takes time for wounds to fade into scars. It takes time for the process of healing to take place. Give yourself that time. Give yourself that grace. Be gentle with your wounds. Be gentle with your heart. You deserve to heal.” – Dele Olanubi Yes, it takes time and, most important, the process of active mourning for healing to unfold. You must be patient and gi |
Team TAPS: Battle BuddiesTeam TAPS: Battle Buddies Team TAPS: Battle Buddies TAPS TAPS provides support for anyone affected by the death of a service member, and that includes the battle buddies who trained and served with our loved ones. Not only are these service members TAPS survivors themselves, but many of them become runners and fundraisers on the Run and Remember Team as well. Sometimes they meet the family of their close friend who died. Often they are able to share stories of the one who died. Always they we |
Armed Forces Cycling Classic supports TAPSArmed Forces Cycling Classic supports TAPS Armed Forces Cycling Classic supports TAPS TAPS What started as a small cycling event in 1998 in Clarendon has grown today into one of the region’s premier professional and amateur cycle races. The Armed Forces Cycling Classic gets underway June 1 and 2, 2019, in Arlington, Virginia, with TAPS as the beneficiary of race proceeds. Robert Laybourn, president and founder of Armed Forces Cycling Classic, comes from a family with a proud tradition of se |
Saluting our Fallen Heroes Nashville Songwriters Show & Dinner Celebrates 25 Years of TAPSSaluting our Fallen Heroes Nashville Songwriters Show & Dinner Celebrates 25 Years of TAPS Saluting our Fallen Heroes Nashville Songwriters Show & Dinner Celebrates 25 Years of TAPS Christine Burtt We did it again! Directors Lynne and Bo Cottrell – along with a great Executive Committee, co-chairs Linda Cavanagh and Kevin Kreymborg, and 80 amazing volunteers, produced the 14th annual Colorado Celebrity Classic to Benefit TAPS – and a celebration of the 25th anniversary of TAPS. Survivor |
Living to Honor the DeadLiving to Honor the Dead Living to Honor the Dead Carol Lane For many of us it is hard to open our hearts when our loved one has given the ultimate sacrifice to our nation and we remain behind. Yet we still have all the love to give that we have shared through the years and it doesn’t stop with death. In the beginning, many of us can only try to get through each day and survive with the pain in our hearts that comes from such a great loss. Our hearts, out of necessity, close up as we try to |
Week in Review for May 7thWeek in Review for May 7th Week in Review for May 7th TAPS The past few weeks have been exceptional for TAPS! We welcomed 40 military widows and widowed fiancées from all across the country for a healing retreat on the Emerald Coast of Florida in Destin. Retreat attendees went kitesurfing and paddle boarding, and did teambuilding activities. With each activity, participants gained empowerment. The women grew to know one another…ultimately realizing they were not alone in their grief. On A |
Grief expert shares how to find meaning after lossGrief expert shares how to find meaning after loss Grief expert shares how to find meaning after loss | TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing TAPS Techniques of Grief Therapy at the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing Loss and bereavement are universal, but the way we each respond to the life transitions that grief brings is varied. Some of us may adapt to the loss surprisingly well, others may struggle for a long time or feel unable to return to a normal level of functioning. Regardless of |
Books to Help Your ChildBooks to Help Your Child Books to Help Your Child Andrea Hug When your child faces the death of a loved one, his or her primary support system is profoundly impacted. Your family must find new ways to communicate as you all move through the loss. Sharing your feelings and experiences is really important, and while a direct conversation is good, you may not get as much information as you’d like. You might get only brief answers without thoughtful consideration about how your child really feels |
Getting Through the Tough TimesGetting Through the Tough Times Getting Through the Tough Times Rachael Hill I had a really hard time deciding what I wanted to write this blog about and finally decided to just write about how I have been feeling. I haven't had the easiest past few weeks and while I don't want to be a "Debbie Downer," I do know that others have gone through this too and I think it's important to know we're not alone…not just in grief, but in life itself. This time of year is especially difficult for me. |
Online TAPS EventsOnline TAPS Events Online TAPS Events | TAPS TAPS Find Comfort and Healing Online The TAPS Online Community is here for you – wherever you are in your grief journey, the country, or the world. The recently updated TAPS Online Community allows you to explore all of our online programs – including online groups, workshops, and coping skills programs – in one place. Through online sessions, connect with, learn from, and be inspired by fellow survivors. Finding your peers within the TAP |
Video: Jon Stewart urges Military Survivors and Veterans to apply for PACT Act BenefitsVideo: Jon Stewart urges Military Survivors and Veterans to apply for PACT Act Benefits Video: Jon Stewart Urges Military Survivors and Veterans to apply for PACT Act Benefits | TAPS TAPS Media Veterans exposed to toxins while serving and survivors whose military and veteran loved ones died of toxic-exposed illnesses may qualify for benefits under #PactAct. You now have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Monday, August 14, 2023 to file your PACT Act claim — or submit your intent to file — with the |
Video: TAPS Is Here for YouTAPS Talks Video: TAPS Is Here for You Video: TAPS Is Here for You | TAPS Institute Bonnie Carroll Audri Beugelsdijk Brittany Bonin-Bruder Join your TAPS Family for a conversation about TAPS sharing our mission, grief support services offered, and casework support available. Have questions ready for our casework team regarding benefits and assistance for you during this challenging time and be prepared to get involved in all TAPS has to offer! This live connection, recorded by the TAPS Instit |
TAPS Casework Assistance Available to Military Families of the Fallen Affected by Natural DisastersTAPS Casework Assistance Available to Military Families of the Fallen Affected by Natural Disasters TAPS Casework Assistance Available to Military Families of the Fallen Affected by Natural Disasters TAPS For everyone who has endured nature's worst effects, our thoughts are with you. Your TAPS Family is here if you need to speak to someone for extra support and care. We want to do all we can to lessen the added strain on our families. Our Care Team and Casework Department stand ready to deliv |
5 Ways to Reconnect With Nature This Earth Day5 Ways to Reconnect With Nature This Earth Day 5 Ways to Reconnect With Nature This Earth Day | TAPS Rachel Hunsell Near sunrise this morning, I heard and then saw a few geese flying low across a neighbor’s farm, nearing a small pond. From the corner of my eye I caught two barn swallows tussling near our wisteria bush they’ve made their home. As I turned to walk towards the barn, a killdeer scurried across the field and dug deep for a wormy breakfast. Overhead, the wind whistled i |
TAPS Survivor Newsletter May 2023TAPS Survivor Newsletter May 2023 TAPS Survivor Newsletter May 2023 TAPS Media For most Americans, Memorial Day is just one day. But for all of us at TAPS, Memorial Day is every day . The service and sacrifice recognized for a moment by our fellow citizens on the last Monday in May are ours to bear, with pain and pride, forever. Some spend the day marking the beginning of summer, but we spend the day honoring our heroes. We visit the graves of our loved ones, remember great love, and rededica |
Photos: Team TAPS Marine Corps MarathonTeam TAPS Marine Corps Marathon Marine Corps Marathon | Team TAPS TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (68 photos) Team Taps, Marin Corps Marathon, Photos Flickr Album Event Photos, Team TAPS participate in the Marine Corps Marathon October 27, 2024 |
Photos: Team TAPS Marine Corps MarathonTeam TAPS Marine Corps Marathon Marine Corps Marathon | Team TAPS TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (86 photos) Team Taps, Marin Corps Marathon, Photos Flickr Album Event Photos, Team TAPS participate in the Marine Corps Marathon October 29, 2023 |
Photos: Team TAPS Marine Corps MarathonTeam TAPS Marine Corps Marathon Marine Corps Marathon | Team TAPS TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (132 photos) Team Taps, Marin Corps Marathon, Photos Flickr Album Event Photos, Team TAPS participate in the Marine Corps Marathon October 27, 2019 |
Photos: Team TAPS Marine Corps MarathonMarine Corps Marathon Team TAPS at Marine Corps Marathon TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (266 photos) team taps, mcm, honor the fallen Team TAPS at Marine Corps Marathon Photos Flickr Album Event Photos, Team TAPS participates in the 2017 Marine Corps Marathon |
Saturday Morning Message: Thankful for TAPSSaturday Morning Message: Thankful for TAPS Saturday Morning Message: Thankful for TAPS Carol Lane Good Morning, Because it is Thanksgiving weekend, this Saturday Morning Message features a list of resources TAPS provides that I am thankful for as a survivor. Since a list of all the programs would make this message too long, I’ve only included some of the programs. Visit TAPS programs web page to learn more. The picture today is from the TAPS website showing survivors participating in t |
Video: USAB and TAPSUSAB and TAPS USAB and TAPS TAPS Media USA Basketball continued their partnership with the U.S. Military this summer as they teamed up with TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). The Men's and Women's Olympic teams hosted military families that had lost a family member at practices and games. Select image below to play. USAB, United States Association Basketball USAB and TAPS Video Container USA Basketball continued their partnership with the U.S. Military this summer as they team |
teams4taps Marks Second Anniversaryteams4taps Marks Second Anniversary teams4taps Marks Second Anniversary TAPS The teams4taps program celebrated its two-year anniversary in November. The occasion set in motion an exciting end-of-year schedule of team engagements. Across America, survivors and their heroes were honored both on and off the playing field. And the momentum continues - in 2016, teams4taps is poised to expand relationships with professional sports teams. With each interaction, more dreams come true for TAPS famil |
TAPS Partners with Broadway Musical Bandstand on Film ReleaseTAPS Partners with Broadway Musical Bandstand on Film Release TAPS Partners with Broadway Musical Bandstand on Film Release TAPS TAPS is proud to join with the Broadway musical Bandstand as it prepares for its nationwide film release. The 2017 Tony Award-winning production was selected by FATHOM Events for release this month in hundreds of theaters across the country. Proceeds from the June 25 and June 28 showings and a pre-release benefit in New York will support TAPS in its continuing missi |
Running for AndrewRunning for Andrew Running for Andrew | Team TAPS Jaime Boris “The Marine Corps Marathon was the most gratifying and humbling yet toughest physical and emotional experience I’ve had since burying my son. It was heart-healing in so many ways.”—Diana Cross, surviving mother Running a marathon was always on Diana Cross’s bucket list. She and her husband, Dan, found TAPS after the death of their son, Army National Guard SGT Andrew Cross, in 2009. “When I found out I could run in the Marine Corp |
New Podcast and Book on Coping with Suicide LossNew Podcast and Book on Coping with Suicide Loss New Podcast and Book on Coping with Suicide Loss | TAPS TAPS A new ABC Radio podcast, called “Life After Suicide,” hosted by Dr. Jennifer Ashton, chief medical correspondent at ABC News, launched this week. Dr. Ashton draws from her tragic experience to explore the aftermath of suicide and sudden loss. The podcast is a roadmap to survival, offering inspiring insight on how to regain balance and get back to life. She speaks with people living |
Saturday Morning Message: Celebrating Our Great CountrySaturday Morning Message: Celebrating Our Great Country Celebrating Our Great Country | TAPS Saturday Morning Message Carol Lane Today we are celebrating July 4th by virtually traveling. The opening picture is the front of one of the hotels that housed the TAPS 24th National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp in Arlington, Virginia. In addition to the beautiful flag and flowers, the link shows pictures of the activities that happened at that seminar. We hope you will enjoy |
Why I'm HereWhy I'm Here Why I'm Here | TAPS Emily Henkel “I will get through this. I can do hard things. These hard things will make me better and stronger. Please let me fulfill the rest of my life on this Earth. Please let me use this for good. Please send me a blessing — any blessing — and I pray so hard that soon my rescue will come.” — Personal journal entry, April 7, 2021, from a cliffside in Death Valley National Park Life has exposed itself to me in its purest and most naked form — reve |
