TAPS marks 25 years of service in 2019

Each Friday, please visit our blog and join us as we take a look back at stories, people and events that have shaped who we are today.  We are a family of survivors honoring our selfless heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We are grieving parents, spouses, children, siblings, grandparents, fiancées, battle buddies and loved ones. We are hope. We are strength. We are TAPS.

This year, TAPS marks 25 years of offering compassionate care to all those grieving the loss a loved one who served in our Armed Forces. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to the surviving families and loved ones.

Photo: Pablo Piedra

As we embark on the next 25 years, TAPS will continue to be the beacon in the storm for all those grieving a military loss. We will meet our survivors on their grief journey to help them find hope and healing. For some, we will be the voice on the phone when they have nowhere else to turn because no one else understands the depth of their sorrow. For others, we will be the place where their children can learn that they aren’t alone in their young grief while honoring the legacy of their hero’s service. 

TAPS has assisted more than 85,000 surviving families, casualty officers and caregivers, and  provides a variety of programs around the nation and worldwide. If you are grieving the loss of a fallen service member, or if you know someone who can use our support, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is always available toll-free with loving support and resources at 800-959-TAPS (8277).