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Photos: teams4taps Liverpool teams4taps FC Liverpool Experience teams4taps FC Liverpool Experience Photos \| TAPS TAPS Media Download and view more high resolution images on Flickr » (32 photos and 1 video) teams4taps, photos, military survivor Flickr Album Event Photos: US and UK Families celebrate the life and service of fallen loved ones with LFC Foundation along side Home Base and SSAFA on March 21, 2025.
TAPS Receives New Recognition as a Top Charity for Volunteer Engagement and Donor Transparency TAPS Receives New Recognition as a Top Charity for Volunteer Engagement and Donor Transparency Press Release Content taps press release, GuideStar, Points of Light, Service Enterprise, Bonnie Carroll, TAPS volunteers, transparency The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) was recently certified by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, as a Service Enterprise. Additionally, it was awarded the Platinum GuideStar Nonprofit Seal of Transparenc
Seven Choices: Finding daylight after loss shatters your world Seven Choices: Finding daylight after loss shatters your world Seven Choices: Finding daylight after loss shatters your world Betsy Beard Early in my grief journey, I looked desperately for books or manuals or instructions-anything to help me get through each day-but bookstores didn't stock very many books about grief. I found this perplexing since death is universal and most of us will experience the loss of a loved one at some point before we ourselves die. For TAPS survivors, that loss see
March 13 2024 March 13, 2024 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer March 13, 2024 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committees On Veterans' Affairs United States Senate and House of Representatives Joint House and Senate Veterans Service Organization Legislative Presentation Presented by Rebecca Harrison Mullaney Topics in this Statement: Love Lives On Act of 2023 (H.R.3651, S.1266) Honor All Gold Star Families Caring For Survivors Act of 2023 (S.414, H.R.108
Widow’s Tax Now Completely Eliminated Widow’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
TAPS provides critical support and resources to help Americans cope with isolation, fear and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic Tragedy Assistance for Survivors (TAPS) provides critical support and resources to help Americans cope with isolation, fear and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic Main Body taps press release, coronavirus, boredom, grief support Tips, resources, news and information are available on the TAPS website, www.taps.org/covid/together and updated daily for all those affected by the coronavirus.
Media Advisory: The TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing Hosts Live Webinar on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 Media Advisory: The TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing Hosts Live Webinar on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 Press Release Content taps media advisory, taps institute, webinar, suicide prevention On Wednesday, June 27, 2018 the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing will host a live online webinar and introductory discussion on “Understanding Why People Die by Suicide,” featuring Dr. Carla Stumpf-Patton, Director of TAPS Suicide Postvention Programs.
January 30 2024 January 30, 2024 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer January 30, 2024 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committees On Veterans' Affairs United States House of Representatives Presented by Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann, Deputy Director, TAPS Government and Legislative Affairs and Surviving Spouse Kaanan Mackey-Fugler Topics in this Statement: Dependency And Indemnity Compensation for High School Students Dependency And Indemnity Compensation for High
October 13, 2021 October 13, 2021 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer October 13, 2021 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Health, Hearing on Pending Legislation The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national provider of comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. TAPS was founded in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organi
Education Support Education Support \| TAPS Education Quote Style Know Your Education Benefits While you move through your grief, it is common to experience a shift in occupational desires or goals. As a result, you may choose to make some changes which set you up for the life you want to live. If one of your new goals includes pursuing education, TAPS Education Support Services is here to help. TAPS Education Support Services serves as a guide to scholarship information and benefits resources for military survi
November 17, 2021 November 17, 2021 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer November 17, 2021 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Oversight and Reform, United States House of Representatives, Subcommittee on National Security, Hearing on Mental Health and Suicide Among Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, And Family Members Presented by Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton, Senior Director, Postvention Programs The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the n
March 8, 2022 March 8, 2022 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer March 8, 2022 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committees On Veterans' Affairs and United States Senate and House of Representatives; Joint House and Senate Veterans Service Organization Legislative Presentation Presented by Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President And Founder View the Full Hearing The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national provider of comfort, care, and resources t
October 22, 2019 October 22, 2019 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer October 22, 2019 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States House of Representatives The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for
July 10 2024 July 10, 2024 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer July 10, 2024 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee On Veterans' Affairs United States House of Representatives Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee Legislative Hearing Presented by Candace Wheeler, Director, Government and Legislative Affairs Topics in this Statement: Veterans Claims Education Act of 2023 (H.R. 2971) Protecting Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act of 2023
April 6 2022 April 6, 2022 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer April 6, 2022 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee On Armed Services United States Senate Subcommittee On Personnel "Suicide Prevention and Related Behavioral Health Interventions In the Department of Defense" View the Full Hearing The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national provider of comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved on
March 2, 2022 March 2, 2022 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer March 2, 2022 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Armed Services, United States House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Military Personnel "Assessing the Effectiveness of Suicide Prevention Programs" Presented by Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President And Founder View the Full Hearing The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national provider of comfort, care, and resources t
Healing Trauma in Military Survivors Healing Trauma in Military Survivors Healing Trauma in Military Survivors \| TAPS Carla Stumpf Patton June is PTSD Awareness month June is awareness month for PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder), making it critical to talk openly to create the understanding and encouragement needed to seek care and treatment. Trauma can be experienced in people of all ages and demographics, resulting from various life events such as: natural disasters, accidents, crime, war, medical or life-threateni
April 9, 2019 April 9, 2019 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer April 9, 2019 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States House of Representatives The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adult
March 11 2025 March 11, 2025 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer March 11, 2025 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committees On Veterans' Affairs United States Senate Presented by Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann, Director, Government and Legislative Affairs Topics in this Statement: Love Lives on Act of 2025 (S.410) Caring for Survivors Act of 2025 (S.611) Aviation Cancers Examination Study (ACES) Act (S.201) Veterans Claims Act of 2025 (Draft) Veterans' Assuring
March 4 2025 March 4, 2025 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer March 4, 2025 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committees On Veterans' Affairs United States Senate and House of Representatives Joint House and Senate Veterans Service Organization Legislative Presentation Presented by Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder Topics in this Statement: End The Remarriage Penalty for Surviving Spouses Improve Dependency and Indemnity Compensation For Surviving Spou
April 28, 2021 April 28, 2021 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer April 28, 2021 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States Senate, Hearing on Pending Legislation Presented by Candace Wheeler, TAPS Director of Policy The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national provider of comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. TAPS was founded in 1994 as the 50l(c)(3) non-p
Phase Out of the SBP-DIC Offset Phase Out of the SBP-DIC Offset (Widow's Tax) \| TAPS News Phase Out of the SBP-DIC Offset (Widow's Tax) Finally Begins! Military surviving spouses subject to the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) offset, commonly known as the "Widow's Tax," will potentially see an increase in their SBP payments beginning February 1, 2021. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, signed into law on December 20, 2019, repealed the dollar-for-dollar o
Phase Out of the SBP-DIC Offset Phase Out of the SBP-DIC Offset (Widow's Tax) \| TAPS News Widows Tax Phase Out of the SBP-DIC Offset (Widow's Tax) Finally Begins! Military surviving spouses subject to the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) offset, commonly known as the "Widow's Tax," will potentially see an increase in their SBP payments beginning February 1, 2021. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, signed into law on December 20, 2019, repealed the
July 29, 2019 July 29, 2019 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer July 29, 2019 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States House of Representatives The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adult
November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer November 15, 2018 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States House of Representatives The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats f
October 20, 2021 October 20, 2021 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer October 20, 2021 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, Hearing on Pending Legislation The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national provider of comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. TAPS was founded in
September 21, 2021 September 21, 2021 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer September 21, 2021 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Hearing On Pending Legislation Presented by Ashlynne Haycock, Deputy Director, Policy The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national provider of comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a m
March 10, 2021 March 10, 2021 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer March 10, 2021 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States Senate, "Military Toxic Exposures: The Human Consequences of War" The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the leading national nonprofit organization providing comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. TAPS provides comfort and hope through a nation
December 9, 2020 December 9, 2020 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer December 9, 2020 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Subcommittee On Disability and Memorial Affairs Committee On Veterans' Affairs, United States House of Representatives, "The Toxic World of Presumptive Service Connection Determinations: Why Should Our Veterans Wait?" The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the leading national nonprofit organization providing comfort, care and r
TAPS Statements for the Record TAPS Statements for the Record \| TAPS TAPS - Statements for the Record 2025 READ: March 11, 2025 Statement for the Record Before the Committees On Veterans' Affairs United States Senate Love Lives on Act of 2025 (S.410) Caring for Survivors Act of 2025 (S.611) Aviation Cancers Examination Study (ACES) Act (S.201) Veterans Claims Act of 2025 (Draft) Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (Access) Act of 2025 (S.275) Restore VA Accountability Act of 20
May 5, 2021 May 5, 2021 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer May 5, 2021 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States House of Representatives, Full Committee Legislative Hearing The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national provider of comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. TAPS was founded in 1994 as the 50l(c)(3) non-profit organization to provide 24/7 care
March 8 2023 March 8, 2023 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer March 8, 2023 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committees On Veterans' Affairs United States Senate and House of Representatives Joint House and Senate Veterans Service Organization Legislative Presentation Presented by Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President And Founder Topics in this Statement: Pass Comprehensive Remarriage Legislation, The Love Lives On Act Improve Dependency and Indemnity Compensatio
Legislative Priorities Policy and Legislative Priorities for Military Survivors \| TAPS TAPS Policy and Legislative Priorities The mission of TAPS is to offer comfort and support for surviving families of military loss regardless of the location or manner of their death. Part of that commitment includes advocating for improvements in programs and services provided by the Federal government through the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Education (DoED), Department of L
July 17, 2017 July 17, 2017 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer July 17, 2017 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States House of Representatives The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adult
Workshops Workshops \| TAPS National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp body content SEMINAR WORKSHOPS and Activities We have a variety of sessions available throughout the weekend. Our workshop presenters are leading experts in the field of grief and loss, and you'll have the opportunity to gain tools and resources for your grief journey. You may choose which workshops and activities to attend at your leisure. Make sure to download the TAPS seminar mobile app. This mobile app puts adv
Workshops TAPS National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar Workshops body content SEMINAR WORKSHOPS and Activities We have a variety of sessions available throughout the weekend. Our workshop presenters are leading experts in the field of grief and loss, and you'll have the opportunity to gain tools and resources for your grief journey. You may choose which workshops and activities to attend at your leisure. Make sure to download the TAPS seminar mobile app. This mobile app puts advance details about the
Workshops TAPS National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar Workshops body content SEMINAR WORKSHOPS and Activities We have a variety of sessions available throughout the weekend. Our workshop presenters are leading experts in the field of grief and loss, and you'll have the opportunity to gain tools and resources for your grief journey. You may choose which workshops and activities to attend at your leisure. Make sure to download the TAPS seminar mobile app. This mobile app puts advance details about the
December 8, 2020 December 8, 2020 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer December 8, 2020 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States House of Representatives The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the leading national nonprofit organization providing comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. TAPS provides comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and con
March 29, 2022 - House March 29, 2022 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer March 29, 2022 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs United States House of Representatives; Subcommittee On Disability Assistance And Memorial Affairs Legislative Hearing Presented by Candace Wheeler, Director, TAPS Policy View the Full Hearing The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national provider of comfort, care, and resources to all those griev
April 26 2023 April 26, 2023 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer April 26, 2023 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committees On Veterans' Affairs United States Senate Presented by Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann, Deputy Director, Government and Legislative Affairs Topics in this Statement: Love Lives On Act of 2023 Caring for Survivors Act of 2023 (S.414)) Fry Scholarship Enhancement Act of 2023 (S.350) Guard VA Benefits Act (S.740) The GI Bill Foreign Institutio
March 20, 2018 March 20, 2018 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer March 20, 2018 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the United States House of Representatives, Subcommittee On Economic Opportunity, Committee On Veterans Affairs The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources
April 10 2024 April 10, 2024 TAPS Statement for the Record \| TAPS News Advocacy Proprietary Footer April 10, 2024 - TAPS Statement for the Record Before the Committee On Veterans' Affairs United States House of Representatives Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee Presented by Candace Wheeler, Director, TAPS Government and Legislative Affairs Topics in this Statement: Love Lives On Act of 2023 (H.R.3651) Caring For Survivors Act of 2023 (H.R.1083) Prioritizing Veterans' Survivors A
Webinar: Understanding Why People Die by Suicide Webinar: Understanding Why People Die by Suicide Understanding Why People Die by Suicide Webinar \| TAPS Institute Eastern Presented by the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing®, this webinar with Carla Stumpf-Patton, EdD, LMHC, NCC, FT, CCTP, will address some of the prominent theories about why people die by suicide. It will also explore some of the contributing risk factors that can come together in forming the “perfect storm” that leads to suicide and how survivors of loss can continue to hea
TAPS Togethers: Mercedes-Benz Stadium 5K/Walk Like MADD Mercedes-Benz Stadium 5K/Walk Like MADD Mercedes-Benz Stadium 5K/Walk Like MADD Eastern Standard Time Already Registered? Manage My Events Let's run this town, Atlanta! Or Walk Like MADD! Join your TAPS family, the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, Atlanta Track Club and Mothers Against Drunk Driving for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 5K/Walk Like MADD and be a part of something special. This event offers something for the whole family, including a 5K, one-mile race and 50-meter dash. T
Struggling To Reclaim My Faith Struggling To Reclaim My Faith Struggling To Reclaim My Faith Dennis Apple My nightmare began on Wednesday, February 6, 1991, at 8:20 a.m. Denny, our eighteen- year-old son had been diagnosed with mononucleosis two days prior, and the doctor had sent us home with medications and orders to rest. However, something awful happened during the night, and the following morning I discovered he had died in his sleep. There is nothing I know of that compares to the horror and shock that comes to the h
Video: The Power of Sound Healing Video: The Power of Sound Healing The Power of Sound Healing Webinar \| TAPS Institute Janie Keilwitz Sound healing has been used throughout the ages from modern day medicine to ancient Greek and Chinese cultures. In this program you’ll learn about the history and use of sound healing, recent scientific research, and amazing discoveries on how this cutting-edge therapy is being used to treat medical conditions and help with trauma, grief, and stress. The program will discuss various acupressu
Professional and personal grief education at conference Professional — and personal — grief education at conference Professional and personal grief education at conference \| TAPS Karissa Kelley Once a year, the “giants” in the field of thanatology gather in one place for a whirlwind experience of education, networking and collaboration. Last week, I had the honor of representing TAPS at the 41st ADEC Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The Association for Death Education and Counseling is the leading organization in thanatology, the study of death. AD
Is Suicide a Choice? Is Suicide a Choice? Military Widow Kim Ruocco on Spousal Suicide - TAPS News Kim Ruocco The National Veterans Crisis Line (800-273-8255) is available 24/7 to TAPS survivors. It is confidential and can connect you with local resources. The TAPS helpline (800-959-8277) is available for peer-based grief support. There are so many questions following a death by suicide. How could this happen? Why did this happen? Why didn’t I see it? Why didn’t I do something? Why didn’t the military do more?