More Than Trains: A Surviving Sibling’s StoryMore Than Trains: A Surviving Sibling’s Story More Than Trains: A Surviving Sibling’s Story | TAPS Kat Stanley I first came to TAPS as a surviving sibling in 2010 after my brother and best friend, Cpl Richard Allgower, USMC, passed away after a fearless battle with brain cancer. I remembered anxiously awaiting the TAPS Magazine for articles from siblings. They seemed to put words to the feelings and thoughts swirling around that I couldn’t quite express. I read plenty of articles that shared |
The Gift of LeadershipThe Gift of Leadership The Gift of Leadership | TAPS Coleen Bowman As the holiday season is upon us, I can’t help but look back and reflect on the past eight years. Rob and Coleen Bowman It was 2012. The weather was changing and the mornings were cool as we were approaching late fall. The chats that my husband Rob and I had sitting outside a Starbucks coffee shop in San Antonio, Texas are permanently etched in my mind. We spent our mornings drinking coffee and reflecting on our near |
Beginning a New Memorial Day Tradition with TAPSBeginning a New Memorial Day Tradition with TAPS Beginning a New Memorial Day Tradition with TAPS Allicia Johnson I'm a D.C. girl … well … sort of. I was born at Bethesda Naval Hospital to a D.C.-native dad and transplant-from-Utah mom. My East Coast roots grow deep even though I only spent six months of my life there. Dad was stationed in Pearl Harbor when I was 6 months old and was shot and killed in action when I was 2 years old. From that point on, Utah has been my home. My front door |
Run to support the TAPS missionRun to support the TAPS mission Run to support the TAPS mission | TAPS Lalaine Estella Whether you’re a seasoned runner or aspire to run your first 10K race in the fall, now is the time to start planning your training regimen and getting into the runner’s mindset. As spring gets under way, it’s a good time to shift our focus to getting outside to start running and walking more. At TAPS, we’re excited for the fall race season as we continue to make every mile memory in honor of our loved ones |
Run and Remember: Healthy Kids Fun RunRun and Remember: Healthy Kids Fun Run Run and Remember: Healthy Kids Fun Run Betsy Beard A Growing Component of the TAPS Run and Remember Team The year was 2004. The TAPS Run and Remember team had been tying up their shoelaces and running to honor their loved ones for the previous four years. For the first time, TAPS expanded the Run and Remember Team to include our TAPS children running the Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids Fun Run. “At that time everyone gathered at the Iwo Jima Memor |
teams4taps Helps young Boy Meet NASCAR Starteams4taps Helps young Boy Meet NASCAR Star teams4taps Helps young Boy Meet NASCAR Star TAPS For TAPS survivors, our lives changed in the blink of an eye. But not everything that happens in a blur is bad--especially not when the roar of the engines circles at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In October, executives at Charlotte Motor Speedwaycreated an extraordinary opportunity for a TAPS family at the Bank of America 500 race. This was a VIP experience, they rolled out the red carpet for teams4taps |
NFL Auction Benefits TAPSNFL Auction Benefits TAPS NFL Auction Benefits TAPS TAPS As one of the four official charity partners of the NFL, TAPS benefits from the proceeds of auctions for official NFL items, exclusive Super Bowl Packages and authentic signed and game-used items from your favorite teams and players. Over the past five years, NFL Auction has donated more than $5 million to NFL and team charities and nonprofits. The NFL does not retain any profits generated by the sale of products on the NFL Auction pla |
Children’s Bereavement and Emotional Wellness, Part 1Children’s Bereavement and Emotional Wellness, Part 1 Children’s Bereavement and Emotional Wellness, Part 1 Andrea Hug I vividly remember when my husband died. My children were four, two, and four months old. I hardly knew how to be a parent, let alone a sole parent to bereaved children. I remember going to see a counselor and saying, “What do I need to know to help these children grow up to be happy, healthy, productive members of society?” Now, 18 years later, I offer to you what I have gle |
TAPS In ActionTAPS In Action TAPS In Action Candace Wheeler TAPS is committed to supporting and advancing policy and legislation to strengthen the families of America’s fallen military heroes. Our Policy Team listens to the concerns of our surviving military families and advocates on their behalf. We work to educate military and veteran organizations, Members of Congress, and policymakers within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), and other government agencies to ensure o |
6th Annual TAPS Celebrity Classic6th Annual TAPS Celebrity Classic 6th Annual TAPS Celebrity Classic Christine Burtt TAPS is grateful for the time and energy that the Cottrells and their team of volunteers put forth each year for the annual TAPS Celebrity Classic. We are humbled by their dedication and thankful for their support. The 6th Annual TAPS Celebrity Classic in Colorado, hosted by Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, exceeded expectations both in terms of the fun factor and by the $500,000 raised for the Trag |
Game Day for DadGame Day for Dad Game Day for Dad Tabitha Bonilla The first professional football game I was able to attend was bittersweet. My initial reaction to the news my mother and I had been selected to attend the Carolina Panthers Salute to Service game was sadness actually; the person I most wanted to experience a live professional football game with, was my father. It was something we were going to finally have the time to do when he retired. Unfortunately, just as he was coming home from deployme |
International Survivors of Suicide Loss DayInternational Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day | TAPS Carla Stumpf Patton International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is on Saturday, November 23, 2019, and is intended to be a day of healing throughout the world, where all those impacted by suicide loss can connect around the lives of their loved ones and the experiences of hope, support, and encouragement. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (or AFSP) supports hundreds of community even |
Military Widows Go Skydiving with the Army's Golden KnightsMilitary Widows Go Skydiving with the Army's Golden Knights Military Widows Go Skydiving with the Army's Golden Knights TAPS The widows will go skydiving with the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights, an elite parachute jumping team based at Homestead. For some, the jump is a way to connect with their spouse’s military training and experience. For others, it’s deeply personal. For Terri Starliper, who was widowed when her husband died in a military parachute training accident six weeks after their wedd |
VacationingMilitary Widow Finds Comfort and Therapy in Vacationing Therapeutic Effect of Vacations for Military Widows - TAPS News Sarah Greene I have felt the pull to visit places and take vacations that my husband talked about but never got the chance to visit. I want to visit these places for several reasons: to honor him, feel close to him, fulfill his vision of seeing the parts of the world, and see the world for myself. Alaska was highest on his destination wish list, so that will be a must. We us |
Saturday Morning Message: Honoring Our Loved OnesSaturday Morning Message: Honoring Our Loved Ones TAPS Saturday Morning Message: Honoring Our Loved Ones Carol Lane Good Morning, The picture this week is the card that Carmen, mother of Charles wrote about later in the message. I thought it was so special that it deserved to be the first thing people saw when they opened this week’s Saturday Morning Message. Survivors shared the many different ways they they honor their loved ones. I thought I would add mine as well. This Saturday Morning M |
Grief and Mental Wellbeing in the New YearGrief and Mental Wellbeing in the New Year Grief and Mental Wellbeing in the New Year | TAPS Raylene Moore Another year has come to an end and a fresh new year is beginning. Oftentimes this season comes with thoughts of positivity, goal setting, and self-reflection, but for those of us coping with the loss of a loved one, the start of a new year can feel daunting. Whether the loss was decades ago or very recent, the dawn of a new year can leave us yearning for our loved ones, and we can often |
Saturday Morning Message: Fall PlansSaturday Morning Message: Fall Plans Saturday Morning Message: Fall Plans | TAPS Carol Lane Good Morning, Last week we shared the article “Making Summer Memories” by surviving spouse Elizabeth Culp. In the article, she wrote, “Planning provides something positive to focus thoughts and energy on.” I’m sharing here a photo of a hydrangea bush, my favorite. One of the reasons I like it is that it provides a focus in my yard and it will keep its flowers into the winter. Then in the spring, I mu |
Run and Remember Team: Finding the FUN in FundraisingRun and Remember Team: Finding the FUN in Fundraising Run and Remember Team: Finding the FUN in Fundraising Betsy Beard Since October of 2000 when the first Run and Remember Team of two runners raised nearly five thousand dollars, fundraising has been a part of the team’s efforts on behalf of TAPS. Not only do TAPS runners spend time training for the event, but they also use their skills and ingenuity to raise awareness and raise funds in support of the TAPS mission. Some runners run only |
App Review: My Good Grief Journal for KidsApp Review: My Good Grief Journal for Kids App Review: My Good Grief Journal for Kids Cheryl Kreutter For both children and adults, writing and drawing are useful tools for unpacking grief. The “My Good Grief Journal for Kids” app for iPad, a digital grief journal created specifically for children, provides children both space and structure to record memories, thoughts and feelings about a loved one who has died. While an adult is required to provide guidance on the app, it is the colorful pi |
Mentoring the Next Generation of Surviving ChildrenMentoring the Next Generation of Surviving Children Mentoring the Next Generation of Surviving Children | TAPS Ashley Leal Jacob Brinneman The Power of Peer Support Carries on Through Legacy Mentors If you have ever attended a TAPS Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp — maybe a regional seminar or the National Military Survivor Seminar over Memorial Day weekend — you may have seen a group of children being led by volunteers in navy blue, purple, or white t-shirts. These volunt |
Video: General Dunford at the GalaGeneral Dunford at the Gala General Dunford at the Gala TAPS Media Marine General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered remarks at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Honor Guard Gala in Washington, D.C. on April 6, 2016. In his remarks, Gen. Dunford recognized the family members who lost service members as well as the TAPS team who provided support for families in mourning since 1994. Select image below to play. TAPS Honor Guard Gala, Dunfo |
Audio: TAPS Helps Families of Those Killed at Fort HoodTAPS Helps Families of Those Killed at Fort Hood TAPS Helps Families of Those Killed at Fort Hood WBUR/NPR When a major military tragedy like the shooting at Fort Hood happens, an organization called the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) springs into action. Sheri Beck, the director of the TAPS survivor care team, joins Here & Now’s Robin Young to discuss what the organization does in such a circumstance. Listen to Audio Your browser does not support the audio element. L |
International Survivors of Suicide Loss DayInternational Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day | TAPS Carla Stumpf Patton International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is on Saturday, November 18, 2017 and is intended to be a day of healing throughout the world, where all those impacted by suicide loss can connect around the lives of their loved ones and the shared stories of hope, support, and encouragement. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or AFSP, oversees more than 350 host location |
TAPS Seeks National Headquarters VolunteersTAPS Seeks National Headquarters Volunteers TAPS Seeks National Headquarters Volunteers TAPS In January 2018, TAPS moved into a new National Headquarters located in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, near the Clarendon Metro. We are currently seeking volunteers to serve in the role of guest liaison at our headquarters, warmly welcoming visitors and honoring the military families, survivors, donors, partners, and guests who visit TAPS. Responsibilities: greeting and assistan |
Veteran climbs Denali to raise money for TAPSVeteran climbs Denali to raise money for TAPS Veteran climbs Denali to raise money for TAPS Kerry McGinley For Seth Whitfield, eight days of brutal winds, near-zero visibility and frigid temperatures over potentially lethal terrain on North America’s highest peak wasn’t just about challenging himself physically; it was also a chance to raise awareness and funds for TAPS. Whitfield used his personal vacation as the basis of a campaign to raise $10,600 for TAPS, a nonprofit that supports the fa |
