TAPS Families Find Hope and Healing at Colorado Dude Ranch Retreat

Those who have lost a loved one in the military gather to honor their fallen heroes,
learn from each other and find support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Sept. 20, 2017

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will host the families of America’s fallen military heroes at a retreat in Raymer, Colo., Sept. 24-29. The six-day event, to be held at Colorado Cattle Company, will be filled with challenging new activities and will offer attendees the opportunity to honor their loved one, connect with peers during shared experiences and provide them with tools to cope with their grief.

“The TAPS Dude Ranch Retreat is a chance to be out under the stars and close to nature, which is always therapeutic. It will provide opportunities for grieving family members to participate in activities that encourage connection and help them find comfort and support,” said TAPS Founder and President Bonnie Carroll. “This retreat is a place for families to push their boundaries and overcome challenges while interacting with others who have experienced the loss of a military loved one. Through the activities and quite moments of reflection, we support each other so no one has to walk the road alone.”

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 70,000 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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INTERVIEW                
OPPORTUNITIES:    Monday, Sept. 25 through Thursday, Sep. 28 at Colorado Cattle Company,
                              70008 CR 132, New Raymer, Colo. 80742 -- Interview surviving family members
                              as they make new memories, remember their loved ones and connect with each
                              other as they participate in the daily work of the ranch. Observe TAPS families as  
                              they learn to ride and care for horses, try their hand at roping and participate in
                              a cattle drive.
                           

AVAILABLE
FOR INTERVIEW: Rachel Hunsell, TAPS Retreat Staff, and surviving sister of Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
                          Jonathan Kyle Price, who died Jan. 13, 2006, in Iraq.
                          Surviving family members participating in the retreat.

MEDIA RSVP REQUESTED:
Please email Christine Fuentes at christine.fuentes@taps.org or call 540-905-8448 to attend any part of the retreat or arrange interviews with TAPS staff or survivors.