Bonds with the Deceased Don’t Have to End Bonds with the Deceased Don’t Have to End Bonds with the Deceased Don’t Have to End Gloria Horsley Heidi Horsley “Scott is dead!” These are the dreaded words that no parent or sibling should ever have to hear, words that irrevocably changed our lives forever. We heard these words in 1983, when Scott Horsley, our beloved son and brother, died in a fiery collision when the car in which he was a passenger hydroplaned and slammed into a bridge abutment. In an instant, Scott’s life was snuffed
988 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 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
Good Grief Camp Corner Good Grief Camp Corner Good Grief Camp Corner Jonathan Kirkendall It was May 2006. I was a civilian, a mental health professional, and I was standing in the lobby of the Doubletree Hotel in Arlington, Va., feeling lost. A few weeks before, I heard a radio interview with Bonnie Carroll talking about a program called TAPS. With a brother and a nephew serving in Iraq, I was intrigued. I was struggling to find a concrete way to support the troops - especially since the troops were my family. A
Saturday Morning Message: Inspirational Movies Saturday Morning Message: Inspirational Movies Saturday Morning Message: Inspirational Movies \| TAPS Carol Lane Good morning, Movie titles were shared this week that provided support for those who responded. Each responder shared how the movie helped in a special way on the grief journey. Since I wanted to make sure their thoughts were highlighted, a decision was made to place a link for each movie to IMDb for the summary, etc. If you want to know more about a movie, just click on the title
Dealing with the Media in Wake of Tragedy Dealing with the Media in Wake of Tragedy Dealing with the Media in Wake of Tragedy \| TAPS Ami Neiberger-Miller For many surviving families who have lost a loved one in the military, our interactions with the media are interwoven with our experiences in the days immediately after our loved one dies. We encounter the reporters on our front porch, field phone calls from the Associated Press, and might even scan pictures to share. As a seasoned public relations professional, I am no stranger
Saturday Morning Message: Thoughts for New Survivors Saturday Morning Message: Thoughts for New Survivors Saturday Morning Message: Thoughts for New Survivors Carol Lane Good morning, The picture today comes from my garden to your house. It is a picture of a rose my sister-in-law gave me for my birthday this year. This is one of the last roses of the summer season in my part of the country. I thought the rose along with an article written by Carla Stumpf-Patton titled “Seasons of Grief” would be appropriate to this week’s topic. In the article
My Death Wish My Death Wish My Death Wish Michele Hernandez Moving from Misery to Meaning It is an odd and frightening sensation to wish you were dead. After my husband died I fervently wished I could die, too. The first time I read that grieving people sometimes fantasize about death, I was relieved. My entire life I had appreciated the gift of life; to suddenly and frequently wish it away was a disconcerting and lonely experience. When my husband, Phil, was hit by a car, the initial shock provided
Webinar: Grief After Self-Inflicted Causes of Death Partner Webinar: Grief After Self-Inflicted Causes of Death Webinar: Grief After Self-Inflicted Causes of Death Cohosted by the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and the Hospice Foundation of America While all loss is difficult, those whose friends or loved ones die due to self-destructive deaths can face unique challenges. This program, presented by Ken Doka, William Feigelman and John Jordan, explores the latest research into these grief situations and how professionals can help surv
Video: Robert Patrick Memorial Day Message Video: Robert Patrick at the 29th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar over Memorial Day Weekend Video: Robert Patrick at the 29th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar over Memorial Day Weekend \| TAPS TAPS Media Robert Patrick, actor, speaks at the Grand Banquet of the 29th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar on Saturday, May 27, 2023, in Arlington, Virginia. Robert quotes the prayer of Mrs. Roosevelt remembering the sacrifice of those who have and will die for
Fundraiser: Denver 19th Annual TAPS Colorado Celebrity Classic Colorado Celebrity Classic \| TAPS Thank you for supporting our Denver event! Stay tuned for news on the 2025 show. View Flyer Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum 7711 East Academy Boulevard Denver, Colorado 5:30 p.m. General Reception & Silent Auction 6:30 p.m. Dinner & Program Join us as we honor our fallen military servicemembers and pay tribute to the loved ones they left behind. TAPS Legacy Award Presented to Pete Co
Good Mourning Podcast: The Many Faces of Grief Good Mourning Podcast: The Many Faces of Grief Good Mourning Podcast: The Many Faces of Grief Darcie Sims TAPS' own Darcie Sims has a new weekly podcast entitled Good Mourning: The Many Faces of Grief. Join Darcie, a bereaved parent and child, an internationally recognized speaker and the author of 8 books, as she explores the journey through grief and identifies the choice points we encounter along the way. You will discover you can cry and laugh at the same time, learn tools for coping and
Kids, Grief, and COVID-19 Kids, Grief, and COVID-19 Kids, Grief, and COVID-19 \| TAPS Linda Goldman Children and teens have had their world turned inside out during the coronavirus pandemic. The familiar has turned foreign, the expected has vanished, and the world as kids knew it pre-COVID-19 has transformed into a surreal new normal. Overwhelmed by virtual classes, home quarantine, cleanl
Mental Health in the Movies and Media: Continuing the Discussion on Suicide Mental Health in the Movies and Media: Continuing the Discussion on Suicide Mental Health in the Movies and Media: Continuing the Discussion on Suicide \| TAPS Carla Stumpf Patton Writers note: This story contains topics related to mental health and suicide. If you are experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, help can be found by contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (Veterans Press 1), or by contacting the National Crisis Text Line by texting “
To Watch or Not To Watch To Watch or Not To Watch To Watch or Not To Watch Kelly Griffith That is the Question Sitting in the darkened, crowded theater, I realized I had made a mistake. Why hadn’t I picked the cutesy cartoon movie about dancing penguins? Why did I choose to resort to emotional cutting? No. I would be fine. But I looked beside me and saw the looks on my family's faces and knew I had made a big mistake. It was just a few short months after Sammy's death on December 14, and we sat in a room f
Fundraiser: Colorado Springs TAPS Colorado Springs Singer Songwriter Show and Dinner Colorado Springs Singer Songwriter Show and Dinner \| TAPS Mountain Evening Program Boot Barn Hall @ Bourbon Brothers 13071 Bass Pro Drive Colorado Springs, Colorado Join us for a memorable and fun evening featuring Pam Tillis, Frank Myers, Jamie O'Neal, David Ernest Malloy, Jimmy Nichols, and Ed Montana as we honor the families of those who died for our freedoms. Meet TAPS Founder and President Bonnie Carroll and hear the inspi
Fundraiser: Denver A Night of Remembrance & Celebration Colorado Celebrity Classic \| TAPS View Flyer Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum 7711 East Academy Boulevard Denver, Colorado 5:30 p.m. General Reception & Silent Auction 6:30 p.m. Dinner & Program Join us as we honor our fallen military servicemembers and pay tribute to the loved ones they left behind. You'll hear Grammy and CMA Award-winning music and the opportunity to participate in an Auction and Raffle to win one of a kind items
New Years: A Time for Self-Exploration New Years: A Time for Self-Exploration New Years: A Time for Self-Exploration \| TAPS TAPS The beginning of a new year is an obvious time for reevaluation, but it’s also an opportunity for compassionate self-awareness. We focus so often on what we need to do — thinking that if we do certain things, we’ll have certain outcomes, and then we’ll be a certain way or feel a certain sense of satisfaction. This year, though, instead of a New Year’s resolution — a commitment to “do”-ing something — w
Coping with Holidays and Celebrations Coping with Holidays and Celebrations Coping with Holidays and Celebrations Helen Fitzgerald This article is found on American Hospice Foundation website: Coping with Holidays and Celebrations. By Helen Fitzgerald, MFT holidays, grief Military Mother Finds Comfort after Son's Suicide When a loved one has died, holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays inevitably bring fresh memories and a re-experience of the pain of grief.
Audio: Suicide in the Military, Lipstein Suicide in the Military Suicide in the Military Madeline Brand Show Surviving father Don Lipstein talks with the Madeleine Brand Show about the death of his Navy son by suicide. Listen to Audio Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen on the Southern California Public Radio website Suicide, Military, Lipstein Suicide in the Military Surviving father Don Lipstein talks with the Madeleine Brand Show about the death of his Navy son by suicide.
