Families of America’s Fallen Military Heroes to Connect at TAPS Retreat in Chicago

Surviving spouses, fiancées and significant others who have lost a loved one in the military gather to honor their fallen heroes, find hope and support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 1, 2018

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will welcome grieving military spouses, fiancées and significant others to the TAPS Chicago Military Surviving Spouses and Surviving Significant Others Retreat happening May 2-6.

The five-day retreat combines physical activity and quiet moments of reflection to help participants as they move toward hope and healing. Throughout the event, these loved ones connect with each other through activities, and experience the support that comes from shared loss.

“The TAPS Retreat in Chicago will allow surviving spouses, fiancées and significant others to come together and participate in activities that encourage connection and help them find comfort and support,” said TAPS President and Founder Bonnie Carroll. “Grief is an extraordinarily complex and difficult journey, but no one has to travel this road alone. Surviving family members are inspired by the strength they draw from this retreat and being with others on a shared journey.”

INTERVIEW                
OPPORTUNITIES:     Friday, May 4 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, bike tour of lakefront neighborhoods
                               ending at the Navy Pier for lunch. Interviews available until 2 p.m. Opportunities
                               for interview and filming/photos are also available 2:30 to 6 p.m. at the hotel as
                               surviving family members participate in a kite building and flying activity.
                           

AVAILABLE
FOR INTERVIEW:  Kylynn Maxwell, TAPS Retreat Staff and Peer Mentor, and surviving spouse of Marine 
                           Corps Reserve Cpl. Nathan Robert Maxwell.

                           Kellie Hazlett, TAPS Peer Mentor Program and Online Care Program Manager, of
                           Lakemoor, Ill., and surviving spouse of Marine Corps Capt. Mark Nickles.
                           Yasin Wade, surviving spouse of Navy Lt. Daniel Wade, of Norfolk, Va.
                         

MEDIA RSVP REQUESTED:
Please email Rita Barry-Corke at rita@taps.org or call (800) 959-8722 (TAPS) to attend any part of the retreat or arrange interviews with TAPS staff or participants.

ABOUT TAPS
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes and has offered support to more than 75,000 surviving family members of our fallen military and their caregivers since 1994. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, case work assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups 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. For more information go to www.taps.org or call the toll-free TAPS resource and information helpline at 1.800.959.TAPS (8277).

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