10K for Dad10K for Dad 10K for Dad | TAPS Janet Kramer Surviving Daughter Runs with the Marines to Honor Her Dad Sitting at Dad's graveside at Arlington National Cemetery, I took a breath and looked around. I could hear the announcer's voice from the finish line at the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday, October 29, 2023. I carefully undid the safety pins from my Team TAPS racing shirt and removed my race bib and laminated photo of Dad. I propped both up against the tombstone. Then I took off my 10K |
Becoming Someone’s WhyBecoming Someone’s Why Becoming Someone’s Why | TAPS TAPS During the last week of September, close to 100 military and veteran surviving family members, representing 25 states, walked the halls of the U.S. Capitol led by the TAPS Government Relations and Legislative Affairs team. These survivors, ranging from ages 8 to 76 years old, had one goal — to advocate for four key bills that would have a profound impact on their lives, their fellow survivors around the country, and the survivors who w |
Citi Salutes Atlanta Network Raise $8400 for TAPS in 1 HourCiti Salutes Atlanta Network Raise $8400 for TAPS in 1 Hour Citi Salutes Atlanta Network Raise $8400 for TAPS in 1 Hour TAPS Commitment to supporting veterans, those currently serving and military families runs deep for David Stockslager and Benjamin Feldman. Before they worked for Citi Retail Services in Atlanta, Georgia, they both served in the military and continue to feel a deep obligation to remain involved in the military support community. When asked to co-chair the Citi Salutes A |
Running with the TAPS FamilyRunning with the TAPS Family Running with the TAPS Family Regina Vitt When a family you know loses a spouse and a father, you want to do anything you can to make life easier for them. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find ways to help. Are you going to say or do something wrong? Are you going to be more of a burden than a help? Do they really want your help at the time? Other times, being able to help just comes naturally. I didn't give it a second thought when Rachael asked family and |
Request a Community Resource Report for Tailored Grief SupportRequest a Community Resource Report for Tailored Grief Support Request a Community Resource Report for Tailored Grief Support Lalaine Estella In addition to peer support and services that TAPS provides, we also connect survivors to grief resources close to home. Upon request, TAPS can provide a detailed report of support groups in your community. We do the research, make phone calls to group facilitators and ensure the groups are an appropriate fit for you. We find out if groups are acti |
TAPS is Always Here For YouTAPS is Always Here For You TAPS is Always Here For You TAPS The holidays are a festive time, filled with joyous occasions and family gatherings. But when your family circle has been broken by death, each holiday is a reminder of the empty spot at the table, the hole in your heart. As we set the dishes and count the silverware for Thanksgiving, we are acutely aware of the empty places at the family table. We try to find something, anything, to be thankful for. We hold our breath and hope t |
Destination Discovery: Exploring the UnexpectedDestination Discovery: Exploring the Unexpected Destination Discovery: Exploring the Unexpected Michele Hiester Marcum I am a planner. A calendar-toting, pen-in-hand, master of the daily grind. Phone apps? Electronic devices? Social networking reminders? Nope, none for me, thank you. I like the old-fashioned, whole month-at-a-glance paper variety with a small space in which to write each day’s activities. Last minute addition? No sweat. A squiggly arrow and a different color ink allow that mo |
Saturday Morning Message: New TraditionsSaturday Morning Message: New Traditions Saturday Morning Message: New Traditions Carol Lane Good Morning, The picture this morning is of an arrangement made by my sister-in-law to celebrate the season. I light it every night during the holidays to honor the life of my son, Bryon. When a loved one dies, it can be hard to face the upcoming time and keep the same traditions. To simplify your life, think about the customs you would like to keep and ones you could let go just for this year. You |
Welcome HomeWelcome Home Welcome Home Donna Elm Creating a New Family Refuge We are psychologically tethered to those we love. When they die, we are cut loose from those firm moorings, so we feel adrift, disoriented. When people ask how we are doing, the answer is certain: “We are lost.” We lost Mike on October 14, 2011. On a mission in Afghanistan, he never saw the IED buried in the dirt that he was crossing. We were notified the next morning. For the previous ten months, I had been on the edge of m |
Saturday Morning Message: Lifting Our SpiritsSaturday Morning Message: Lifting Our Spirits Saturday Morning Message: Angelversary Ideas | TAPS Carol Lane Good morning, This week, in addition to the responses to the question about lifting spirits, there were a variety of pictures included. The lead picture comes from Kelsey, mother of Michael. You will read her explanation later in the message. We all have such unique ways of creating a way to lift our spirits when we are down. I know you will find those who wrote this week to have imag |
His Big RaceHis Big Race His Big Race Shanette Booker Dre was an avid runner, he ran track all through high school, loved running for PT, and would run after work if he felt stressed. Running for him was more than just a great workout or a sport, it was a way of life. When Dre was a child, he watched his mother run in many marathons throughout their city. He was so proud of her and he told me her participation in marathons was part of his reason for wanting to run, because she never gave up and always ra |
Saturday Morning Message: Favorite FoodsSaturday Morning Message: Favorite Foods Saturday Morning Message: Favorite Foods Carol Lane Good morning, This week survivors wrote about the favorite foods of their loved ones. In addition, I thought it would be fun to share an article written by Marissa Donovan titled "Easy Fall Foods to Keep Your Spirits Up." The article includes some new recipes that look like they might be fun, like these Jack-O-Lantern stuffed peppers. Sometimes we find comfort in preparing the foods that have been a |
TAPS Advocacy in ActionTAPS Advocacy in Action TAPS Advocacy in Action TAPS Your TAPS Policy Team is extremely busy advocating for our surviving families! We testified before Congress on five separate occasions and submitted statements for the record on important survivor issues. TAPS also advocates for our surviving families through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Federal Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Families, Caregivers, and Survivors and Chairs the Survivor Subcommittee. We continue to brief leadersh |
Holding a Safe Space for MenHolding a Safe Space for Men Holding a Safe Space for Men | TAPS Lalaine Estella What we’ve come to know at TAPS is that men and women grieve differently. Men can be more stoic and reserved, while women are more expressive. While men in general tend to grieve more privately, women often feel more comfortable grieving with the support of others. Men often wear a public face of strength hoping not to show their pain, but in reality, they need just as much care and support after losing someone |
Partnership Creates Healing Connections To Nature and Peers For TAPS FamiliesPartnership Creates Healing Connections To Nature and Peers For TAPS Families Partnership Creates Healing Connections To Nature and Peers For TAPS Families | TAPS Rachel Hunsell TAPS Outdoors hosted our first TAPS Togethers National Park Fishing Day with Atlanta area TAPS families on Saturday, June 25 at Hyde Farm Park in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. This is the first of ten such events in partnership with the N |
International Survivors of Suicide Loss DayInternational Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day | TAPS Carla Stumpf Patton International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is on Saturday, November 17, 2018 and is intended to be a day of healing throughout the world, where all those who are affected by suicide loss can connect around the lives of their loved ones and the experiences of hope, support and encouragement. On this day, survivors will gather around the world in small and large events in local c |
Grief and Your HealthGrief and Your Health Grief and Your Health Margaret Gerner The loss of a loved one to death is a life-shattering experience. It affects us physically as well as emotionally. The grief we experience is felt on an emotional level, and the stress of these emotions can create havoc with our bodies. If we had a physical illness before our loved one died, our grief can exacerbate the existing illness. It can also open the way for physical illness if we have been previously healthy. Grief makes |
A Four-Part Plan to Support Survivors of TraumaA Four-Part Plan to Support Survivors of Trauma A Four-Part Plan to Support Survivors of Trauma | TAPS TAPS For more than 10 years, TAPS has comforted and cared for more than 11,500 surviving family members who have lost a military loved one to suicide. Each day, an average of three to four new survivors of suicide loss in the pain of grief come to us, and we welcome them with the warm embrace that can only come from those who truly understand their journey. Over the years, TAPS has develop |
Never Forgotten: teams4taps and NFL Salute to ServiceNever Forgotten: teams4taps and NFL Salute to Service Never Forgotten: teams4taps and NFL Salute to Service | TAPS Jessica Harper In a year of unprecedented challenges and difficulties, teams4taps and the NFL’s Salute to Service program continued to shine a light on the power of sports to unite people and create hope. 2020 was a year like no other. So perhaps it’s not surprising that our 2020 NFL Salute to Service events were also like no other. From telepresence robots, zoom parties, and “h |
Photos: stars4taps SEAL Team Premierestars4taps SEAL Team Premiere in Los Angeles stars4taps SEAL Team Premiere | TAPS TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (9 photos) stars4taps, photos, military survivor Flickr Album Event Photos: TAPS Families attended the SEAL Team Premiere in Los Angeles, California February 25, 2020 |
Create a lasting visual legacy with the Veterans History ProjectCreate a lasting visual legacy with the Veterans History Project Create a lasting visual legacy with the Veterans History Project | TAPS Kerry Ward Each Memorial Day our nation remembers and honors the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. May we never forget that all gave some, and some gave all to preserve this country. As our nation reflects on the costs of freedom, those who lost someone have an opportunity to come together and share the stories of their heroes. |
We Find Our Strength TogetherWe Find Our Strength Together We Find Our Strength Together TAPS Our TAPS family makes memories beyond the seminars and retreats, in small towns and big cities, in communities across America. We enjoy family meals and experience new adventures together. We come together for TAPS Care Groups or to attend sporting events or to take in special events of all sorts. We call these opportunities to be with our new found friends “TAPS Togethers,” one-day events in communities across the country brin |
Faces of TAPS: Surviving Spouse Shelley Kea's StoryFaces of TAPS: Surviving Spouse Shelley Keas’s Story Faces of TAPS: Surviving Spouse Shelley Keas’s Story | TAPS TAPS Shelley Keas Faces of TAPS is a digital content series where, in their own words, survivors both celebrate the lives of their military loved ones and reflect on their personal grief journey. Shelley Keas is the surviving spouse of United States Army Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Dallas Keas, who died from cancer on July 5, 2013, while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Shelley has honore |
A Visit With VincentA Visit With Vincent A Visit With Vincent London Bell I was excited and nervous in the days leading up to my visit. Then the day came. On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, I took the metro train to the Arlington National Cemetery stop. The moment I stepped off the train, I took a deep breath..... then another deep breath.......and another. I could see the entrance to Arlington as I walked off the elevator and I was in immediate awe of its beauty. I could feel the butterflies flying around in my st |
Honor Your Fallen Hero with the NFL This Football SeasonHonor Your Fallen Hero with the NFL This Football Season Honor Your Fallen Hero with the NFL This Football Season TAPS Football is a favorite pastime for many Americans, but for many of us in the TAPS family it's more than that - it's a special connection shared with our fallen heroes. "Every game day when my husband was with us, he would have all our Patriots outfits laid out, ribs on the grill and nachos in the oven. Our two girls, Lani and Loralei, were his little cheerleaders and enjoy |
Run and Remember: 50-50 RunnerRun and Remember: 50-50 Runner Run and Remember: 50-50 Runner TAPS One man’s mission to support TAPS We live in an amazingly beautiful country, blessed not only by physical beauty, but with a rich cultural diversity. Every state I've run in is a gem of natural splendor, each city a monument to American prosperity, every person a testament to our unique national character. Our country is truly exceptional. And the wisdom I've gained thus far in my travels is that Americans still love their c |