My Dad, My Hero My Dad, My Hero My Dad, My Hero Gabrielle Herman Author, Eckhart Tolle, writes of the search for wholeness, a sense of lack or incompleteness, of not being whole, in which we strive after possessions, money, success, power, recognition, or a special relationship to feel better about ourselves and to feel complete. Only to realize, after attaining all these things, we find the hole is still there, that it is bottomless. He believes the secret of life is to "die before you die" - and find that
A Look at Loneliness A Look at Loneliness A Look at Loneliness \| TAPS Alan Wolfelt "The eternal quest of the individual human being is to shatter his loneliness." — Norman Cousins The COVID-19 pandemic has increased our awareness of the problem of loneliness. We were lonely before the novel coronavirus arose, and we’re even lonelier since routine social distancing, isolation, and quarantining became unfortunate necessities. Of course, for those of us in grief, the natural loneliness of loss also compounds our fe
Helping Military Kids with Traumatic Death Helping Military Kids with Traumatic Death Helping Military Kids with Traumatic Death Linda Goldman Ordinary fears are a normal part of a child’s developmental growth, and children create internal and external mechanisms to cope with these fears. But a child’s ordinary fears can be transformed into very real survival fears in the face of severe trauma. After children experience the death of a parent, they often feel alone and different. Frightened because their once comfortable world now seem
Webinar: The Power of Sound Healing Webinar: The Power of Sound Healing The Power of Sound Healing Webinar \| TAPS Institute Eastern Sound healing has been used throughout the ages from modern day medicine to ancient Greek and Chinese cultures. In this program you’ll learn about the history and use of sound healing, recent scientific research, and amazing discoveries on how this cutting-edge therapy is being used to treat medical conditions and help with trauma, grief, and stress. The program will discuss various acupressure poin
Resource Center, TAPS Top Picks for Scholarships Resource Center, TAPS Top Picks for Scholarships Resource Center, TAPS Top Picks for Scholarships TAPS Now that school is back in session, it’s a good time to start planning for your future at college, whether you are a high school senior, surviving spouse, or young adult whose parent has died in military service. When applying for educational and financial resources, the large range of differing requirements and eligibilities can make the scholarship search a grueling process. Here at T
Fundraiser: Denver A Night of Remembrance & Celebration A Night of Remembrance & Celebration Join us for An Intimate Night of Remembrance benefitting TAPS Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum 7711 East Academy Boulevard Denver, Colorado 5:00 p.m. General Reception & Silent Auction 6:00 p.m. Dinner & Program Join us as we honor our fallen military servicemembers and pay tribute to the loved ones they left behind. Includes an exclusive, intimate concert by Nashville songwriters, who will sha
Fundraiser: PT Mechanical Group Golf Invitational PT Mechanical Group Golf Invitational PT Mechanical Group Golf Invitational \| TAPS You are invited to join us at Little Mill Country Club on October 22, 2018 for the Pro-Tech Mechnical 1st Annual Golf Invitational. All proceeds from the tournament will go directly to TAPS in support of their mission to provide peer-based emotional support to all those who are grieving the death of someone who died during or as a result of their military service to the United States. Special Guest LTC Scott
Video: Bonnie Carroll on Finding the Beauty within Tragedy Video: Bonnie Carroll on Finding the Beauty within Tragedy Bonnie Carroll on Finding the Beauty within Tragedy \| TAPS Robin Gargano A conversation between TAPS Founder and President Bonnie Carroll and Robin Gargano that took place during the Finding the Beauty within Tragedy Summit. If you are coping with the loss of your military loved one, find supportive resources and programming on the TAPS website. Select image below to play the video. This video is courtesy of Robin Gargano. video
Messages of Love Messages of Love Messages of Love Claire Perkins Over the years since my son’s death in 2004, I have received many messages and signs from him. Some have come in dreams, some through songs on the radio. Perhaps the most powerful have been the heart-shaped stones and shells washed up by the sea to remind me that love never dies. Read the full article on the Open to Hope website. By Claire Perkins, Surviving mother of Cameron grief, healing, god winks Over the years since my son’s death
Audio: Kim Ruocco Talks with The Mark Steiner Show Kim Ruocco Talks with The Mark Steiner Show Kim Ruocco Talks with The Mark Steiner Show Marc Steiner Radio Show Kim Ruocco, military widow and TAPS manager of suicide postvention and education programs, talks about suicide in the Armed Forces and how we can all help. Listen to Audio Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen on the Mark Steiner Show website Veterans Day, Suicide, Radio Kim Ruocco Talks with The Mark Steiner Show Kim Ruocco, TAPS manager of suicide po
Traumatic Grief in Military Children Traumatic Grief in Military Children Traumatic Grief in Military Children TAPS Traumatic Grief in Military Children: Information for Families To read the complete article, visit www.NCTSN.org and click on Military Children & Families. National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2008). Traumatic Grief in Military Children: Information for Families. Los Angeles, CA & Durham, NC: National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. By the National Child Traumatic Stress Network military child
Suicide grief: Healing after a loved one's suicide Suicide grief: Healing after a loved one's suicide Suicide grief: Healing after a loved one's suicide Mayo Clinic Staff A loved one's suicide can be emotionally devastating. Use healthy coping strategies — such as seeking support — to begin the journey to healing and acceptance. See article on the Mayo Clinic website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/suicide/MH00048 By Mayo Clinic Staff suicide loss A loved one's suicide can be emotionally devastating. Use healthy coping strategies —
Understanding Why People Die by Suicide Understanding Why People Die by Suicide Understanding Why People Die by Suicide \| TAPS Carla Stumpf Patton What happened? Why did he do it? The answers to the questions are complex. When someone we love dies by suicide, it can be overwhelming and confusing, and bring with it many emotions and questions. Those affected by suicide often struggle with how, and if, their life will ever fit back together again. More than anybody, it is the suicide loss survivor who is left with endless “whys” and
What Grieving People Want You to Know What Grieving People Want You to Know What Grieving People Want You to Know Virginia Simpson Articles What A Grieving Child Wants You To Know and What Grieving People Want You To Know are found on Dr. Virginia A. Simpson's website, under Articles, Understanding Grief. By Virginia A. Simpson, PhD, FT: Dr. Virginia A. Simpson is a nationally and internationally recognized authority on dying and grieving. She brings more than a quarter of a century of experience and expertise to her work hel
Believing in Heroes Believing in Heroes Believing in Heroes Marten Wallace On September 2015, I had the great pleasure of representing TAPS at the Points of Light National Day of Service and Remembrance held at the Washington Monument. Being asked to be a storyteller to the 5th graders of Harriet Tubman Elementary School was a great privilege and honor. The title of my story was, Believing in Heroes. I asked the children during my story, what is a hero? Is a hero a cartoon character like Superman or an athlet
Five Years into the After: A Letter to Owen Five Years into the After: A Letter to Owen Five Years into the After: A Letter to Owen \| TAPS Kelly Lennon Fitzpatrick Hello Little Brother, I think about you every day. I know you know that. Each year around your anniversary, the thoughts become strings of words, and I’ve tried to record my changing feelings around the times “Before” and “After.” This year, the words have changed and are less for me and more for you — my conversation with you. We feel you all around us, and are reminded of
Saturday Morning Message: Tokens Left at the Cemetery Saturday Morning Message: Tokens Left at the Cemetery Saturday Morning Message: Tokens Left at the Cemetery \| TAPS Carol Lane Good morning, When survivors go to the cemetery to spend time, they bring items that are meaningful to their loved one and themselves. The opening picture came from Claire, daughter of William. As you can see, she brings items that go with the season. The cemetery where my son, Bryon, lies allows only flowers, stones and wreaths. This week survivors shared the many di
7 Random Acts of Kindness to Celebrate a Life Well Lived 7 Random Acts of Kindness to Celebrate a Life Well Lived 7 Random Acts of Kindness to Celebrate a Life Well Lived P. Ann Brothers We perform random acts of kindness on a regular basis without giving it much thought. This week, my son Army Maj. Steven Brothers would have celebrated his 41st birthday. In his honor, our family wanted to have at least 41 random acts of kindness completed to celebrate a life well lived. Here are some that touched the hearts of many. I hope they will inspire you
I’ve Been Everywhere, Man: teams4taps on the road with the NBA I’ve Been Everywhere, Man: teams4taps on the road with the NBA I’ve Been Everywhere, Man: teams4taps on the road with the NBA Bevin Landrum Military families are frequently called to live far from home. Whether they are stationed overseas or just across the country, service members and their families look for ways to maintain close connections to those they love and miss. Walk in any commissary, exchange or food court on a military installation and you’re liable to see a dozen different team
Saturday Morning Message: Displaying Memorabilia Saturday Morning Message: Displaying Memorabilia Saturday Morning Message: Displaying Memorabilia Carol Lane Good Morning, This week’s question was inspired by Merry, surviving mother of Wesley. She sent a picture of what she had done to produce Wes’s Honor Wall. The thought crossed my mind that it might be good to find out what others have done with those special mementoes, so last week’s question asked survivors what they chose to do with these beloved items. The answers were varied and in
Fundraiser: Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute Half Marathon Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute Half Marathon Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute Half Marathon Powered by Jeff Galloway \| TAPS Eastern Powered by Jeff Galloway ABOUT JEFF GALLOWAY Over a million runners and walkers have read Jeff Galloway books, attended his retreats / running schools, received E-coaching or individual consultation or joined his training programs. His doable plans have opened up the life-changing experience of finishing a distance event to almost everyone. His
Fundraiser: Stetler Off Road Jeep Show Stetler Off Road Jeep Show Stetler Off Road Jeep Show \| TAPS Our show is a family friendly event offering vendors, food, kids bounce house, face painting, off road obstacle course, a teeter totter, live music, raffle prizes, goodie bags for the 1st 75 registrants and show trophies! Showcase your modified Jeep and support a good cause. Proceeds will be going to Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. For more information to register your jeep or be a vendor at the event, visit Stetler Of
Webinar: Responding to Traumatically Bereaved Military Children in Educational Settings Partner Webinar: Responding to Traumatically Bereaved Military Children in Educational Settings Webinar: Responding to Traumatically Bereaved Military Children in Educational Settings: Barriers and Opportunities Join us for a multi-disciplinary and highly interactive look at the common issues traumatically bereaved military children and their families experience in the educational settings. We will discuss systemic, individual, cultural, financial barriers and opportunities to help traumatical
Audio: On Memorial Day, The Hardest Lesson of All On Memorial Day, The Hardest Lesson of All On Memorial Day, The Hardest Lesson of All Ami Neiberger-Miller The TAPS Good Grief Camp, held annually near Washington, DC over Memorial Day Weekend, helps children and teens coping with the death of a parent or sibling who died while serving in the Armed Forces. Interview with TAPS spokesperson, Ami Neiberger-Miller. Listen to Audio Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen on the Public News Service website Memor
A Toast to the Ones We Lost A Toast to the Ones We Lost A Toast to the Ones We Lost \| TAPS Sonia Rai There’s a certain type of person with a certain type of heart who, before setting out to do something they love, will see the inherent danger, corruption, and uncertainty ahead of them, and still choose to act anyway. This is a toast to them. They’re the type of people who aren’t in it for the glory because they realize that glory isn’t something that can be found, rather it can only be bestowed. So they go,
Team TAPS: Virtual Fundraiser Team TAPS Virtual Fundraiser Team TAPS Virtual Fundraiser \| TAPS Join Team TAPS virtually as we mark TAPS' 27th Anniversary Whether you choose to participate in an organized virtual race - run, walk, bike, swim, dance or create your own unique challenge - let's work together to honor the lives of our fallen heroes—and support the mission of TAPS! Surviving military widows, Marie Campbell and Lori (Hunter) Musselman joined each other to participate in the 25th Marine Corps Marathon in Oc
Institute: Understanding and Applying Modern Grief Theory Understanding and Applying Modern Grief Theory Understanding and Applying Modern Grief Theory \| TAPS Institute Eastern Presented by the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing®, this webinar with Litsa Williams and Eleanor Haley, mental health professionals and co-founders of What’s Your Grief, explores the most prominent grief theories to have emerged from the fields of psychology and thanatology, beginning with Freud and working forward to the most current evidence-based models of grief.
