FAMILIES OF THE FALLEN BOND IN GRIEF DURING TAPS SEMINAR AT PENSACOLA NAVAL AIR STATION
Balloon Release Saturday 3:45pm at TAPS Regional Seminar & Good Grief Camp Open to Media
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 27, 2012
PENSACOLA NAVAL AIR STATION, Fla. – Coping with the death in wartime of a military spouse, parent, child, or sibling can be a lonesome and difficult journey. But the survivors of our fallen heroes don’t have to walk alone. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will hold a regional grief seminar for adults and a Good Grief Camp for children at Pensacola Naval Air Station September 28-29, 2012.
WHO: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
WHAT: Grief Seminar for Adults, Good Grief Camp for Children – offers peer-based emotional support and coping skills to help those dealing with the death of someone who served in the military. TAPS holds more than 20 of these events each year around the county to assist survivors.
WHERE: Pensacola Naval Air Station - Conference Center (camp and seminar areas for children and adults), the balloon release will be on the Parade Field at 3:45pm.
WHEN: Saturday, September 29, 2012, 3:30pm-4:00pm - balloon launch at 3:45pm on the Parade Field. Media advised to arrive early to set up. The balloons will carry messages for lost loved ones written by surviving children and adults. The balloons being used are bio-degradable.
WHY: Interviews will be available with surviving spouses, parents, siblings and other adults who have lost loved ones serving in the military. Bonnie Carroll, TAPS founder and military widow, will also be available. TAPS provides a supportive environment where families come together to share their grief journeys, meet others who have experienced a similar loss, learn about grief and trauma, and help each other cope with the changes death brings to military families.
MEDIA RSVP & CONTACT INFORMATION
No Pensacola Naval Air Station public affairs escort will be required for media attending the event on Saturday at the parade field. Media are kindly asked to RSVP to 850.452.4379. Media seeking additional information about TAPS should contact Ami Neiberger-Miller, ami@taps.org or 202.588.8277.
About TAPS
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care to anyone grieving the death of someone who served in the military. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, case work assistance, connections to community-based care and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge. Founded in 1994 out of tragedy by bereaved military families, TAPS has offered support to more than 35,000 family members, caregivers and casualty assistance officers. For more information go to www.taps.org or call toll-free 800.959.TAPS.
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