A Time of ThankfulnessA Time of Thankfulness A Time of Thankfulness Rachael Hill The holiday season is one that can be very difficult when you are missing someone you love. Everything is about family dinners and family outings. Family, family, family. While I love spending time with my boys and our friends that have become like family, there is always that stinging reminder that my “family” is not complete since my husband is no longer with us. I have many friends on Facebook doing the “30 days of thankfulness a |
Unity is What Makes Us StrongerUnity is What Makes Us Stronger Unity is What Makes Us Stronger Amy Dozier To My TAPS Family, We have had quite the journey together, haven't we? Thank you for being there for me in my darkest hours and in my brightest accomplishments. We have grown so much and found our way to accomplish things we never imagined. Yet, the world around us recently seems a sad and scary place. The discontent and lack of purpose in others, serves to remind me, yet again, how important it is to find my balanc |
The Shining Light in an endless tunnelThe Shining Light in an endless tunnel A Survivor Parents Shares Hope- TAPS News Jonathan Jay Gee Sr. Over the last several months, which were full of frustration, anger, depression, and PTSD, I have seen the latest TAPS Magazine lying around the house or maybe a TAPS coffee mug. I've been thankful for my TAPS Peer Mentor whom I regularly talk with mostly through text message. Well, he keeps texting me with words to help in my daily struggle through my son’s birthday, holidays and other key |
Waking Up to GratitudeWaking Up to Gratitude Waking Up to Gratitude | TAPS Alan Wolfelt I’ve become a fan of sunrises. Before COVID-19 changed all of our lives, my busy travel and teaching schedule had me hopping. Most mornings after I woke up, I went straight to work. I had a love-hate relationship with the adrenaline of stress. I was a slave to emails, itineraries, deadlines, and flight schedules. Now I’m in limbo. With most of my presentations postponed or canceled, I’m home. I have time to linger over my morn |
Peer Mentoring: The Next StepPeer Mentoring: The Next Step Peer Mentoring: The Next Step TAPS Have you ever wondered, “Where do I go from here?” I was there four years ago, 18 months after my oldest son, Joshua, died by suicide. “What am I supposed to do with the lessons I have learned along this journey?” I really wanted to find a way to honor his life of service, but I didn’t have to look too far. I was already connecting with other survivors through TAPS. Many of them, I spoke to on a regular basis. The TAPS Peer Men |
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Offers Hope, Connection and Support to Help Save Lives988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Offers Hope, Connection and Support to Help Save Lives 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Offers Hope, Connection and Support to Help Save Lives | TAPS Carla Stumpf Patton We all can do our part at preventing suicide, starting with the resources to seek support and help from the new, “988” Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Veteran’s Crisis Line (Veterans press1). The Transition to 988 on July 16, 2022 is an important step forward and offers an unprecedented opportuni |
International Survivors of Suicide Loss DayInternational Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day | TAPS Carla Stumpf Patton Saturday, November 19, 2022, is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (also referred to as ISOSLD or Survivor Day). It is a day of healing throughout the world where all those impacted by suicide loss can connect with one another, honor the lives of their loved ones, and share experiences of support, encouragement, and hope. According to the American Foundation for Suici |
Grief, Loss and AutismGrief, Loss and Autism Grief, Loss and Autism | TAPS Andy McNeil Each person within a family experiences grief after a death in their own way. April is National Autism Awareness Month, and at TAPS, we recognize the unique ways that grief might be expressed by children and adults on the autism spectrum. We strive to make our programs and services available to all who are grieving and acknowledge that, though grief might look different from person to person, all people deserve care and support. |
The Value of Giving BackThe Value of Giving Back by Honoring Families of the Fallen The Value of Giving Back by Honoring Families of the Fallen | TAPS TAPS Long before surviving military families walk through the doors at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, staff and volunteers start transforming the hotel into a welcoming space for the TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp. It takes more than 750 volunteers to set up and help staff at the annual event in Arlington, Virginia. From packing backpacks f |
Widow’s Tax Now Completely EliminatedWidow’s Tax Now Completely Eliminated Widow’s Tax Now Completely Eliminated | TAPS Candace Wheeler TAPS Policy News: TAPS is pleased to announce that on February 1, 2023, surviving military spouses will receive their full Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity payment from the Department of Defense (DoD) and their full Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payment from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The SBP-DIC Offset, or Widow’s Tax, is completely eliminated, and fu |
SupportSupport Support Rachael Hill Support… Definition of SUPPORT 1: to hold up or serve as a foundation or prop for Support. It seems like such a simple word but yet there is so much weight behind it. We all need support, no matter what may be going on in our lives, and when you lose someone close to you that support is what helps get you through. For me, some friends stepped up right away and have continued to be there for us throughout this journey, some support came from out of nowhere and |
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand WordsA Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Elizabeth Rozier It's been a while since my last post . . . mostly because I have suffered from writer's block. When I had a good topic in mind life got too busy to write. So here I am catching up. I always like to share my story with others and feel sometimes that maybe I am a little too transparent. I decided these past few months that I really don't care if people think I am a broken record as long as one person gets h |
Video: TAPS Honor Guard Gala HighlightsVideo: TAPS Honor Guard Gala Highlights Video: 2023 TAPS Honor Guard Gala Highlights TAPS Media The TAPS Honor Guard Gala gives the opportunity to remember the love of our fallen heroes, celebrate their lives and share the stories of the journey military survivors experience with their TAPS family. Watch the highlights of the March 22, 2023 TAPS Honor Guard Gala, including clips from TAPS Board of Directors Deborah Mullen, TAPS President and Founder Bonnie Carroll, TAPS Military Mentor of t |
Video: Suicide Prevention Public Service AnnouncementVideo: Suicide Prevention Public Service Announcement Video: Suicide Prevention Public Service Announcement | TAPS TAPS Media As a suicide loss survivor, what does suicide prevention mean to you? We asked TAPS survivors of suicide loss this question and their answers were full of hope. “Suicide prevention efforts can be healing and even empowering as we turn our grief into action based on our own experiences,” surviving spouse Dr. Carla Stumpf-Patton, TAPS Senior Director of Postventio |
Watch the Gold Star Children film TrailerWatch the Gold Star Children film Trailer Watch the Gold Star Children film Trailer TAPS Gold Star Children is a documentary feature film that takes an intimate look at American children who've lost a parent to war. The film follows the parallel journeys of two generations of grieving children; recent war orphans who’ve lost military parents serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and here at home, learn to heal alongside the now adult-child survivors of the Vietnam War. The film brings together |
Video: TAPS Honor Guard Gala HighlightsVideo: TAPS Honor Guard Gala Highlights Video: 2025 TAPS Honor Guard Gala Highlights TAPS Media The TAPS Honor Guard Gala is one of the most inspirational and significant events honoring our military families. It unites guests from across the nation including survivors of military loss, senior military leaders, administration officials, TAPS supporters, congressional representatives to celebrate the spirit of American patriotism. Watch the highlights of the March 25, 2025 TAPS Honor Guard Ga |
Saturday Morning Message: Favorite Hometown PlacesSaturday Morning Message: Favorite Hometown Places Saturday Morning Message: Favorite Hometown Places | TAPS Carol Lane Good morning, There are many wonderful places to visit in our country. TAPS helps us see some of those places when we think about going to the various retreats, seminars, and other experiences with a group of survivors. To find out more, go to the events section of the TAPS website. This week the responders proudly wrote about the great locations in their hometowns that pe |
Well-Informed Support for Survivors of TraumaWell-Informed Support for Survivors of Trauma Well-Informed Support for Survivors of Trauma | TAPS Shauna Springer Editor’s note: For more than 10 years, TAPS has comforted and cared for more than 11,500 surviving family members who have lost a military loved one to suicide. Each day, an average of three to four new survivors of suicide loss come to TAPS, and we welcome them with the warm embrace that can only come from those who truly understand their journey. This is the last installment |
Spotlight on Service: Charlene MiseliSpotlight on Service: Charlene Miseli Spotlight on Service: Charlene Miseli TAPS Charlene Miseli is a military spouse, mother, and volunteer who has been helping TAPS for years. She refers to herself as a proud wife, daughter, sister, niece, and granddaughter of a family in which every member is married to, currently serving, or retired active duty. She understands the danger inherent in the military and has a heartfelt compassion for surviving families. Charlene’s first introduction to TA |
Are You Ready To Rumble... With TAPS and Dare to Lead™?Are You Ready To Rumble... With TAPS and Dare to Lead™? Are You Ready To Rumble... With TAPS and Dare to Lead™? | TAPS Terri Williams "I have watched over 300 TAPS Survivors graduate from our Dare to LeadTM program. Their growth, connection, and commitment to learn and help one another is a demonstration of the heart of the TAPS Community." ✯ Terri L. Williams, TAPS Senior Advisor and Dare to LeadTM Facilitator, Survivor of the 9/11 Attack on the Pentagon More than 300 TAPS |
International Survivors of Suicide Loss DayInternational Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day | TAPS Carla Stumpf Patton Saturday, November 18, 2023, is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (also referred to as ISOSLD or Survivor Day). It is acknowledged as a day of healing throughout the world where all those impacted by suicide loss can connect, honor the lives of their loved ones, and share experiences of support, encouragement, and hope. According to the American Foundation for Suicid |
Talking to Children About SuicideTalking to Children About Suicide Talking to Children About Suicide Kim Ruocco One of the most challenging issues following a death by suicide is what and how to tell children. Widespread inaccurate information compounds this already challenging issue for those caring for grieving children. When a loved one dies by suicide, it could take some time to trust your instincts and follow your heart again, so credible information and trustworthy guidance is critical. Children are egocentric, me |
Visions of MichaelVisions of Michael Loretta Krause * Surviving Mother of Retired Army MAJ Michael Krause After my son, Michael, died on Oct. 28, 2020, I searched for answers in books about grief and death. Is there a heaven? Is he really gone? Why? I was surprised by how often authors cited a connection between this world and the spirit world. Encounters years earlier — including seeing my father’s apparition the evening after his death in 1982 — convinced me a spiritual realm existed and interacted with the |
Saturday Morning Message: Favorite Photos and IntroductionsSaturday Morning Message: Favorite Photos and Introductions Saturday Morning Message: Favorite Photos and Introductions Carol Lane Good Morning, This week, survivors sent pictures of their loved ones and wrote a bit about the picture, so I thought I would share a picture of my son, Bryon. He was a helicopter crew chief for the Marines. A friend took this picture when they were in the air, and it shows how much he loved what he was doing. I will remember that smile and the excitement in his |
Photos: teams4taps WNBAteams4taps at Women's National Basketball Association All-Star Team v USA Basketball Women's National Team WNBA All-Star Team v USA Basketball Women's National Team | TAPS TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (20 photos) teams4taps, photos, military survivor Flickr Album Event Photos: TAPS Families attended the Women's National Basketball Association All-Star Team v USA Basketball Women's Na |