Webinar: After an Overdose Death: Understanding Your Grief Webinar: Understanding the Grief of Addiction and Overdose Death Understanding the Grief of Addiction and Overdose Death Webinar \| TAPS Institute Eastern Presented by the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing®, this webinar with Litsa Williams and Eleanor Haley, mental health professionals and co-founders of What’s Your Grief, is designed to help bereaved people understand the dynamics of this unique kind of grief. It addresses the unique stigma and family dynamics that can come with grief after
Fundraiser: Denver TAPS Colorado Celebrity Classic Colorado Celebrity Classic \| TAPS Mountain View Flyer Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum 7711 East Academy Boulevard Denver, Colorado Join us for a memorable and fun evening featuring Frank Meyers, Anthony Smith, Wynn Varble, Brice Long and Jimmy Nichols as we honor the families of those who died for our freedoms. Dinner performances by Tony David and WildeFire and Franki Moscato. Meet TAPS Founder and President Bonnie Carroll and hear the
Resource Center: TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline and Website Live Chat Resource Center: TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline and Website Live Chat Resource Center: TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline and Website Live Chat Kyle Balduf We all remember that day—the day the world stopped for us. We remember the knock on the door, the phone call, the person on the other end fumbling for the words to explain that life had changed forever. After the initial waves of shock rolled over us, we began to thaw, so to speak, and became acquainted with the nature of g
Youth: Pathways to Success: College Education Exploration Pathways to Success: College Education Exploration Pathways to Success: College Education Exploration \| TAPS Join TAPS as we explore what’s next after high school! We welcome students and families to connect with us over three virtual sessions to explore finding the best school for you, military benefits and scholarships, and how to navigate the application process. Through these sessions you will learn how to align resources and education goals, provide talking points to schools, and help y
Working Together in Treating Suicide Loss Trauma Working Together in Treating Suicide Loss Trauma Working Together in Treating Suicide Loss Trauma \| TAPS Jennifer Keeling TAPS and Home Base Survivors dealing with grief may also be coping with trauma, so it helps to understand how this impacts healing. Trauma can be experienced from many life events like accidents, crime, disasters, war, medical emergencies, or violence. Trauma can produce emotional and physical responses as a result of exposure to extreme, unexpected, or horrifying cir
Saturday Morning Message: Positive Lessons Learned Saturday Morning Message: Positive Lessons Learned Saturday Morning Message: Positive Lessons Learned Carol Lane Good Morning, The question last week was about sharing positive lessons learned on this grief journey. Lighthouses have special meaning for me. They light the way for those encountering difficulties while traveling. We do the same when we write about our experiences in the Saturday Morning Message. Sometimes we encounter these concepts in the form of surprises. This past Sunday
National Suicide Prevention Month: TAPS Support and Resources National 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: A Win-Win Outcome Run 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
Saturday Morning Message: Thankful for TAPS Saturday 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
Strength Through Communication Strength Through Communication Strength Through Communication TAPS Keeping in Touch Members of a family don’t always live near each other. Miles may physically separate us, yet we carry the comforting knowledge that our loved ones are always close at heart. The same can be said of the TAPS family. Our homes are spread across the nation, and even across the globe. But when our grief weighs heavy, we know our TAPS family is there to provide an encouraging word, a lift of the spirit, and hope f
Online Financial Counseling Online Financial Counseling Online Financial Counseling Fran Hackett To Help Beneficiaries Plan Ahead Eligible beneficiaries in the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Program can now take advantage of two new online financial services that can help with financial planning and also provide the ability to create a will. Eligible beneficiaries include those who have received a payment from SGLI, Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), or Family SGLI (FSGLI). The Department of Veterans A
Team TAPS: Virtual Fundraiser Team TAPS Virtual Fundraiser Team TAPS Virtual Fundraiser \| TAPS Join us virtually in celebration of 20 years of raising funds and awareness for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)! TAPS provides direct support to families who have been impacted by the death of a military loved one. Whether you choose to participate in an organized virtual race, run or walk; complete 20 miles in observance of our 20th anniversary; bike, swim, dance or do your own distance, Team TAPS welcomes
Video: PREVENTS - A Whole Nation Approach to Suicide Prevention Video: PREVENTS - A Whole Nation Approach to Suicide Prevention Video: PREVENTS - A Whole Nation Approach to Suicide Prevention \| TAPS Institute Barbara Van Dahlen Carolyn Colley Join the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing® during National Suicide Prevention Week for a webinar about a new national effort to prevent suicide among Veterans and all Americans. This webinar will provide information about the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS).
Is It Ok? Is It Ok? Is It Ok? Shanette Booker Every day for about the first two years after Dre's passing, I walked on eggshells and hid behind the bushes. I never wanted to be in the limelight. I didn't want to say or do anything that would offend someone. I was his wife and as his widow, I didn't want to be inappropriate in my mannerisms, words, or actions. I felt as if people would question how much I loved my husband, if I loved him as much as I said I did, or if I still loved him. It was the harde
Webinar: Managing Conflict/Finding Meaning - Supporting Families at Life's End Partner Webinar: Managing Conflict/Finding Meaning - Supporting Families at Life's End Partner Webinar: Managing Conflict/Finding Meaning - Supporting Families at Life's End Eastern Cohosted by the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and the Hospice Foundation of America Despite the efforts of hospice professionals and clinicians, many people die after being enrolled in hospice for a very short time--sometimes just 24 to 48 hours. Yet bereavement coordinators still strive to help that per
Fundraiser: Potomac Hunt Races Potomac Hunt Races Potomac Hunt Races \| TAPS Eastern The Potomac Hunt Races offer a unique opportunity to entertain your family or host a party for your friends and/or business right here in the DMV. Held just outside D.C. in Poolesville, Maryland, the races are convenient, yet supremely unique in their offerings. In addition to running multiple races throughout the day featuring the area’s top steeplechase horses, we also offer shopping at Vendor Village, a Kid Zone and between-race entertainm
Fundraiser: Land of the Free Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic \| TAPS The Land of the Free Foundation is pleased to be partnered with the Pacific Palms Hotel and Conference Center in the City of Industry California and the Industry Hills Golf Club to play host to the annual “Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic.” Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Resort Event Information Friday, November 11, 2022 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. Breakfast, Registration and Put
Fundraiser: Land of the Free Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic 2020 \| TAPS The Land of the Free Foundation is pleased to be partnered with the Pacific Palms Hotel and Conference Center in the City of Industry California and the Industry Hills Golf Club to play host to the annual “Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic.” Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Resort Event Information Monday, November 11, 2021 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. Breakfast, Registration an
Fundraiser: Land of the Free Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic 2020 \| TAPS The Land of the Free Foundation is pleased to be partnered with the Pacific Palms Hotel and Conference Center in the City of Industry California and the Industry Hills Golf Club to play host to the annual “Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic.” Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Resort Event Information Monday, November 11, 2020 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. Breakfast, Registration an
Fundraiser: 9/11 Memorial Golf Outing 7th Annual Montgomery County 9/11 Memorial Golf Outing 7th Annual Montgomery County 9/11 Memorial Golf Outing in Gaithersburg, Maryland \| TAPS Donate in Memory of Lieutenant Darin H. Pontell To donate to this event in memory of LT Darin H. Pontell, USNR, select the Donate to TAPS button above and make sure the 'Make this is an honor or memorial gift' checkbox is selected. Event Information Friday, September 13, 2019 Laytonsville Golf Course Registration and range open at 8 a.m. Play
Fundraiser: Land of the Free Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic 2019 Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic 2019 \| TAPS The Land of the Free Foundation is pleased to be partnered with the Pacific Palms Hotel and Conference Center in the City of Industry California and the Industry Hills Golf Club to play host to the annual “Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic.” Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Resort Event Information Monday, November 11th, 2019 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. Breakfast, Registra
Fundraiser: Potomac Hunt Races Potomac Hunt Races Potomac Hunt Races \| TAPS Eastern Gates open at 10:00 a.m. \| Activites start at 12:00 p.m. \| Race course closes at 7:00 p.m. Held in the heart of Montgomery County's horse country, the Potomac Hunt Races is an annual tradition, celebrating the sport of steeplechase racing. Amidst the thrill of thundering hooves and soaring horses, race day festivities include a car display, mounted police demonstrations, The RBC Kid Zone, and Vendor Village. Enjoy the camaraderie of friend
Webinar: Grief Dreams Webinar: Grief Dreams Grief Dreams Webinar \| TAPS Institute Eastern Presented by the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing®, this webinar with grief dreams researcher, Joshua Black, PhD, discusses the common questions people have related to dreams after loss (grief dreams) and how they apply to one's grief. Featuring Joshua Black, PhD Dr. Joshua Black is a grief dreams researcher, speaker, author, and host of the Grief Dreams Podcast. He has focused all of his MA and PhD research
Institute: Photographing Grief Workshop: Photographing Grief Photographing Grief \| TAPS Institute Eastern The TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing® invites you to a unique and engaging experiential workshop about using photography as a creative outlet for coping with grief. Featuring LITSA WILLIAMS ELEANOR HALEY Litsa and Eleanor are mental health professionals with more than 20 years of experience in grief and bereavement. They are also the founders of the What’s Your Grief? website. Program Details
Fundraiser: Land of the Free Land of the Free Golf Classic 2017 Land of the Free Golf Classic 2017 Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms The Land of the Free Foundation is pleased to be partnered with the Pacific Palms and Conference Center in the City of Industry, California and the Industry Hills Golf Club to play host to the annual “Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic”. This event will be held on Friday, November 10, 2017. The Land of the Free Foundation was started to recognize the men and woman of
Video: Understanding the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program Video: Understanding the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program Video: Understanding the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program Webinar \| TAPS Institute Hunt Kerrigan Lisa Roussel Bonnie Carroll The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) is an important benefit to understand especially for military survivors. This presentation and discussion will explore the realities of long term care and family caregiving, as well as review highlights of the FLTCIP, including eligibility, the a
Gold Star Children Take on Business World Thanks to TAPS Gold Star Children Take on Business World Thanks to TAPS Gold Star Children Take on Business World Thanks to TAPS Shannon Collins With the help of a Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors initiative, 12 Gold Star children participated in a variety of life-enhancing activities April 11-15 in New York City. A New York Stock Exchange executive explains operations to two Gold Star children at the opening bell in New York City, April 12, 2018. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors prov
Audio: The Many Faces of Grief The Many Faces of Grief, A Military Widow's Journey to Hope The Many Faces of Grief, A Military Widows Journey to Hope Good Mourning Podcast TAPS founder Bonnie Carroll is interviewed by bereavement expert Darcie Sims. She discusses founding TAPS in 1994 to help all who have suffered the death of loved one serving in the Armed Forces and her own journey as a widow. She discusses discovering connections with other widows who lost their husbands in the same crash that her husband died in, and
Grief 101: Back to the Basics Grief 101: Back to the Basics Grief 101: Back to the Basics Betty Ann Rutledge The holiday season—with its inevitable reminders of the empty spaces in our families—is a good time to go back to the basics of what we know about grief. This article is found on Bereaved Families of Ontario - Toronto website, article: Grief 101: Back to the Basics By Betty Ann Rutledge: Betty Ann Rutledge is a professional volunteer manager with over 20 years of experience in the field of healthcare, death,
Watch the Gold Star Children film Trailer Watch 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
The Power of the Media and Messaging The Power of the Media and Messaging Kim Ruocco's Story of Hope - TAPS News Kim Ruocco It’s been 11 years since my husband died by suicide. It has been a journey of excruciating pain and devastating loss but it has also been a journey of immense growth and a new understanding of the world around me. Like most suicide survivors I have a burning desire to understand why this happened to my loving husband and a need prevent this from happening to another military family. My first instinct was
Sibling Loss Sibling Loss Sibling Loss Heidi Horsley In the United States today, there is a natural, assumed order to the deaths we will experience in our lives. We believe that our grandparents will die first, then our parents, then our brothers and sisters, and then our children. However, that is not how it happens for thousands of people each year, and that is not how it happened for me. When my brother Scott and cousin Matthew were just 17 years old they died together in a fiery car accident.
