TAPS to Host Retreat for Surviving Widows and Children of America’s Fallen Military Heroes in Georgia

Event to Provide Hope and Healing, Coping Tools for Families Grieving Together

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Nov. 7, 2017

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will host its Georgia Family Retreat Nov. 10-13 at Camp Glisson in Dahlonega, Ga. At this event, the widows and children of fallen military members will come together to share their stories of love and loss, learn ways to cope with grief and find healing in sharing similar experiences as they honor their heroes.

"The TAPS Family Retreat is designed to allow families to step away from the stresses of daily life and learn coping skills that help participants grieve as a family," said TAPS President and Founder Bonnie Carroll. "While surrounded by the healing powers of nature, retreat activities encourage connection and help families find comfort and support as well as give participants the tools for the grief journey ahead.”

Children and adults alike will participate in camp activities such as rope courses, nature walks, arts and crafts, and game time. There will be both family time and separate group time for adults and children where they will learn coping and communication skills, and other ways to enrich the family unit.

INTERVIEW/VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES:

Saturday, Nov. 11

1-3 p.m.: Families will participate in activities including the Alpine Tower, Giant Swing, Zip Line and Climbing Wall.

3 p.m.: Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrad, Adjutant General, Georgia Army National Guard, will visit with families and participate in a Veterans’ Day Ceremony. He is available to speak with media following the ceremony.

Sunday, Nov. 12

2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Families will participate in activities including the Alpine Tower, Giant Swing, Zip Line and Climbing Wall.

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:  Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder
                                                                                Diana Wright and Kimberly Taylor, TAPS Retreat Staff
                                                                                Delvea and Jada Releford, surviving wife and daughter of  
                                                                                Army Sgt. Rodney Vincent Releford, of Fayetteville, N.C.
                                                                                Jin-Sun and James Jones, surviving wife and son of Army
                                                                                Master Sgt. James Jones, of Cary, N.C.
                                                                                Shannon Thorp, surviving wife of  Army Spc. Trenton
                                                                                Thorp, of Pensacola, Fla.

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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Please contact Christine Fuentes at christine.fuentes@taps.org or call 540.905.8448 to cover the TAPS Tennessee Family Retreat or to arrange an interview.