Photos: Team TAPS Marine Corps MarathonTeam TAPS Marine Corps Marathon, 10K, and Kids Run Marine Corps Marathon, 10K, and Kids Run | Team TAPS TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (439 photos) Team Taps, Marine Corps Marathon, 10K, and Kids Run, Photos Team TAPS Marine Corps Marathon, 10K, and Kids Run Photos Flickr Album Event Photos, Team TAPS participate in the Marine Corps Marathon, 10K, and Kids Run October 27 to 28, 2018 |
Saturday Morning Message: What has someone done for you to ease your grief that you'll never forget?Saturday Morning Message: What has someone done for you to ease your grief that you'll never forget? Saturday Morning Message: What has someone done for you to ease your grief that you'll never forget? | TAPS Carol Lane Good morning, Supporting families who have experienced the loss of a loved one can be very important as we all know. This week survivors have written about the meaningful gifts others gave them in their grief. TAPS gives survivors many gifts, and this week the Saturday Morn |
TAPS Volunteer RecognitionTAPS Volunteer Recognition TAPS Volunteer Recognition TAPS TAPS is extremely grateful for the overwhelming support we've received in recognition of our efforts to reach out to grieving military families, providing them with compassionate, emotional support and connecting them with multiple resources and TAPS programs. We realize this is an effort we cannot do alone. We are truly thankful for all of our supporters and donors. Now in its eight year,, the Colorado Celebrity Golf Classic b |
More Than a GameMore Than a Game More Than a Game | TAPS Nicole Murray A TAPS surviving child and her TAPS Military Mentor with their take their position at the start of the Washington Nationals Game, TAPS survivors and their Fallen Heroes were honored on field as part of the Nationals Memorial Day Remembrances. (Nationals Staff Photographer) I have never been to a baseball game without thinking of my late grandfather, who raised me after I lost my father at a young age. I like to think he’s watching |
Care within Your CommunityCare within Your Community Care within Your Community | TAPS TAPS In addition to peer support and services that TAPS provides, we also connect you to grief resources close to home. Upon request, TAPS provides a detailed report of support within your community. We do research and make the phone calls to ensure the available groups are an appropriate fit for you. We find out if groups are actively meeting, when the next meeting will be and what you can expect the first time you go. Photo: Pe |
Why Rituals Help Us Mourn…and HealWhy Rituals Help Us Mourn…and Heal Why Rituals Help Us Mourn…and Heal | TAPS Alan Wolfelt I often say that when words are inadequate, we should turn to ritual. Nowhere is this more true or important than after someone we love has died. In this article, I will explain why rituals are essential and how you can continue to use the power of ritual to help yourself and your family heal, even long after the death and funeral. What is a ritual? Rituals are symbolic activities that help us, toget |
Friends of TAPS: Oshkosh DefenseFriends of TAPS: Oshkosh Defense Friends of TAPS: Oshkosh Defense TAPS Oshkosh Defense, America's leading provider of tactical wheeled vehicles for our armed forces, has generously supported TAPS national programs for three consecutive years and has supported the TAPS Honor Guard Gala as a Presenting Sponsor. This past year, Oshkosh Defense hosted a highly successful TAPS Regional Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp in Wisconsin, with more than 125 adult and children survivors attending from |
TAPS Senior Advisor Honored for Ongoing Efforts in the Military, Veteran, Caregiver, and Survivor CommunitiesTAPS Senior Advisor Honored for Ongoing Efforts in the Military, Veteran, Caregiver, and Survivor Communities TAPS Senior Advisor Honored for Ongoing Efforts in the Military, Veteran, Caregiver, and Survivor Communities | TAPS Kristi Stolzenberg TAPS TAPS is fortunate to have talented staff members, volunteers, ambassadors, board members, and advisors who all answer the call to serve our nation’s military and veteran survivors, and they pour their hearts into the TAPS mission each and eve |
Saturday Morning Message: TAPS Seminar EnjoymentSaturday Morning Message: TAPS Seminar Enjoyment Saturday Morning Message: TAPS Seminar Enjoyment Carol Lane Good Morning, Going to a TAPS Seminar for the first time can be stressful, especially if you are attending alone. I remember the first time I flew into the Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., for the TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp held each May. I wasn’t sure what I would find, but when I entered the hotel, there were TAPS staff members waiting to |
Together We HealTogether We Heal Together We Heal | TAPS Kristi Stolzenberg Kari Marine It’s become something of a tradition for Kari Marine, the surviving sister of veteran U.S. Army Sergeant Donald Marine, to gather with friends, family, and fellow survivors at the Highground Veterans Memorial Park. The park is a place of beauty and comfort for Kari because there is a bench there in the Persian Gulf Tribute that bears her brother’s name. From a birdseye view, Donald’s bench and the surrounding benches form |
TAPS Young Adults Program: A Place for Community And Transformative Healing and GrowthTAPS Young Adults Program: A Place for Community And Transformative Healing and Growth TAPS Young Adults Program: A Place for Community And Transformative Healing and Growth Joelle Leek The TAPS Young Adults Program supports 18-30 year old military surviving children and siblings. Utilizing foundational pillars of financial stability, communications, career guidance, personal development and service to others, the program helps survivors grow through their grief and become well rounded young |
New Policy Affects Surviving Children with Special NeedsNew Policy Affects Surviving Children with Special Needs New Policy Affects Surviving Children with Special Needs TAPS New legislation now allows eligible surviving children with disabilities and incapacitated adult dependents to have their Survivor Benefit Plan payment made to a Special Needs Trust. Previously, a Special Needs Trust did not qualify to receive payments from a survivor benefit plan. What it means for survivors who receive payments from a Survivor Benefit Plan Why is this i |
Saturday Morning Message: How Do You Mark Special Days?Saturday Morning Message: How Do You Mark Special Days? How Do You Mark Special Days? | TAPS Saturday Morning Message Carol Lane Good morning, This week we share some of the things we do to mark special days. Sometimes there are days that are just hard, but not just special occasions like an anniversary, birthday, holiday or angelversary. That is when we need to remember those special moments with our loved ones. The opening picture shows Lily, and her father, John, at Dunkin’ Donuts where t |
Saturday Morning Message: Thoughts on a New YearSaturday Morning Message: Thoughts on a New Year Carol Lane Good Morning, It is a new year and for many people that means making resolutions that involve revising our present pattern of behavior or adding something to it. Before changing things, we need to ask if our lives will benefit from changing our behavior or continuing in the same way. When I ask myself questions like that, I find it most helpful to read or ask what others think to get some new ideas. The latest TAPS Magazine include |
You Don't Know What You Don't KnowYou Don't Know What You Don't Know You Don't Know What You Don't Know | TAPS Ryan Weaver Sharing Music, A Message, and Finding an Open Forum to Heal Country music artist and military veteran Ryan Weaver. Have you ever walked in to a room since you’ve lost your loved one and felt that anyone, much less everyone, really grasped how much you’ve been through? How many times have you felt strongly, if not more, for someone else’s loss that you focused on their loss as much as your own, ev |
Suicide: The AftermathSuicide: The Aftermath Suicide: The Aftermath Madeline Lambrecht Guidance from a fellow survivor The latest reports for 2009 show an increasing number of suicides in all branches of the military with the largest increase in the Army. Figures from 2008 show the military suicide rate exceeding the civilian suicide rate for the first time. Suicide Survivors . . . Suicide survivors are spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, military buddies, friends—all who had a relati |
Baseball Cards and Godwinks: Terri Jones' StoryBaseball Cards and Godwinks: Terri Jones' Story Baseball Cards and Godwinks: Terri Jones' Story | TAPS Kelly McHugh-Stewart Terri Jones doesn’t know where the baseball cards are coming from, but regardless, she keeps finding them. She spots them when she’s out mowing her lawn or walking in the corn fields around her Iowa farmhouse. The players featured on the cards she finds played mostly in the 1980’s and 90’s, the same years her son, U.S. Army SPC Jason Cooper, played ball. And they just k |
Changes to Survivor Benefits ComingChanges to Survivor Benefits Coming Changes to Survivor Benefits Coming | TAPS TAPS Sometimes it can be confusing to keep up with all the changes to survivor benefits. TAPS is here to help you understand some new changes taking place and assist you with previous benefits. Here is an update on what’s new. Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA) The SSIA will continue! Since October 2008, surviving spouses whose Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments have been offset (partially or totally |
Stronger Every DayStronger Every Day Stronger Every Day Emily Munoz Find out how you can become stronger every day by emailing innerwarrior@taps.org. For many people, this call manifests itself in a need for purposeful movement. Whether it’s emotional or spiritual exploration, perspective changes or physical activity, movement is proof of life. It’s an indication that, while we may feel left behind in a world without our loved ones, we’re still called to lead full, rich lives that honor them and ourselves. |
TAPS Issues Statement on Recent Military DeathsTAPS Issues Statement on Recent Military Deaths TAPS Issues Statement on Recent Military Deaths TAPS Last week, our country was sadly reminded of the dangers our service members face even when they are not deployed in a war zone. Eleven military members died in non-combat incidents within three days. One of the fallen airmen, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Afton M. Ponce, volunteered as a mentor with the TAPS Good Grief Camp program for several years. We are deeply saddened by the deaths and e |
Grieving in the ClosetGrieving in the Closet Grieving in the Closet | TAPS Chandler Keeling When I lost my dad to suicide in 2009, I was in the 8th grade and just beginning to discover myself. My dad went on two tours to Iraq and I spent those awkward adolescent years relentlessly bullied for being “different” and too feminine for a boy. My memories from that time are a slide show of moments trying desperately to fit in while simultaneously missing my dad, the one who would load my iPod with any music I wanted wit |
Community, Camaraderie and Compassion on the International soccer stageCommunity, Camaraderie and Compassion on the International soccer stage Community, Camaraderie and Compassion on the International soccer stage | TAPS Alex Meyers The sign “Empowered women empower women” greeted visitors as they were welcomed to the SheBelieves Cup, an international women’s soccer tournament. SheBelieves Cup is held in the United States every year and invites women’s national teams around the world to come together to show their talents and efforts both on and off the field. |
He LivesHe Lives He Lives Shanette Booker Dre died almost four years ago, and yet he still continues to live his life. I have always pondered and questioned the whole "life after death" theory, and after losing the love of my life to death, I couldn't help but to imagine how life after death was possible for Dre. I was on my way to meet with a friend who had stopped by to visit with Dre after attending a funeral in the same cemetery where he's buried. My friend had never met Dre, and didn't know a |
Voices of 9/11 - Reflections of Three TAPS SurvivorsVoices of 9/11 - Reflections of Three TAPS Survivors Voices of 9/11 - Reflections of Three TAPS Survivors | TAPS Lisa Dolan Zach Laychak Robert Pycior Nineteen years ago, we woke up to the most beautiful sunny September day. Little did we know that before the day came to an end, we would be forever changed. The events of September 11, 2001, marked a turning point, for individual families, for our nation, and for the world. So many in our TAPS family were directly impacted by the terrorist atta |
TAPS Casework Assistance Available to Military Survivors During Government ShutdownTAPS Casework Assistance Available to Military Survivors During Government Shutdown TAPS Casework Assistance Available to Military Survivors During Government Shutdown TAPS TAPS as a non-profit unaffiliated with the government remains open in event of any shutdown. We are here for any survivors with questions about benefits and in need of resource connections. With a government shutdown, there is no way for the government to pay the death gratuity ($100,000) benefit. This benefit is typic |