TAPS Military Mentors Are at the Heart of TIME101 Recognition TAPS Military Mentors Are at the Heart of TIME101 Recognition TAPS Military Mentors Are at the Heart of TIME101 Recognition TAPS The April issue of Time magazine featured the publication’s annual list of the 100 most influential people, and TAPS was proud to be included as this year’s TIME101 honoree in partnership with Gillette and Time’s award-winning branded content division Red Border. In case you missed the feature, TAPS Military Mentors were shown sharing special moments with their
Saturday Morning Message: Navigating Changes In Our Lives Saturday Morning Message: Navigating Changes In Our Lives Navigating Changes In Our Lives \| TAPS Saturday Morning Message TAPS Good Morning TAPS Family, As we enter this last weekend of April, we have begun to see the new growth taking place in the world around us. As flowers bloom, trees take their familiar green shape, and warmer weather greets us, we have an opportunity to explore new growth in ourselves as well. Change has knocked on our door in so many ways. While not all change feels h
The Challenge of Moving Beyond Our Sorrow The Challenge of Moving Beyond Our Sorrow The Challenge of Moving Beyond Our Sorrow \| TAPS Judy Tatelbaum A tolling weight on our shoulders after the death of a loved one is the sorrow that we must endure knowing that they can no longer be part of our futures. As we grieve, reminders of our lost hopes and dreams, ones that we wished to celebrate with our loved ones, can be excruciatingly painful. The Pain of Letting Our Hopes and Dreams Go Just three years younger than my brother David,
Gold Star Families: We Are the Best Versions of the Worst-Case Scenarios Gold Star Families: We Are the Best Versions of the Worst-Case Scenarios Gold Star Families: We Are the Best Versions of the Worst-Case Scenarios Emily Munoz I’ve been a nightmare at multiple points in my life. I’m pretty sure my younger brother can vouch for that. So, frankly, can Sallie Mae (I’m sorry, but I just couldn't handle those coupon books), my tax preparer (I love you, Amy!) and anyone with whom I’ve ever shared a hotel room. I think on some level we all want to live the dream.
Book Shelf: Healing a Grandparent’s Grieving Heart Book Shelf: Healing a Grandparent’s Grieving Heart Book Shelf: Healing a Grandparent’s Grieving Heart Carol Flack A grandparent's loss packs a double whammy. There is grief for your grandchild who died and grief for your child's devastating loss. But there's also the feeling that you must try to be strong for the sake of your child who is grieving. Healing a Grandparent's Grieving Heart by Alan Wolfelt is a book that addresses the special concerns of grandparents in the aftermath of their los
Healing After Suicide Healing After Suicide Healing After Suicide Carla Stumpf Patton For those of us who have lost and mourn a loved one after a suicide, we all are tragically familiar with the, almost universal, feelings associated with suicide-related grief: the if onlys, the would haves, the could haves, the should haves, and of course, the endless, echoing, and unanswerable questions of “WHY…?” In the beginning, these thoughts and feelings can feel all consuming, and we wonder how and when we will ever sur
Books for the Holidays 2014 Books for the Holidays 2014 Books for the Holidays 2014 Betsy Beard The winter holidays, with their emphasis on miracles and gifts, are difficult for those who grieve. While the hearts of others are lifted in merriment, our hearts seem to grow heavier with thoughts of our loved one and the gaping hole they left in our lives. Here are some books that can help fill the void and bring extra support at this time of year. Thoughts for the Holidays, By Doug Manning As a counselor
Introducing Bunnie Jacquay Introducing Bunnie Jacquay Introducing Bunnie Jacquay Bunnie Jacquay Welcome to my journey: a world of choice and change that constantly collides with the desire to just curl up in a ball and hide while I cry. I have met some extraordinary people along the way, and I also have been blessed to have the support and understanding from an amazing group of friends. There have been a constant few, affectionately named the Cody Comfort Club, who have been with me for every step of the journey and we
Resource Center: TAPS Casework Assistance Resource Center: TAPS Casework Assistance Resource Center: TAPS Casework Assistance Glenn Gray Help is Here When You Need It As those who have come in touch with TAPS soon learn, one of our primary missions is to provide support and guidance to our survivor families, helping to overcome the emotional hurdles of military loss and identifying solutions that allow you to focus on celebrating the life of your loved one. TAPS also recognizes that there are always points in your journey—wh
Healing Your Holiday Grief Healing Your Holiday Grief Healing Your Holiday Grief Betsy Beard 100 Practical Ideas for Blending Mourning and Celebration During the Holiday Season The winter holidays, with their emphases on miracles and gifts, are difficult for those of us grieving the death of an important family member or other loved one. While the hearts of others are lifted in celebration and merry-making, our hearts seem to grow heavier with thoughts of our loved one and the gaping hole they left in our lives. Dr
Saturday Morning Message: Meaningful Objects Saturday Morning Message: Meaningful Objects Saturday Morning Message: Meaningful Objects \| TAPS Carol Lane Good morning, This week survivors wrote about items that celebrate the love they have for their special people. Some told about items that were worn by their loved ones while others wrote about objects they bought or were given to them by those who wanted to show their care. The picture comes from Charlene, mother of Devin. I thought you would enjoy reading why the picture sh
Saturday Morning Message: Displaying Our Folded Flags Saturday Morning Message: Displaying Our Folded Flags Saturday Morning Message: Displaying Our Folded Flags \| TAPS Carol Lane Good morning, This week there were so many varied responses that I am going to keep my comments short. Misti, mother of Ashton, sent this beautiful picture that she titled “Fallen Sailor American Flag” as her response to the question. I thought it would make a wonderful opening picture. Would you like to share a question or read how other survivors respond to a top
A Legacy of Service - A Mission of Honor A Legacy of Service - A Mission of Honor A Legacy of Service - A Mission of Honor \| TAPS Mona Gunn There is no loss like that of a child whose life was cut short. My son Cherone’s death was devastating to our family. He chose to follow in his dad’s footsteps and join the U.S. Navy. Immediately following his death in the attack on the USS Cole, there was nothing but pain in our hearts. The only thing that sustained us at that time was our family and friends as well as all the memories of his
Saturday Morning Message: Online Support Saturday Morning Message: Online Support Saturday Morning Message: Online Support Carol Lane Good morning, This picture comes from the new TAPS website. When you need support, this is the place to look. Everything TAPS has to offer is listed here. Some of the listings are the helpline that is available 24/7 at 800-959-TAPS (8277), upcoming events and resources such as casework or the survivor care team. There are also a variety of programs, including the TAPS Online Community, which links yo
Growing Up TAPS: Understanding How Our Children Grieve Growing Up TAPS: Understanding How Our Children Grieve Growing Up TAPS: Understanding How Our Children Grieve Andy McNiel There is a personal nature to how each of us grieves, and that individuality extends to our children and teenagers. They uniquely grieve the death of their person based on (but not limited to) their personality type, individual preferences, how they most feel comfortable being in the world, the nature of the relationship they shared with their person before they died, and
Expedition: Aconcagua Aconcagua Expedition Aconcagua Expedition \| TAPS Join us as we climb the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas, Aconcagua. We’ll summit one of the seven summits while we honor our loved ones. Unfortunately we have reached the maximum number of participants for this expedition, and we are no longer accepting applications. However, we invite you to consider joining our Kilimanjaro Expedition or contacting adultprograms@taps.org to learn about other TAPS outdoor programs that may interest yo
National Wreaths Across America Day National Wreaths Across America Day National Wreaths Across America Day \| TAPS Lalaine Estella Thousands of volunteers will participate in National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 15, to place wreaths on veterans’ graves at more than a thousand cemeteries throughout the country, including at Arlington National Cemetery. Gina Barnhurst started participating in Wreaths Across America in 2008, two years after her son, Marine Lance Cpl. Eric Herzberg, was killed in Iraq and buri
Letters From TAPS: From Survivor Care Team Letters From TAPS: From Survivor Care Team Letters From TAPS: From Survivor Care Team Sheri Beck Dear TAPS Family, As a child, I loved summer. Summer brought the promise of days spent boating on the Mississippi River and late nights playing softball and riding bikes. I never wanted the summer to end. As I grew older, I began to look forward to the arrival of autumn with all the changes it brought. And now I welcome the season with its crisp days and cold nights, autumn leaves turning beautif
TAPS Togethers: Baltimore May 17 TAPS Togethers: Armed Forces Day with the Baltimore Orioles TAPS Military Survivor Together in Baltimore, Maryland Eastern This event is open to all TAPS survivors, both adults and children, who have experienced a military or veteran loss. Join your TAPS Family to connect and enjoy a wonderful afternoon together at the Baltimore Orioles Armed Forces Day Game. Tickets are generously provided by the Good Feet Store. ADDITIONAL DETAILS Location: Baltimore, Maryland 21201 Registration is req
Special Event: Culver Academy Culver Academy Summer Upper Camp Culver Academy Summer Upper Camp Duty, honor, service and truth — all values taught within military families. The Culver Academy Boarding School in Culver, Indiana, wants to continue to build on those values and develop the character and leadership skills of 10 TAPS teens over the next three summers. Hosted on the Maxinkuckee Lake, the Culver Academy Summer Upper Camp six-week program is open to TAPS teens between 13 ½ and 15 years old and runs from June 16 to
Fundraiser: Land of the Free Land of the Free Golf Classic 2016 Land of the Free Golf Classic 2016 Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms The Land of the Free Foundation is pleased to be partnered with the Pacific Palms and Conference Center in the City of Industry, California and the Industry Hills Golf Club to play host to the annual “Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic”. This event will be held on Friday, November 11, 2016. The Land of the Free Foundation was started to recognize the men and woman of
Yuengling Lagers for Heroes Salute Veterans and Their Families Yuengling Lagers for Heroes Salute Veterans and Their Families Yuengling Lagers for Heroes Salute Veterans and Their Families \| TAPS TAPS TAPS is proud to have the support of America's Oldest Brewery, D.G. Yuengling & Son during the month of May as together we raise a toast to honor our military heroes. Fiercely independent for nearly 190 years, Yuengling is thankful and proud of the brave and dedicated service men and women who make tremendous sacrifices and represent our country's freedom,
Get Texts From Your TAPS Family! Get Texts From Your TAPS Family! Get Texts From Your TAPS Family! TAPS TAPS is expanding our mobile messaging capabilities with an exciting new program that allows us to text care group reminders, event invitations, deadlines and more to mobile phones in the US. Want to sign up? Just text TAPS to 95577. All TAPS text messages will come from the short code 95577. Some of you may already receive personal text messages from our Survivor Care Team or other staff with whom you have a relations
Resource Center: TAPS Military Survivor Education Support Services Resource Center: TAPS Military Survivor Education Support Services Resource Center: TAPS Military Survivor Education Support Services TAPS One of the most exciting times in anyone’s life is the prospect of attending college, secondary education, or trade school. It can also be an emotional and financially difficult time, dealing with complicated student admissions processes, applying for student aid, and dealing with everything else that goes along with this effort. The reality is that colleg
Presidential Memorial Certificates Presidential Memorial Certificates Presidential Memorial Certificates Betsy Beard The Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is a gold embossed certificate signed by the current President in memory of any honorably discharged deceased veteran. This includes any service member who died while serving honorably. Its purpose is simply to honor the memory of those who have served. The certificate bears the name of the veteran along with an inscription expressing the nation's gratitude and recogni
TAPS Togethers: Houston March 5 TAPS Togethers: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Armed Forces Appreciation Day TAPS Military Survivor Togethers in Houston, Texas Central This event is open to all TAPS survivors, both adults and children, who have experienced a military or veteran loss. TAPS families are invited to gather for "Armed Forces Day," coming together for a day of connection including enjoy lunch, a Welcome Ceremony, and a full day of activities at the Houston Rodeo. This event is sponsored by the Houston Livestoc
Saturday Morning Message: Our Change of Thoughts on Mortality Saturday Morning Message: Our Change of Thoughts on Mortality Saturday Morning Message: Our Change of Thoughts on Mortality Carol Lane Good Morning, The picture this week shows the sunset over the water. Although I don't live near a lake or the ocean, I do live by a relatively large river. It's one place I like to go to think about questions like the one from this week's Saturday Morning Message about the change of ideas after the death of a loved one. In an article from the TAPS Magazine
Saturday Morning Message: Thankful for TAPS Saturday 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, but you can learn about all TAPS programs at http://www.taps.org. The picture today is from the TAPS website showing a surviv
TAPS Togethers: Alexandria February 9 TAPS Togethers: Marine Band: Mozart's 40th Symphony, Alexandria TAPS Military Survivor Together in Alexandria, Virginia Eastern This event is open to military adult and child survivors. Join your local TAPS family for an afternoon of musical talent by the Marine Chamber Orchestra featuring Mozart's 40th Symphony at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. The works of Gioachino Rossini and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were state of the art during their lifetimes. Rossini left his ma
Run and Remember: Running the MCM for TAPS Run 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
Books to Help Your Child Books 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
10 Things We Know to Be True about Suicide Loss 10 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
July Was Not Kind July Was Not Kind July Was Not Kind Linda Ambard I took a terrible fall out running at the end of July. Both arms were scraped, and my left rib cage and leg were criss-crossed with terrible scrapes. I knew the right side of my body was traumatized, but I never even recognized the unseen injuries that haunt me know. One and a half weeks after that spill, I came home from a relatively short run for me. Within an hour, I could not use my right leg. My leg buckled and locked. I couldn't get
The Dream, Revised The Dream, Revised The Dream, Revised Tabitha Bonilla A glimpse into my thoughts this past September 11th anniversary… I feel like sometimes the outside world looks at me differently. I feel the pressure of others that I should "move on" since my losses occurred ten years ago. It is different on September 11th though. On that day, people pause in their everyday life, even if it is just for a moment. They remember. On this day, I feel like the world gets it, if only just for a day. I ca
Reflections of Yesterday Reflections 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
Veterans Day Reflection Veterans Day Reflection Veterans Day Reflection Janna Schaefer Veterans Day, for many, is the celebration of our men and women in uniform. For myself and family, it is the day we lost our husband, father, son, brother and friend. SSGT Stephen M. Schaefer (USAF) was 31 when he died that morning as a result of his service in Desert Storm. This Veterans Day will mark the 20th anniversary of his death. Sometimes it is as though it were yesterday and I can recall each moment, and other times it
Saturday Morning Message: Honoring Our Loved Ones On Memorial Day Saturday 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: How Do You Relieve Stress? Saturday Morning Message: How Do You Relieve Stress? How Do You Relieve Stress? \| TAPS Saturday Morning Message TAPS Good Morning, Reflection of emotions from our grief journey, a journey we did not choose, can sometimes lead us astray and away from family, friends and the peacefulness of nature. Navigating our experiences together and seeing the beauty that surrounds us can refuel us to reach out and connect with others at TAPS. As we walk together through our grief, let us pause to see the
Saturday Morning Message: May is a Month of Remembrance Saturday Morning Message: May is a Month of Remembrance May is a Month of Remembrance \| TAPS Saturday Morning Message TAPS Good Morning, You are in our hearts as we step into May. With the whole nation around us contemplating military appreciation this month, we hold close a reverence that comes from personal sacrifice. While we don’t want others to know such sacrifice, we hope to spread awareness of how Americans can truly appreciate those who have served and given their lives to our countr
Military Mentor of the Year: Captain John Rhoten TAPS Military Mentor of the Year: Captain John Rhoten TAPS Military Mentor of the Year: Captain John Rhoten TAPS Walking Alongside the Children of America’s Fallen Heroes John Rhoten, a native of Stafford, Virginia, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2002. Since that time he has deployed to Iraq twice and Afghanistan twice. John started in the Infantry and is currently a Military Intelligence officer. He is married and has two daughters. Currently, he serves at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii with the
Book Shelf: Surviving the Holidays Without You: Navigating Grief During Special Seasons Book Shelf: Surviving the Holidays Without You: Navigating Grief During Special Seasons Book Shelf: Surviving the Holidays Without You: Navigating Grief During Special Seasons Kelly Griffith After my brother died in December 2011, I didn’t know what to do when I woke up on Christmas morning. His death was still real. I didn’t want to have Christmas without him. So, I didn’t. The second Christmas without Sam physically here, I wanted to find a way to honor his life and still feel him near me.
Letters from TAPS: Navigating Men’s Grief Letters from TAPS: Navigating Men’s Grief Letters from TAPS: Navigating Men’s Grief Gabriel Rao Dear TAPS Family, What does it feel like to hike the Appalachians' most challenging peaks? To reel in a trout while fly fishing in a remote corner of Montana's breathtaking wilderness? To share these experiences with a group of men who get it? Profound. Recent evolutions at TAPS provide a space solely for men to explore beautiful locales of our great American landscape while navigating togethe
TAPS Volunteer Recognition TAPS 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
Saturday Morning Message: Letting Others Know You Love Them Saturday Morning Message: Letting Others Know You Love Them Saturday Morning Message: Letting Others Know You Love Them Carol Lane Good Morning, This week’s question centered around letting others know that you love them while you are grieving the loss of an important person in your life. This is not easy - especially when you are early in your grief journey. When you are new to grief, it can be hard to focus on anything for more than a few minutes at a time. What do you do? For me, I ac
A Different Path A Different Path A Different Path Randy Beard Why is it that human beings, when faced with the unknowable, develop expectations of how it is going to be? I really had no idea what my journey of grief was going to be like, but that didn’t stop me from developing unfounded expectations. Of course not! The problem with those expectations is that they added extra stress to my already burdened soul. Not only did I experience the grief, but I also experienced the failure of not meeting my ri
Grief Rumination Spiral, Part 3: 5 Tips to Calm Your Anxious Mind Grief Rumination Spiral, Part 3: 5 Tips to Calm Your Anxious Mind Heather Stang, M.A., C-IAYT * TAPS Advisory Board In part two of the Grief Rumination Spiral series, Helpful vs. Harmful Thoughts, we explored the kinds of thoughts that help grief move and the kinds that tend to keep us stuck. If you've begun to notice your own patterns, you're already doing the most important part: bringing awareness to what's happening inside you. Now, let's talk about what to do with that awareness. Wor
Expedition: Washington San Juan Islands Kayaking Expedition San Juan Islands Kayaking Expedition \| TAPS All adult survivors 18 and older are invited to join TAPS on the 2019 San Juan Islands Kayaking Expedition as we find new purpose, gain radical perspective, and remember what it feels like to live with determination. TAPS Expeditions are outdoor skills-based events that require dedication, preparation and a real sense of adventure. Professional guides will lead us through some of the country’s most spectacular ec
Young Adults: Generosity of Scars TAPS Young Adults: The Heroes Journey - Generosity of Scars TAPS Young Adults: The Heroes Journey - Generosity of Scars This workshop is open to TAPS Young Adults (ages 18 to 30). Storytelling is how we heal, how we validate, how we inform, and how we connect. Our warrior storytellers use purposeful storytelling to achieve relevance in life and business. Story is how we influence! OVERVIEW The Generosity of Scars storytelling workshop brings veterans and/or military fam
Fundraiser: Land of the Free Land of the Free Golf Classic 2018 Land of the Free Golf Classic 2018 \| TAPS Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms The Land of the Free Foundation is pleased to be partnered with the Pacific Palms and Conference Center in the City of Industry, California and the Industry Hills Golf Club to play host to the annual “Land of the Free Veterans Day Golf Classic”. The Land of the Free Foundation Veterans Day Golf Classic is the main fundraising event for the Land of the Free Foundation.
Seminar: Tampa CANCELLED--Tampa Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp Tampa Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp TAPS cancels Tampa Regional Seminar due to the approach of Hurricane Irma To our families and friends, TAPS is cancelling this week’s Tampa Regional Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp scheduled for Sept. 8-11 based on the State of Emergency in Florida. We understand this is a disappointment, but our first concern is always for the safety and security of our TAPS family. We have seen recen
TAPS Togethers: Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America \| TAPS Eastern Time TAPS will join Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery to remember and honor our fallen heroes by placing wreaths on each grave and saying the name of each hero aloud. We invite all survivors to join us for this special act of remembrance. TAPS will have a table at the corner of Halsey Drive and York Drive, between Sections 59 and 60, to provide warm drinks and offer emotional care and comfort through TAPS Peer Men
teams4taps: Arizona State University TAPS and Arizona State University Salute to Service TAPS and Arizona State University TAPS is partnering with the Arizona State University Sun Devils Football Program for a unique opportunity to honor and recognize fallen service men and women. Please take a moment to read about this event honoring our fallen heroes. Arizona State University will honor the memory of our service men and women during their Salute to Service Game on Saturday, November 4, 2017. The program will pay tribute t
Fundraiser: Potomac Hunt Races Potomac Hunt Races Potomac Hunt Races Gates open at 10:00 a.m., activities start at 12:00 p.m. ~ Race course closes at 7:00 p.m. Held in the heart of Montgomery County's horse country, the Potomac Hunt Races is an annual tradition, celebrating the sport of steeplechase racing. Amidst the thrill of thundering hooves and soaring horses, race day festivities include a car display, mounted police demonstrations, a Kid's Zone, stick races and vendor row. TAPS is the charity beneficiary of this
Run with TAPS in 2019 Run 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
TAPS Honored as 2017 Top-Rated Nonprofit TAPS Honored as 2017 Top-Rated Nonprofit TAPS Honored as 2017 Top-Rated Nonprofit TAPS TAPS is pleased to announce that it has been honored with a prestigious 2017 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations. “We are excited to be named a Top-Rated 2017 Nonproft,” says Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. “We are humbled that so many of our survivors and volunteers took time to tell others how the TAPS mission has impacted
Explore Museums for Free This Summer Explore Museums for Free This Summer Explore Museums for Free This Summer TAPS Participation in Blue Star Museums is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the summer season! From Memorial Day through Labor Day each year, Blue Star Families partners with the National Endowment for the Arts to bring you free admission to more than 2,000 museums across the country. We love this program because museums are great places to learn with your families, and create lasting memories. Our friends at the A
Seminar: Suicide 2016 National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp ADULT SEMINAR The grief that follows a suicide loss is often uniquely complicated. In addition to mourning, unanswered questions and strained relationships, you may find that when you most need the support of others you actually feel most alone. But you are not alone. At the National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar, you'll be able to look around and know that. You'l
Sharing Your Story Sharing Your Story Sharing Your Story \| TAPS Rachel Hunsell I am the story I tell myself, and so are you. We are, like the books we read, a series of chapters bound together by our values, our experiences, our choices and our sense of self. When people we love die, it can feel like the pages we’d set aside for those chapters in our lives have been rewritten, but not by our own pen. It’s as if these pages were drafted without our choice, without our storytelling. But as we come together in
TAPS Advocacy in Action TAPS 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
New Poll Released from National Action Alliance on Suicide Prevention New Poll Released from National Action Alliance on Suicide Prevention New Poll Released from National Action Alliance on Suicide Prevention \| TAPS TAPS Earlier today, as part of National Suicide Prevention Week, the National Action Alliance on Suicide Prevention released the results of its national poll that was conducted in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Harris Poll. The poll showed that Americans overwhelmingly believe that suicide can be prevented,