Photos: Carry the Load with Team TAPS and TAPS TogethersCarry the Load with Team TAPS and TAPS Togethers Carry the Load with Team TAPS and TAPS Togethers Photos | TAPS TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (75 photos) taps togethers, team taps, survivors Flickr Album Event Photos: TAPS Families meet to honor their heroes nationwide during Carry the Load during the month of May 2024. |
Living the Legacy: Picture the FallenLiving the Legacy: Picture the Fallen Living the Legacy ~ Picture the Fallen Jessica Dumont-Oatman It has recently occurred to me that we—all of us American citizens—are the legacy of our American soldiers. We owe them our lives—lives that must be lived to their fullest potential. And this is the greatest tribute we could possibly give. ~ Annette Bridges, freelance writer from Texas. A picture is worth a thousand words. That’s all I need to say when someone views the photo of my brother’ |
2021 TAPS Sports & Entertainment Highlight Reel2021 TAPS Sports & Entertainment Highlight Reel 2021 TAPS Sports & Entertainment Highlight Reel | TAPS TAPS What a remarkable year for TAPS Sports & Entertainment! In light of challenging times, we are even more thankful for the special in-person and virtual opportunities that our many partners helped provide for our TAPS families. Below is just a fraction of the wonderful events and special moments that took place across the country (and the United Kingdom) to recognize surviving families a |
Sharing Love One Mask at a TimeSharing Love One Mask at a Time Sharing Love One Mask at a Time | TAPS Terri Jones Photo courtesy of Terri Jones. You see face masks everywhere these days. What used to be reserved for the medical community has become commonplace in our daily lives. And as we often see when a challenge arises, our nation has sprung into action to help fill a need. Companies that had normal production halted due to the coronavirus started making masks. And in homes across America, sewing machines be |
Khobar Towers 20th Anniversary: Then and NowKhobar Towers 20th Anniversary: Then and Now Khobar Towers Anniversary: Then and Now | TAPS Marie Campbell TAPS has provided frontline care and resources to families of the military fallen for 22 years. In 1996, the terrorist bombing of Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia took the lives of 19 U.S. Air Force personnel and wounded hundreds more. While an act of cowardice claimed these lives, with acts of courage the surviving families reclaimed their futures. TAPS was there, reaching out with care an |
Saturday Morning Message: Remembering Our Favorite Vacation SpotsSaturday Morning Message: Remembering Our Favorite Vacation Spots Remembering Our Favorite Vacation Spots | TAPS Saturday Morning Message Carol Lane Good Morning, I had never traveled to Washington, D.C. until my son, Bryon, was stationed there. He invited my husband and I down to see him and gave us a tour. I was fascinated. After Bryon’s passing, I learned that TAPS hosts a seminar in Washington, D.C., each year over Memorial Day Weekend, so I decided to attend. When my plane arrived, I w |
The Fabric of GriefThe Fabric of Grief The Fabric of Grief Sarah Greene (What’s in Your Closet?) Whatever you find in your jewelry box, drawers, and closets these days, rest assured that you are not alone and that your tastes will likely change yet again. Has your wardrobe changed since the loss of your loved one? I can tell you that mine has definitely changed. I have expressed (and sometimes embarrassed) myself in almost every clothing choice throughout my grief, and I don't think I am alone. The first |
Run and Remember: Running the MCM for TAPSRun and Remember: Running the MCM for TAPS Run and Remember: Running the MCM for TAPS David Easley In 2010, Telos Corporation had been a financial sponsor of TAPS for several years, but wanted to step up its involvement with this great organization. The company decided to do this by accepting the Corporate Challenge with TAPS Run and Remember Team. Telos employees would train for and run the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) in memory of a fallen service member and each Telos runner would be connec |
The Hartwell Foundation: Supporting TAPS KidsThe Hartwell Foundation: Supporting TAPS Kids The Hartwell Foundation: Supporting TAPS Kids | TAPS TAPS The Hartwell Foundation began a search to find the charity doing the best work for military families, and especially for children who have lost a loved one who served in our country’s military. The foundation embarked on a 12-month listening and learning tour. They met with countless organizations, asked probing questions, and checked financial records. The Board had one recommendation – |
Saturday Morning Message: Introducing Our Loved OnesSaturday Morning Message: Introducing Our Loved Ones Saturday Morning Message: Introducing Our Loved Ones Carol Lane Good morning, At every seminar, there is a wall to place pictures of our loved ones, so we can all view them. Now on the new TAPS website, there is a place called the Memorial Hero Wall. When you enter this section, you will not only see pictures of those special people, but you can add a picture of your loved one to the page. This was the inspiration for today’s Saturday Morn |
Klinger's Korner: Controlling What You Can - AttitudeKlinger's Korner: Controlling What You Can - Attitude Klinger's Korner: Controlling What You Can - Attitude | TAPS Andy McNiel The fall season brings with it several transitions each year. Most of us see a change in the weather, temperature, and natural environment. Many will experience the change of colors as the leaves burst with orange, red, and brown. Others may have a slight shift from the heat of summer to more moderate temperatures of fall. Children and teenagers transition back into a |
Run and Remember Team: Diary of a RunnerRun and Remember Team: Diary of a Runner Run and Remember Team: Diary of a Runner Bethany Crudele Excerpted from Marine Corps Times' Battle Rattle blog and reprinted with permission. www.marinecorpstimes.com September 13, 2012 This year, I am running the Marine Corps Marathon as a member of Team “Doc” Almazan. While I never met Army Sergeant David Almazan, a combat medic killed in Iraq in 2006, I’ve run several races in memory of him and in support of his surviving wife, Salina Jimene |
Letter From TAPS: TAPS Offers Space for HealingLetter From TAPS: TAPS Offers Space for Healing Letter From TAPS: TAPS Offers Space for Healing Carla Stumpf Patton At the beginning steps of our grief, it can feel as if we are lost on a vast landscape with no compass to help us navigate. Then we connect to the TAPS family and find that we are no longer on this journey by ourselves. Along the way, our emotions and our needs change…in and out of the seasons, from hearing that special song, or with the apprehension of how we will make it th |
Memorial Day brings a mix of emotionsMemorial Day brings a mix of emotions Memorial Day brings a mix of emotions | TAPS Rachael Hill Memorial Day used to be simply a three-day weekend that our family spent doing some kind of adventure — camping, 4-wheeling, barbecuing, etc. Since becoming a Gold Star family however, the meaning of the day has changed dramatically. The true meaning of the day is now etched into our minds and brings with it sorrow and tears, but also pride in remembrance. Since my husband Jeff’s de |
Volunteer Spotlight: Surviving Military Parents Advocate for Fellow SurvivorsVolunteer Spotlight: Surviving Military Parents Advocate for Fellow Survivors Surviving Military Parents Advocate for Fellow Survivors | TAPS TAPS For three and a half years, the Chicagoland community has had Andy and Julianne Weiss holding the tender hands of those in grief. Together, they facilitate the Chicago-area TAPS Care Group, a monthly support group for those who know the loss of someone who has served in the military. The couple are Peer Mentors and have trained in ASIST, Applied |
Easy Fall Foods to Keep Your Spirits UpEasy Fall Foods to Keep Your Spirits Up Easy Fall Foods to Keep Your Spirits Up Marissa Donovan The changing of the seasons brings up different emotions for everyone. For some, excitement for the leaves changing and the entrance of fall flavors (somehow pumpkin has crept into seemingly every product in the store). For others, it may be more challenging, a reminder that time continues to move forward, or the start of a sometimes difficult holiday season. Whatever the case is with you, taking c |
Saturday Morning Message: Honoring Our Loved Ones On Memorial DaySaturday Morning Message: Honoring Our Loved Ones On Memorial Day Honoring Our Loved Ones On Memorial Day | TAPS Saturday Morning Message TAPS Good Morning, TAPS families from across the country will gather both in person and virtually for our 27th Annual National Military Seminar and Good Grief Camp over Memorial Day Weekend. This is always a weekend full of love and connection among survivors supporting survivors. As we come together to honor our nation's fallen heroes, our lov |
Saturday Morning Message: Reasons for Joining the MilitarySaturday Morning Message: Reasons for Joining the Military Saturday Morning Message: Reasons for Joining the Military | TAPS Carol Lane Good morning, The picture this week is the front of one of the hotels that housed the TAPS 24th National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp this year. I thought this picture would capture the theme of this week’s message about why our loved ones joined the military. There were so many wonderful responses to this week’s question that I am going to |
From Basketball to NASCAR, Survivors Honored Loved Ones Through SportsSurvivors Honored Loved Ones Through Sports From Basketball to NASCAR, Survivors Honored Loved Ones Through Sports TAPS 2016 was quite a year for teams4taps. You could find teams4taps at more than 150 sporting events with over 2,500 survivors taking part. Through different sports teams, events and activities, TAPS families were able to honor and remember their loved ones and create new memories of favorite shared pastimes. The joy and impact was felt all across America. TAPS families parti |
The 20th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief CampThe 20th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp The 20th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp TAPS Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 20th Annual National Military Suvivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp! Thank you to our amazing volunteers, including over 500 active duty military mentors, who volunteered their time to help our children and remind them that they are still connected to the military family. Photo Credit: U.S. Coa |
Letter From TAPS: We’ve Got You CoveredLetter From TAPS: We’ve Got You Covered Letter From TAPS: We’ve Got You Covered Bevin Landrum Winter can be a harsh, bleak expanse of empty days and introspection. We understand that, as another season slowly unfolds; we often consider how to face another spring without our loved ones. That’s why we pledge to be with you all the time and everywhere. For more than 22 years, TAPS has stood ready to embrace you in a moment of need - whenever it may come. TAPS is not a resource for only one se |
Excerpt from “Healing Your Grieving Heart After a Military Death”Excerpt from “Healing Your Grieving Heart After a Military Death” Healing Your Grieving Heart Excerpt - TAPS Publication Bonnie Carroll Alan Wolfelt Healing Your Grieving Heart Visit the great outdoors For many people, it is restorative and energizing to spend time outside. You may find nature’s timeless beauty healing. The sound of a bird singing or the awesome presence of an old tree can help put things in perspective. Rediscover what it feels like to walk barefoot in the grass or the san |
TAPS Celebrates the Passage of The Historic Pact ActTAPS Celebrates the Passage of The Historic Pact Act TAPS Celebrates the Passage of The Historic Pact Act | TAPS TAPS TAPS is pleased to celebrate the passage of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act into law. This historic legislation ensures veterans of multiple generations who were exposed to burn pits, toxins, and airborne hazards while deployed are provided immediate, lifelong access to VA health care and benefits. As th |
Proactive Support for Survivors of TraumaProactive Support for Survivors of Trauma Proactive Support for Survivors of Trauma | TAPS Shauna Springer Editor's note: For more than 10 years, TAPS has comforted and cared for more than 11,500 surviving family members who have lost a military loved one to suicide. Each day, an average of three to four new survivors of suicide loss come to TAPS, and we welcome them with the warm embrace that can only come from those who truly understand their journey. This is the second installment in a f |
TAPS on the Hill: Love Lives on Act of 2023TAPS on the Hill: Love Lives on Act of 2023 TAPS on the Hill: Love Lives on Act of 2023 | TAPS Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann In 2023, TAPS is leading the charge on Capitol Hill to introduce and pass comprehensive legislation to allow surviving spouses to maintain benefits upon remarriage at any age. In April, Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) reintroduced the first truly comprehensive remarriage bill, the Love Lives On Act of 2023 (S.1266). The House companion bill (H.R.3651 |