Friends of TAPS: DynCorp Friends of TAPS: DynCorp Friends of TAPS: DynCorp TAPS Since 2001, DynCorp International has lost 84 teammates while supporting our nation’s foreign policy objectives. The sacrifice of these contractors is not widely known nor heralded except by their families and friends. Our nation asked their loved ones to go to war serving beside our military. Their families deserve our respect and embrace. DynCorp staff wear red shirts on Friday to show support for the Armed Forces. In recognition of
Summer Reading List for Kids Summer Reading List for Kids Summer Reading List for Kids Jonathan Kirkendall I was lucky enough to have a mom that loved to read to us as we grew up, so it’s no surprise that when I began as a group leader at Good Grief Camps, I turned to books to help the kids talk about their own grief. Over the years, I come back to many of the same books over and over again. My strong suggestion is that you read them first before reading them out loud to your kids – some of them are very moving! The F
Team TAPS Participates in Windy25 Memorial 5K Team TAPS Participates in Windy25 Memorial 5K Team TAPS Participates in Windy25 Memorial 5K TAPS Our TAPS family extends our sincere condolences to the families whose loved ones died or were injured in the tragic shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. TAPS is actively helping the families of the victims. Our assistance and support will be unwavering. The TAPS Run and Remember Team participated in the 4th Annual Windy25 Memorial 5K on Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Windy25 Memorial 5K is ded
A Father's Reflection from the UK A Father's Reflection from the UK A Father's Reflection from the UK Sandy Elliot Private Kevin Elliott, 3rd Battalion, The Black Watch, Royal Regiment of Scotland. That's how the Army knew my son; it's not how I knew him. My son Kevin joined the army in 2002. He served in Northern Ireland and Iraq, and finally in Afghanistan where he died on 31st August 2009. He was 24 years old. Kevin was due to leave the army in March 2009. He had passed his medical and was ready for civvy (civilian)
Our Marine Corps Birthday Tradition Our Marine Corps Birthday Tradition Our Marine Corps Birthday Tradition Bob Bagosy On November 09, 2008, I drove from Atlanta, GA to Camp Lejeune, NC to pick up my son, Tommy. We were making the long drive to Philadelphia, PA to attend the Marine Corps Birthday at a small corner bar in the heart of South Philadelphia. The bar, Cookies Tavern, was founded by a Marine who served in Vietnam in 1968. The bar is very, very small. It is similar to one found in a lot of eastern cities and is no bigg
TAPS Issues Tips for the Public Seeking to Express Sympathy or Support for the Families of Those Who Died in the Navy Yard TAPS Issues Tips for the Public Seeking to Express Sympathy or Support for the Families of Those Who Died in the Navy Yard TAPS Issues Tips for the Public Seeking to Express Sympathy or Support for the Families of Those Who Died in the Navy Yard TAPS The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), issues the following statement: We are saddened by the loss of life and injuries in a shooting incident at the U.S. Navy Yard in Washington D.C. yesterday. TAPS stands ready to assist families
Bereavement Counseling Bereavement Counseling Bereavement Counseling TAPS Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Centers When America experienced the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, TAPS was there in the Pentagon Family Assistance Center providing comfort and support for all those who lost loved ones on that fateful day. Hundreds of TAPS Peer Mentors volunteered their time over the course of six weeks, traveling to Washington, DC for a week, living in the Center's headquarters hotel, and offering comfort to th
Education Support Services Education Support Services Education Support Services Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann My dad, Sergeant First Class Jeffrey Haycock, died while training to deploy in 2002 when I was only ten years old. Education was extremely important to him; he actually made me learn all fifty states and their capitals before I started kindergarten. Pursuing a higher education was not optional; his kids would go to college. When he died, attaining his dreams for us seemed uncertain. I always knew, though, that I wo
Enough Enough Enough Michele Hiester Marcum I had the privilege of spending New Year’s Day with my third-grade scouts, shivering at our local state park. What was intended to be a lesson on conservation and environmental responsibility for them turned out to be yet another life lesson for me. Nothing like a chilly 20 degree day and my own words to clear the holiday fog from my brain. Before I explain all that, I need to tell you a little about where I am in my own journey. For many reasons, this ha
The Importance of Hope The Importance of Hope The Importance of Hope Alan Wolfelt Excerpted from The Mourner’s Book of Hope: 30 Days of Inspiration “Today… I open my heart’s hand to allow the touch of hope.” ~ Julia Cameron Someone you love has died. In your heart you have come to know your deepest pain. Your grief has brought challenges that seem beyond your own capacity to survive. Grief creates chaos, and your soul cries out. You naturally experience a sense of helplessness and, at times, you feel the d
Alcohol is Not the Answer Alcohol is Not the Answer Alcohol is Not the Answer Margaret Gerner We are frequently cautioned about the dangers of mixing alcohol and drugs. We are frequently cautioned about the dangers of mixing alcohol and driving. We are seldom cautioned about the danger of mixing alcohol with grief. The shrieking pain of early grief tempts the bereaved to escape in any way they can—to shut out the terrible reality of their loss, even for a short time. Usually they are not eating properly or sleep
The Honorable Celestial Discharge The Honorable Celestial Discharge The Honorable Celestial Discharge Colleen Betlach New terminology to bring comfort and hope As the holiday season approaches and our thoughts turn to holiday music, miracles, lights, and angelic hosts, I am reminded of a Thanksgiving night that I experienced many years ago while working at a VA Medical Center (VAMC). It was then that I first heard of an Honorable Celestial Discharge. I began my work at a VAMC shortly after my own Honorable Medical Dischar
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
Let the Volunteer Journey Begin Let the Volunteer Journey Begin Let the Volunteer Journey Begin \| TAPS Clynton Trewyn Editor’s note: Clynton Trewyn, who has served as a TAPS military mentor, recently started a blog. He decided to make his first post about something close to his heart. This blog entry, which first appeared on his site, Volunteer Ripple, has been adapted for use on the TAPS website. I’ve been blessed enough to travel the country volunteering with TAPS over the last four years. By caring for survivors griev
Saturday Morning Message: TAPS Seminar Enjoyment Saturday 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
Video: TAPS Mission Impact Video: TAPS Mission Impact Video: TAPS Mission Impact TAPS Media Over 75,000 surviving military family members are part of the TAPS family. They are fully supported 24/7 with compassionate care by a professional staff trained in best practices and offering resources for hope and healing. Thanks to the support of our donors in 2017, TAPS achieved amazing milestones throughout the year in providing comfort to the TAPS family. We hope you'll watch our Mission Impact video and know that we apprec
Saturday Morning Message: What In Nature Reminds You Most Of Your Loved One? Saturday Morning Message: What In Nature Reminds You Most Of Your Loved One? What In Nature Reminds You Most Of Your Loved One? \| TAPS Saturday Morning Message TAPS Good Morning, Whether you lend a hand to a neighbor, volunteer at your favorite organization or give back to TAPS, we honor your service to others. We also acknowledge that taking care of ourselves, first and foremost, is important, if we are to be at our best when serving and supporting others. And, we recognize that having the
Saturday Morning Message: Women Who Have Had Positive Impacts On Our Grief Journey Saturday Morning Message: Women Who Have Had Positive Impacts On Our Grief Journey Women Who Have Had Positive Impacts On Our Grief Journey \| TAPS Saturday Morning Message TAPS Good Morning, As we welcome in the fresh spring air around the country, we are reminded nature is blooming all around us. Our winter slumber is now behind us allowing for new beginnings and acknowledging the busyness spring and summer has to offer. So this may be a good time to pause and reflect on ways to reduce stre
6 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Widow 6 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Widow 6 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Widow August Cabrera Beginning the widow walk is a struggle, but there are some basic truths that would have helped me navigate those first few months with maybe a bit more grace and certainly more confidence. Here’s what I’ve learned since then, in hopes of making the start of your grief journey a tiny bit easier. 1. You can’t screw this up. People will judge, you’ll be looked at strangely, and the worst part is that t
8 Ways to Cope After a Suicide Loss 8 Ways to Cope After a Suicide Loss 8 Ways to Cope After a Suicide Loss Carla Stumpf Patton Coping with suicide loss can feel devastating. In its aftermath, it can bring overwhelming, mixed emotions and questions about how and why this happened. More importantly, we wonder how we are going to survive with what feels like an insurmountable level of pain and loss. But, we can and do survive, and there are fellow survivors who offer us hope that our hearts can heal. A group of military survivors
Grasping the Magnitude of the Sacrifice Grasping the Magnitude of the Sacrifice Grasping the Magnitude of the Sacrifice \| TAPS Angel Munoz My name is Angel Munoz. I am a veteran of the United States Army, and this is my family's story. Along with having the distinct honor of calling myself a veteran, I can also call myself a proud sister of three brothers who also served in the military, and they all served in this war with Iraq. The youngest of the brothers both served in Iraq as Marines and the oldest of the boys, Army Spc. Rober
Sharing Your Story: Healing Through The Media Sharing Your Story: Healing Through The Media Sharing Your Story: Healing Through The Media Kelly Griffith When three Marines came to my door the morning of Dec. 14, 2011, I had never felt so alone even though I was immediately surrounded by people. Then came the phone calls and inquiries for interviews from journalists. It was jarring. I wanted to hide away somewhere, but the world wanted to watch me grieve. A journalist by trade, I was used to questions - from the other side of the notep
TAPS Joins Letter to Candidates on Honoring Families of the Fallen TAPS Joins Letter to Candidates on Honoring Families of the Fallen TAPS Joins Letter to Candidates on Honoring Families of the Fallen TAPS (Updated August 2, 2016) To the military and veterans communities, nothing is more sacred or honored than the families of those who are grieving the death of their fallen military hero, a member of our armed forces who has died while serving their country. More than a hundred years ago, the President of the United States wrote reverently to a grieving m
Saturday Morning Message: Making Friends at a TAPS Event Saturday Morning Message: Making Friends at a TAPS Event Saturday Morning Message: Making Friends at a TAPS Event Carol Lane Good Morning, Coming to a TAPS event alone can make us wonder how "we will fit in, how we will be treated, and what the event will be like". That was the question last week and many have written to say they will be waiting for this week's answers. Some who answered this question talked about attending a TAPS event and others addressed going out socially after the loss.
The Hike to Healing The Hike to Healing The Hike to Healing Gavin Bradshaw Cory J. Smith. The man that would unknowingly send me to Alaska to be surrounded by the love and support of others on the grief journey like me. I have been a part of the TAPS family for many years, but never have I shared a bond like this with another group of adult children. We traveled to the "Last Frontier," not knowing quite what to expect and maybe for a few, like myself, questioning what exactly we were hoping to get out of this
Healing Through Writing Healing Through Writing Healing Through Writing Artis Henderson When my husband CW2 Miles Henderson was killed in Iraq in November 2006, I felt like I had lost everything. Miles was my best friend, my teammate, the reason I got up every morning. Without him, I couldn't imagine a future. Or any future I wanted to be part of. After months of a grief so blinding I could barely function, I realized with great sadness that my life was still going, even without Miles. I started to understand that
Saturday Morning Message: Memorial Day Activities Saturday Morning Message: Memorial Day Activities Saturday Morning Message: Memorial Day Activities Carol Lane Good Morning, This past week, I attended the 23rd Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp in the D.C. area. TAPS Seminars are a time of reflection and connection as we talk with other survivors who walk this journey with us. It is great to meet others in person who have been a part of the Online Community throughout the year. TAPS has given its website a
Team TAPS: Carry the Load Carry the Load with Team TAPS Carry the Load with Team TAPS Join your TAPS family during this very moving and inspiring memorial month as we honor our heroes nationwide during Carry the Load. COVID Protocol Statement In an effort to comply with local COVID-19 guidelines, please insure you register and indicate where you will be physically participating so Carry the Load can manage participation numbers throughout the Memorial May events, and adhere to all CDC guidelines and protocols.
Self-Funded Travel: New England Cruise TAPS New England Cruise TAPS New England Cruise Military Survivors All survivors are invited to join us on our TAPS New England Cruise. Set sail with your TAPS family this August. This self-funded cruise will be a chance to relax, heal and creating lasting friendships with fellow survivors. IMPORTANT: Registering by May 8 reserves your cabin at the discounted price. After May 8, please contact the TAPS travel consultant, Tamra Sipes, at 360-914-0800 or tamra.sipes@taps.org for price and ca
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International 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
Write On: How Sharing Your Story with TAPS Can Bring Healing to You and Fellow Survivors Write On: How Sharing Your Story with TAPS Can Bring Healing to You and Fellow Survivors Write On: How Sharing Your Story with TAPS Can Bring Healing to You and Fellow Survivors \| TAPS TAPS "[Storytelling] is, in and of itself, a coping skill we can use to heal our hearts." ~ Rachel Hunsell, surviving sister of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal J. Kyle Price, and TAPS Program Manager, Outdoor Engagement Losing a loved one requires facing a full spectrum of emotions, some familiar, some o
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International 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
TAPS Friendsgiving TAPS Friendsgiving TAPS Friendsgiving TAPS As we move further into Fall, we begin ushering in the holiday season and are reminded of the importance of family and community. This Fall, we are creating local, one day events across the country where survivors can connect and acknowledge the bittersweet nature of the holidays and the range of emotions that can come along with them. We call this TAPS Friendsgiving. Together, we will tell the stories of those who left empty seats at the table, and
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International 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
Three Ways to Boost Memories of Loved Ones This Holiday Season Three Ways to Boost Memories of Loved Ones This Holiday Season Three Ways to Boost Memories of Loved Ones This Holiday Season \| TAPS Allison Gilbert We know holidays can be challenging for individuals who’ve lost loved ones, but they also offer opportunities for keeping memories alive. Below are three of my favorite ways to honor and celebrate the family and friends we never want to forget. Use Social Media If you can’t be with your family for the holidays, share memories of your love
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day \| TAPS Carla Stumpf Patton International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, also known as ISOSLD or Survivor Day, is on Saturday, November 21, 2020, 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. According to The American Foundation for Suicide Pre
Finding Peace, One Piece at a Time Finding 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
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International 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
Sesame Street’s Resources for Grieving Military Families Sesame Street’s Resources for Grieving Military Families Sesame Street’s Resources for Grieving Military Families \| TAPS TAPS This year, Elmo, Big Bird and the rest of Sesame Street are celebrating 50 years of bringing quality educational programming to households everywhere. Since the show first aired in 1969, its mission is to help kids—including military surviving kids—everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder. Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization that produces Sesame Street,
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International 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
Keeping up with Your Benefits Keeping up with Your Benefits Keeping up with Your Benefits \| TAPS Kathy Moakler Sometimes it can be confusing to keep up with all the changes to survivor benefits. TAPS is here to keep you informed of new changes and to assist you with previous benefits. Here is an update on what’s new. New FEDVIP program for Dental and Vision Care Do you use the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program? This program will end on December 31, 2018 and be replaced by the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day International 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
Moments Captured Forever: Behind the Lens for TAPS Moments Captured Forever: Behind the Lens for TAPS Moments Captured Forever: Behind the Lens for TAPS Paige Williams Lenzy Ruffin has been a volunteer with TAPS since the 2016 National Military Survivor Seminar. He took amazing photos during the weekend event to capture the meaning and connection of the TAPS family. Since then, he also covered the Army Ten-Miler in October for Team TAPS. Before becoming a professional photographer, Lenzy served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. TAPS is so gra
New Policy Affects Surviving Children with Special Needs New 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
Letters from TAPS: TAPS Seminars Letters from TAPS: TAPS Seminars Letters from TAPS: TAPS Seminars Emily Munoz Dear TAPS Family, When this issue reaches your hands, the holiday season will be upon us. While the rest of the world opens up with holiday spirit, those of us who are not at home in a world of celebration may be tempted to close ourselves off, shield ourselves somehow. Worn down by the powerful, insistent tug of how much is missing, we can feel out of place. We wonder if continuity of tradition will bring us
Letters from TAPS: From the Volunteer Coordinator Letters from TAPS: From the Volunteer Coordinator Letters from TAPS: From the Volunteer Coordinator Jerome Tennille Dear TAPS Family, Nearly twenty-eight years ago in 1985, the General Assembly of the United Nations designated December 5 of every year as International Volunteer Day. It is an annual celebration of all that is achieved by volunteers around the world. As we observe that special day and enter the season of winter holidays, with their emphasis on light and warmth and giving, I
The Poems of Sascha Wagner The Poems of Sascha Wagner The Poems of Sascha Wagner Betsy Beard This holiday season, if you are looking for a gift to give to yourself and perhaps to others who grieve, I would like to recommend The Poems of Sascha Wagner. It’s a volume of poetry sold exclusively by The Compassionate Friends (TCF). TCF was started in England almost forty-five years ago and has grown to become an international self-help organization offering friendship, understanding, and hope to families that have experienc
Running with the TAPS Family Running 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
Agency Over Agent Orange Agency Over Agent Orange Agency Over Agent Orange \| TAPS Claire Henline “Hey ‘CG’ Can I get you anything?” It was the question my dad always asked me when I was really sick. The kind of sick he could tell just by the look of me — a crumpled up little lump of ginger lethargy on the couch with my woobie — was not just the ‘7 to 2 get out of school flu’ I sometimes came down with. It came in a tone of deep sincerity and earnest determination to fix it however best he could. His hea
October is Emotional Wellness Month October is Emotional Wellness Month October is Emotional Wellness Month \| TAPS TAPS This article was first published on the TAPS website on October 1, 2021 and has been updated with additional resources. As members of the TAPS family, we either know (or are learning) that even in the midst of heartache, we can find moments of comfort and connection. It doesn’t always come naturally - it isn’t easy to balance the needs of grieving and living. Yet, when we’re navigating major life transition
TAPS Care Groups: Finding Safety in Numbers TAPS Care Groups: Finding Safety in Numbers TAPS Care Groups: Finding Safety in Numbers Zaneta Gileno Sadness and grief are normal responses to loss. For many, especially those who suffer the unexpected or traumatic loss of a loved one, post traumatic stress compounds the grief response, making it even more difficult for surviving loved ones to integrate the loss into their lives. The need to be understood and to connect with others who understand is a key to finding hope and healing. TAPS
Children’s Books for the Summer Children’s Books for the Summer Children’s Books for the Summer Cheryl Kreutter By and large, the books reviewed here describe how empathy (an emotion) prompts compassion (an action). Each will appeal in different ways to different readers at different times. Characters are identifiable and real, and illustrations appropriately support the story, theme or concept. Most importantly, these are books that invite readers to discuss their own thoughts and feelings about loss as well as consider wa
Finding Hope Amid Devastating Loss: A Military Widow Who Lost her Marine to Suicide Shares Her Story Finding Hope Amid Devastating Loss: A Military Widow Who Lost her Marine to Suicide Shares Her Story Finding Hope Amid Devastating Loss: A Military Widow Who Lost her Marine to Suicide Shares Her Story Kim Ruocco My name is Kim Ruocco and I am the widow of United States Marine Major John Ruocco, who died by suicide at age 40 in 2005. John was an incredible husband, son, father to our two boys, and Marine. He was dedicated and passionate in everything he did. John joined the Marines in 198
Boxes in the Attic Boxes in the Attic Boxes in the Attic Betsy Beard Sorting, keeping, giving, and storing our loved ones’ personal effects Many of us have been faced with multiple shipments of personal effects from various corners of the world. Others of us are denied any access to the items that might help us feel more connected to our loved ones. Wherever we find ourselves on the scale of ownership of personal effects, the pain is immeasurable and long-lasting. I turned my head slightly as I drove, che
Stop, Look, Listen Stop, Look, Listen Stop, Look, Listen Darcie Sims When was the last time you did nothing? Do you ever just sit anymore? Do you ever just lie on your back in new mown grass and watch the clouds dance by? Do you ever chase after butterflies, trying to give them a message to carry? Or dangle your toes in a pond or watch kids dash through a sprinkler? Do you ever sit on a porch or patio and smell the grass, the flowers, the air? Do you even have a porch or patio and do you know what sitting
Military Children and Grief Military Children and Grief Military Children and Grief Betsy Beard Judith Mathewson Tina Saari and Heather Campagna After the flag is folded, and after the last echoing notes of Taps have sounded on the bugle, the overwhelming grief of losing a parent in military service comes to rest squarely on shoulders too small, too fragile, too young, and too inexperienced to bear the burden alone. Tucked away from the public spotlight, the grief following a military death continues for months and ye
Healing Is In Session Healing Is In Session Healing Is In Session \| TAPS Emily Munoz I’ve had a song in my head since last November. It’s an old Van Morrison song that stays for a week or so, then floats away — until it comes back again some days later, always nudging me with the same line, “…and the healing has begun.” It just will not let me go. Usually, when I have a prolonged earworm like that, there’s a reason — or at least a trigger. Sometimes it’s a musical phrase (there was a commercial for a ski resort
The Legacy Lives On The Legacy Lives On The Legacy Lives On \| TAPS Kristi Stolzenberg Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann is in her element walking the halls of Congress. The echoes of advocacy, the rushed click clack of heels on the marble floors, and the hush that sweeps the room as a committee hearing comes to order - she answers it all with a steady hand. For Ashlynne, these are the sounds of progress for military and veteran survivors - progress she personally knows is necessary, progress that became her why years ag
Saturday Morning Message: Month of the Military Caregiver Saturday 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
Grief and Sleep Grief and Sleep Grief and Sleep \| TAPS Heather Stang 7 Tips to Cope with Insomnia After Loss Coping with grief isn’t easy. In addition to the emotional toll, there are a myriad of physical side effects. Sleeplessness is perhaps one of the most frustrating symptoms – when you are sleepy and can’t sleep it just adds insult to injury. While insomnia is considered a common grief reaction, sleeplessness should not be ignored, but tended to mindfully. When we don’t get enough sleep it impacts
You are Warmly Welcome to Join Us on Memorial Day Weekend 2019 You are Warmly Welcome to Join Us on Memorial Day Weekend 2019 Join us on Memorial Day Weekend 2019 \| TAPS TAPS Just as the stars brighten the night, our TAPS family brings light into the darkness of grief. At the 25th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp, we’ll focus on the light of the love we have shared and continue to share. We’ll look more deeply into our own processes, reflect on our strengths, learn how we can give and accept support, and contemplate how
Grief Grappling: Fighting for a New Normal Grief 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
Children’s Bereavement and Emotional Wellness, Part 2 Children’s Bereavement and Emotional Wellness, Part 2 Children’s Bereavement and Emotional Wellness, Part 2 Andrea Hug As grieving parents, we are concerned about the care and support we are able to offer our grieving children. How can we help children bounce back when they have experienced a profound loss or trauma? How do we offer good bereavement support for children? How do we help others to help our children? Consider the following topics in light of your child’s loss. Go through the bul
Grief Causing Physical Pain? Turns Out, That’s Pretty Normal. Grief Causing Physical Pain? Turns Out, That’s Pretty Normal. Kathleen Ferraro In the weeks after my father died, I was numb. And then one day, about two months later, bam. My neck muscles were so tight I couldn’t turn my head, my stomach churned in ways unrelated to hunger, my jaw was clenched shut, and my limbs were heavy with exhaustion. The physical effects of grief had finally caught up with me. Over the next few years, these physical health issues came in waves — sometimes a heada