Donor Spotlight: Dignity MemorialDonor Spotlight: Dignity Memorial® Donor Spotlight: Dignity Memorial | TAPS TAPS The personal sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and their families cannot be taken for granted. We deeply appreciate those who have served our country with courage and selflessness, and Dignity Memorial® providers are honored to do our part in turn by caring for our military service members, veterans, and their families. We are a team of dedicated, local funeral service professionals deeply rooted |
Saturday Morning Message: Honoring Our Loved OnesSaturday Morning Message: Honoring Our Loved Ones Saturday Morning Message: Honoring Our Loved Ones Carol Lane Good Morning, This is a time many come together with friends and family to share holiday recipes and memories. For many survivors, it can also be a time of sadness. Contemplating what you might do to pay tribute to your loved one might can ease those feelings. Honoring your loved one can be on a traditional holiday or one that is special just to your family and friends. This week s |
30 Fields, 1 Dream30 Fields, 1 Dream 30 Fields, 1 Dream | TAPS TAPS Quiet moments alone on deployment create space in the mind for reflection, missing home, and planning for the future. While deployed and separated from his family in 2014, Air Force Colonel Ronald “Erick” (call sign Fangs) Gilbert used one such quiet moment to set an ambitious goal to visit all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums with his family — wife, Kasia, and sons, Dane and Chase — before his oldest, Dane turned 18 in July 2024. At the hear |
Military Child: Acknowledge the Sacrifice Your Children and Teenagers Have Made this AprilMilitary Child: Acknowledge the Sacrifice Your Children and Teenagers Have Made this April Military Child: Acknowledge the Sacrifice Your Children and Teenagers Have Made this April | TAPS TAPS April is the Month of the Military Child, and while there are many ways to recognize military children during this month — like wearing purple on Purple Up Day, April 15, there are also opportunities to celebrate our surviving children and teenagers at home by acknowledging their sacrifice and connec |
TAPS Partners with Broadway Musical Bandstand on Film ReleaseTAPS Partners with Broadway Musical Bandstand on Film Release TAPS Partners with Broadway Musical Bandstand on Film Release TAPS TAPS is proud to join with the Broadway musical Bandstand as it returns to theaters November 15 and 19. The 2017 Tony Award-winning production was selected by FATHOM Events for rerelease in hundreds of theaters across the country. TAPS will appear in the pre- and post-show footage of every screening. Bandstand has been an ongoing partner for TAPS and supported TAP |
Q&A with Atlanta Falcons Alex MackQ&A with Atlanta Falcons Alex Mack Q&A with Atlanta Falcons Alex Mack | TAPS Alex Meyers Sports can be a powerful force to bring people together. But at a time when we can’t be physically together, we are fortunate to still have the ability to be together as a community. We may be physically distanced, but we are still socially connected. As much as we, the fans, are missing our connection to teams and sports, many players are missing their connection to their fans too. TAPS recently hosted |
Video: A Conversation on Loss & Resilience in a Life of AdventureVideo: A Conversation on Loss & Resilience in a Life of Adventure Video: A Conversation on Loss & Resilience in a Life of Adventure | TAPS Institute Vern Tejas Will Gadd The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Expedition team members and survivors Rachel Hunsell and Gabriel Rao and two world-class explorers, Vern Tejas and Will Gadd, navigate conversations around life, loss, and resilience in a life of adventure. They dive into personal stories and adventures to recount the experie |
Saturday Morning Message: Comforting Suggestions from SurvivorsSaturday Morning Message: Comforting Suggestions from Survivors Saturday Morning Message: Comforting Suggestions from Survivors | TAPS Carol Lane Good Morning, Sometimes just listening, sharing memories and knowing someone cares like the two women in this picture is the most supportive thing to do when someone is grieving. My neighbor lost her husband a few weeks ago and I used some of the ideas in this message to hopefully give some comfort. I hope you will find some good ideas as well in t |
TAPS Casework AssistanceTAPS Casework Assistance TAPS Casework Assistance Melissa LoFaso Everywhere you turn, you hear people talking about your “path to healing” and “healthy grieving.” But sometimes you are too concerned about making it through the basic daily struggles to even think about taking care of your emotional needs. When you are worried about how to pay for dental care for your child, how to begin the process of getting your baby’s father on the birth certificate, or how to choose between keeping the lig |
Make the Most of Time at Home: Share Your Loved One’s StoryMake the Most of Time at Home: Share Your Loved One’s Story Make the Most of Time at Home: Share Your Loved One’s Story | TAPS Kerry Ward As we navigate these uncertain times, I have found that there is a silver lining with spending more time in the house: it has forced me to focus on projects I hadn’t yet had time to tackle. As I cleaned out my hall closet, I found myself face-to-face with memories I hadn’t thought about in years. I called an old friend and told her about a specific photo th |
Camaraderie and ComfortCamaraderie and Comfort Camaraderie and Comfort | TAPS TAPS In small towns and big cities, at a coffee shop in a quiet room—the comfort and camaraderie of your TAPS family is right around the corner and close to home. Whether you want to talk about your grief and gain insight into how others are coping, share a casual visit or participate in an activity where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature—the love and care of TAPS is present where you live, work and play. TAPS Togethers and |
Five Practical Tips to Reduce Anxiety, Calm FearFive Practical Tips to Reduce Anxiety, Calm Fear Five Practical Tips to Reduce Anxiety, Calm Fear | TAPS Alan Wolfelt Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s book “Too Much Loss: Coping with Grief Overload.” Although this book specifically addresses what happens when you experience multiple losses in a short period of time, these tips for dealing with fear and anxiety are useful for anyone experiencing these feelings. Loss naturally makes us fearful because it disrupt |
'My brother brought us together’'My brother brought us together’ My brother brought us together | TAPS Deb Lucey In May 2013, I attended the TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and went to watch Rolling Thunder, the massive motorcycle rally in Washington, D.C., that occurs every Memorial Day weekend. Hundreds of thousands of members on motorcycles do a slow ride, called the Ride to Freedom, to honor the military fallen and their loved ones. The ride starts at the Pentagon and heads to the monuments on the National Mall. |
Healing Wisdom from TreesHealing Wisdom from Trees Healing Wisdom from Trees | TAPS Erin Jacobson There are times in life when we feel completely lost. The foundations that held us in place and helped us to make sense of the world are broken and we are left trying to make sense of a new reality. This is particularly true when we experience the death of a loved one. Not only do we go through the grief of losing a person we love, often times we lose our sense of self and our place in the world. In times of confusion or |
Celebrate LifeCelebrate Life Celebrate Life Sherry Viray It was past midnight, the day after my brother died when my phone suddenly rang. By that time, I was already half asleep. Usually when I sleep, I have the phone set on silent. The world could end and I wouldn't care. I needed my sleep as I rarely get any. So I ignored the call. I didn't even get up to see who was calling me so late on a weeknight. Little did I know, only a few hours later when I returned the call, the world I knew actually did end an |
Living the Legacy: Small Steps in SpeechLiving the Legacy: Small Steps in Speech Living the Legacy ~ Small Steps in Speech Amanda Charney At some point in our grief journey many of us conclude that we will go on living—not merely existing or even just surviving, but truly living—for those who died. After all, we are the legacy that our loved ones left behind. ~ Betsy Beard, Editor TAPS Magazine It all started years back at a Philadelphia Eagles game. My brother-in-law invited me down to tailgate on New Year’s Eve. He had been tr |
Grief Grappling: Fighting for a New NormalGrief Grappling: Fighting for a New Normal Grief Grappling: Fighting for a New Normal Sandra Egts Grief Demands Attention There is tremendous shock, confusion and even denial that accompanies sudden death. It is equally traumatic to watch the prolonged suffering of those you love. Regardless of how grief comes for you, it will. It is the great, dark hunter. You can't ignore grief. It tracks you down and demands its rightful share of your life, no matter what the circumstance. Back in the ea |
Setting Boundaries While GrievingSetting Boundaries While Grieving Setting Boundaries While Grieving | TAPS Audri Beugelsdijk Setting boundaries is hard. When it’s our job to take care of others or attend to business, we place a lot of pressure on ourselves to get it right, to not drop balls. After all, we take our responsibilities seriously and don’t want to let anyone down. Even on our best days when we are not grieving, this set of expectations can be incredibly difficult to live up to, if not downright impossible. Our li |
Solitude and Knowing When to Reach OutSolitude and Knowing When to Reach Out Solitude and Knowing When to Reach Out Audri Beugelsdijk Coping with grief and loss is one of life’s greatest challenges. Sometimes the task is so monumental that it feels impossible, and yet here we are doing the impossible, surviving the loss of someone who is inextricably a part of our heart, existence and routine. During the holidays, the loss is illuminated as we witness people making plans with their families, buying gifts, or engaging in long-st |
Survivors Find Love and Acceptance at SeminarsSurvivors Find Love and Acceptance at Seminars Survivors Find Love and Acceptance at Seminars TAPS 2016 was a busy year as the Seminars team hosted survivors in 11 locations across the country, including Florida, Washington state, New England, Colorado and Louisiana. Connecting with our TAPS family at nine Regional Seminars, as well as at each of our two National Seminars, is an essential part of sharing the journey together. Through workshops, sharing groups, family dinners and more, our sur |
Ways to Help Grieving Children During the HolidaysWays to Help Grieving Children During the Holidays Ways to Help Grieving Children During the Holidays | TAPS TAPS Andy McNiel As the holiday season unfolds, it brings a unique mix of emotions for children grappling with the loss of a loved one. Amidst the festive decorations and cheerful gatherings, these young hearts might find themselves in a whirlwind of sadness and joy, often struggling to make sense of these conflicting feelings. But we're here to help. Here are some comforting tips and i |
Traumatic GriefTraumatic Grief Traumatic Grief Jill Harrington-LaMorie Are you at risk for post traumatic stress? Imagine driving down the street and crossing an intersection. You glance quickly left and right, but out of nowhere you are hit by an oncoming vehicle. The impact is painful, crushing, debilitating. It takes your breath away and spirals you out of control for what seems like an eternity. Spinning, spinning, spinning, you finally come to a stop and have the sudden realization that you have surv |
Resource Center: Casework PartnershipResource Center: Casework Partnership Resource Center: Casework Partnership TAPS Pro Bono Legal Assistance The TAPS Casework Department is proud to be available for our TAPS family members, supporting them on a wide variety of topics and issues. This support ranges from assistance with DoD/VA benefit eligibility questions and requests for records, medals, and investigations, to education on survivor benefits and seeking local, regional, and national support for matters like financial assista |
Saturday Morning Message: Month of the Military CaregiverSaturday Morning Message: Month of the Military Caregiver Month of the Military Caregiver | TAPS Saturday Morning Message Coleen Bowman Good Morning, As we enter the month of May, as we do every day, TAPS will honor all who have served and died. We are also honoring our Military caregivers, as May is the Month of the Military Caregiver. During this time, we would like to pause for a moment and acknowledge your sacrifice as a caregiver. Being a caregiver to your loved one can take a toll on y |
Saturday Morning Message: Items Our Loved Ones Left UsSaturday Morning Message: Items Our Loved Ones Left Us Items Our Loved Ones Left Us | TAPS Saturday Morning Message Carol Lane Good Morning, A recent conversation with JoAnne, mother of Brandon, serves as the inspiration for this week’s Saturday Morning Message topic. She spoke to me about her son's love of trains, so I decided to use the photo she sent of her son with his beloved train bell as the opening image. You will read more about Brandon in the survivor response below. In t |
Saturday Morning Message: Paying RespectsSaturday Morning Message: Paying Respects Saturday Morning Message: Paying Respects | TAPS Carol Lane Good morning, While reading the latest TAPS magazine, I came across an article titled “The Love Languages of Grief” written by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. In it, he lists the five primary ways from Gary Chapman’s book “The Five Love Languages” that help us feel loved. When a friend has a loved one die, this article can help us know what to do to make him or her feel our care. The responses this |
Putting on My Oxygen MaskPutting on My Oxygen Mask Putting on My Oxygen Mask | TAPS Don Lipstein A Father's Journey to Healing and Helping Others I believe we are faced with choices along our journey. Some of those choices can help us heal while others tend to slow our progress and deflate our hope of ever getting to a safe place in our journey. A common thread among the men with who I have come in contact is that we were raised to be the strong, stoic presence. We were encouraged to help everyone else before think |
Heading Back to School Can Be a Challenging Process for Surviving ChildrenHeading Back to School Can Be a Challenging Process for Surviving Children Heading Back to School Can Be a Challenging Process for Surviving Children | TAPS Andy McNiel Supporting Bereaved Children as They Return to School As you prepare to send your child (children) back to school, we know this can bring on a mix of complicated emotions, for both parents/guardians and bereaved children. At TAPS, you are never alone, and we are here to support you with information and resources to navigat |
Klinger’s Korner: Kids, Grief, and the HolidaysKlinger’s Korner: Kids, Grief, and the Holidays Klinger’s Korner: Kids, Grief, and the Holidays | TAPS Andy McNiel The holiday season is a magical time for children of all ages. It is during this time of year that children and teenagers have an extended break from school. They can be with friends and family in settings and doing activities that they may not be able to do other times of the year. At the same time, when children and teenagers are grieving, the holidays can be challenging as the |
Saturday Morning Message: BBQ, Apple Pie and other Foods that Remind Us of LoveSaturday Morning Message: BBQ, Apple Pie and other Foods that Remind Us of Love BBQ, Apple Pie and other Foods that Remind Us of Love | TAPS Saturday Morning Message Carol Lane Good Morning, Sharing food that our loved ones liked is the topic for today’s Saturday Morning Message, because today is Culinarians’ Day. The opening picture comes from an article in the TAPS archives titled "Love in the Kitchen" written by Rita, mother of James Shawn. She writes that she and her son liked to cook |
Christmas Without ChrisChristmas Without Chris Christmas Without Chris | TAPS Ami Neiberger-Miller My brother, Army Specialist Christopher Neiberger, was killed in action in Iraq in 2007 at age 22. The last time we saw him was at Christmastime when he came home from Iraq on leave eight years ago. All of the last photos of our family together and the last times we spent together were at the holidays. Photo coutesy of Dr. Richard Neiberger After his death, the holidays became very painful. We were always the kind o |
Saturday Morning Message: Practicing Self CareSaturday Morning Message: Practicing Self Care Saturday Morning Message: Practicing Self Care | TAPS Carol Lane Good morning, This man is doing one of the first things I do after I get up in the morning — have a cup of coffee and try to reflect on my plans for the day. An article from the TAPS archives titled Open Your Heart to Healing: Emotional Engagement in Your Own Life by Emily Muñoz gives a list of ways to help practice self care both physically and mentally. In addition to this articl |
A Visit to ArlingtonA Visit to Arlington A Visit to Arlington | TAPS Pamela Henne Walking Among the Familiar My letter began, You don’t know me, but you knew my father when you both served in Europe during World War II. My mother has told me how she hears from you at Christmastime and you always speak fondly of Dad and your days together as soldiers. My father was a great man; gracious, patient and most importantly a hero. Of course he never saw himself this way, but I certainly did. He taught me by his action |
Gratitude, Hope and Godwinks See a Family ThroughGratitude, Hope and Godwinks See a Family Through Gratitude, Hope and Godwinks See a Family Through | TAPS Kathy Bold A grateful and hopeful spirit has helped Maggie Bainbridge through the darkest times, including the six years her husband, Bill, was battling cancer and the four years since he let go of the pain and died in her arms. She is grateful for the time she had with him. “We were so happy,” she says. “I would rather have 18 years with him than none.” She is grateful that retired Ar |
Building Your Resilience: Caring For Your Mind, Body, And SoulBuilding Your Resilience: Caring For Your Mind, Body, And Soul Building Your Resilience: Caring For Your Mind, Body, And Soul | TAPS TAPS The last couple of years have brought many new challenges: working and learning from home, isolation from loved ones, canceled activities, mask mandates, and for many, sudden illness and loss. While the pandemic may not be completely over, we may finally be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Each of our stories is different, but we all have someth |
TAPS Professionals Help Survivors In Darkest MomentsTAPS Professionals Help Survivors In Darkest Moments TAPS Professionals Help Survivors In Darkest Moments TAPS TAPS has been the front-line resource for families of America's Fallen Heroes for over 22 years. We continue to meet that high standard because we bring together professional staff and grief experts who understand the complex grief our families face. Providing hope and healing to our families is a great honor. Whether our staff and professional partners are assigned that duty, chos |
The Nature of GriefThe Nature of Grief The Nature of Grief Zaneta Gileno One of my favorite things to see is a weed sprouting up through the cracks in a sidewalk. The idea that something so seemingly delicate could push through the concrete and find a way to grow is inspiring. And if that weed happens to be a dandelion, it can make my heart soar. The hope and promise in the fluff of a dandelion filled with wishes, that weed growing through the crack, can speak to our grief journey in many ways. Nothing compa |
Finding Peace, One Piece at a TimeFinding Peace, One Piece at a Time Finding Peace, One Piece at a Time | TAPS Amy Tucci In life, we refer to our loved one’s possessions as their stuff and things. In death, they signify forever connections to cherished memories. – Rachel Kodanaz Rachel Kodanaz, whose husband, Rod, died suddenly when she was 31, knows of what she writes in her new and immensely helpful book, Finding Peace, One Piece at a Time. Kodanaz found intense meaning and intimacy in Rod’s belongings following his dea |
The Gift of Mentorship: Caring for Our Youngest Military SurvivorsThe Gift of Mentorship: Caring for Our Youngest Military Survivors The Gift of Mentorship: Caring for Our Youngest Military Survivors | TAPS TAPS We can all remember that special gift — the one we were excited to buy for another. We went to the store with a smile, imagining its recipient’s expression as the package was opened. In the first two years as a TAPS Military Mentor, Air Force Col. Peter Doty had that experience. He came into the TAPS fold after losing a close friend in the spring o |
Spring Clean Your FinancesSpring Clean Your Finances USAA Educational Foundation Birds singing, flowers blooming, spring is here. It is the perfect time for fresh starts, and your finances can be one of them. If you’re ready to begin, take these seven steps to do a little financial spring cleaning. Even if you can only tackle one at a time, each step can lead to greater financial security and peace of mind. Your Financial Spring-Cleaning Checklist Have a financial game plan. Life now may be very different than wh |
Saturday Morning Message: When Grief Awakes YouSaturday Morning Message: When Grief Awakes You Saturday Morning Message: When Grief Awakes You Carol Lane Good Morning, Sleep can be difficult for many survivors after the death of a loved one. Sharing ideas among survivors may be helpful. When we are grieving, it is hard to come up with new ideas, so today we will look at a variety of thoughts survivors have sent. Caryn, mother of Nathan, wrote, "When grief wakes me, it's usually because of a realistic-type dream. I usually can't retur |
Why the Holidays HurtWhy the Holidays Hurt Why the Holidays Hurt Richard Obershaw Coping with the Reality of Those Special Days This article first appeared in Holiday Hope: Remembering Loved Ones During Special Times (Fairview Press, 1998) and is reprinted with permission. People who are grieving fear holidays. Holidays can be times when they have to face more than their wounded emotions can bear. Why is grief more acute during the holidays? What follows are some of the reasons holidays can make grief more pain |
Friends of TAPS - New York Life FoundationFriends of TAPS - New York Life Foundation Friends of TAPS - New York Life Foundation TAPS It was a typical workday for Marine Michael Walton, the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar command sergeant major, until he received an email forwarded to him by Bonnie Carroll. He was intrigued by the call for mentors and especially by the TAPS mission. In his position, he was unsure if he could personally support the Southern California Good Grief Campout, but he called TAPS to see how he could suppo |
Wearing Your Heart on Your SleeveWearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve | TAPS Matt Daud TAPS seminars and events are always full of colorful and distinct shirts — red, black, white, green, teal, purple, blue, gray, yellow, and burgundy. We wear them to show our connection to TAPS and to each other. When I am at the airport, I am always on the lookout for anyone wearing one of the unmistakable TAPS shirts as I walk through the terminal. I pass thousands of passengers during busy times and see a |
Re-Creating Holiday TraditionsRe-Creating Holiday Traditions Re-Creating Holiday Traditions | TAPS Tina Barrett Ideas for Families Facing Very Different Holidays Holidays can be stressful, even during the best of times. For families grieving a loved one, significant dates hold even more emotional intensity and complexity. Reminders of the season — lights, music, decorations, and gift-giving — may seem out of sync with internal feelings or may trigger painful memories for families facing a very different holiday. |
Embracing Your Vulnerability During the HolidaysEmbracing Your Vulnerability During the Holidays Embracing Your Vulnerability During the Holidays | TAPS Alan Wolfelt Grief, the holidays, and vulnerability naturally go together because when someone in our lives dies, the holidays — and all the nostalgia they bring — can heighten our feelings of vulnerability. Being vulnerable is the opposite of protecting ourselves because when we protect ourselves, we create barriers and shields that safeguard us from harm. Common emotional shields |
Helping a Grandparent Who Is GrievingHelping a Grandparent Who Is Grieving Helping a Grandparent Who Is Grieving Alan Wolfelt "When a grandchild dies, grandparents grieve twice. They mourn the loss of the child and they feel the pain of their own child's suffering. Sometimes we forget about the grandparents when a child dies. You can help by not forgetting, by offering the grandparents your love, support and presence in the weeks and months to come." ~ From Healing a Grandparent's Grieving Heart by Alan Wolfelt A child or |
Choosing JoyChoosing Joy Choosing Joy Carlene Cross This article was published in the Fall 2017 Issue of the TAPS Magazine. “I regret to inform you…” the chaplain began. In an instant, my life fell apart on July 13, 2008. I was sucked into blackness. Panic engulfed me in waves, blinding me and destroying all logical thinking. I ran to a picture of Jason holding an Afghan child and hugged it to my chest. A world without my son could never be real. It was unimaginable. For months, my face was blood |
Saturday Morning Message: Gotcha! Survivors share the pranks their loved ones pulled offSaturday Morning Message: Gotcha! Survivors share the pranks their loved ones pulled off Gotcha! Survivors share the pranks their loved ones pulled off | TAPS Saturday Morning Message Carol Lane Good morning, This picture comes from Sue, mother of Marcus. It shows the glint in her son’s eyes as he surprised the family wearing a Santa hat. This seemed to be the perfect opening for this week’s Saturday Morning Message with the topic of pranks. At this time of uncertainty, I am glad to share me |
Friends of TAPS: Windy25Friends of TAPS: Windy25 Friends of TAPS: Windy25 TAPS April marks the sixth annual Windy25 Memorial 5K and the 11th anniversary of the fateful Army helicopter crash in Afghanistan that forged the basis for lasting connection between TAPS and the Windy25 Memorial Fund organization. In our 2012 TAPS magazine feature piece about the group, we shared how survivor families from the crash found their way to TAPS and how the alumni of F Company, 159th Aviation Regiment, “Big Windy”, rallied around |