Contributions for 2021

Your TAPS Policy Team testified before Congress on five separate occasions and submitted statements for the record on important survivor issues.

Based on Dana Canedy’s bestselling memoir, A Journal for Jordan follows the true story of U.S. Army First Sergeant Charles Monroe King, Canedy’s fiancée.

Surviving widow and yoga enthusiast Rayanne Hunter shares how yoga gave her that extra boost of strength to get through everything.

A surviving mom shares a personal project and the healing that came from making the scarf, from doing the work.

Get tips to counter society’s harmful misconceptions about grief and mourning. Take good care of yourself and know that you are loved.

Surviving mom shares a cookie recipe her son particularly loved and called “gingerbread cookies.”

Learn ways to your navigate grief while also supporting your children’s need to experience all that the holidays can be for them.

Here are three of Allison Gilbert's favorite ways to honor and celebrate the family and friends we never want to forget.

The North American way of facing the holidays in grief is to grope and cope, but you can change the goal; by applying these ideas.

Handling conversations during the holidays is essential to remain conscientious of those grieving the loss of a loved one and being sensitive to their needs.

This video with Dr. Alan Wolfelt provides some practical counsel to assist you in maintaining mental health wellness during the holidays.

No simple guidelines will take away the hurt you are feeling. We hope the suggestions will help you better cope with your grief during this time of the year.

Volume 27, Issue 4

TAPS is a family, and this holiday season, when there is so much emphasis on families coming together, we can take comfort in knowing we are not alone in our grief.

Holidays can be a difficult time coping with the loss of a loved one. Your TAPS family is here with comfort and care, you are not alone.

Thanksgiving can be a challenging time for those who have an empty seat at their table. Your TAPS Family is here for you and you are not alone.

teams4taps and the PGA TOUR Superstore joined forces to create events for survivors to honor their military loved ones through their favorite sport — golf!

TAPS Youth share how TAPS has helped them heal and honor their loved one's legacy through relationships formed with Legacy and Military Mentors.

Several, easy-to-learn meditative techniques can help us weed out our mind chatter so that we can create space for our new harvest.

The TAPS seminar gave me hope. TAPS helped me understand. Most importantly, it helped me accept my grief.

Event Photos: TAPS supporters join together in supporting the families of our fallen military members.

Event Photos: TAPS hosted a reception at the headquarters for special guests attending the TAPS Honor Guard Gala.

At the Gala, we remember the love of our fallen heroes, celebrate their lives and share the stories of the journey we have with our TAPS family.

Video recording discussion on empowering grieving persons in drawing boundaries for their grief journey and choosing tools and interventions for healing.

Families of the fallen share why their loved ones served in the military. TAPS helps survivors heal in their grief journey.

The TAPS Suicide Postvention Department is proud to present this new guidebook. Think of this as a roadmap to help navigate the path of grief due to suicide.

Dignity Memorial® has designed recommendations to help us build our resilience and take care of ourselves while we grieve.

This guide was written by survivors, for survivors, and will give you a roadmap to guide you on your journey of grief. You are not alone.

As we forward our mission to care for the families of America’s fallen heroes, TAPS is honored to be supported by the Department of Defense.

Throughout more than a decade of dedicated service, survivor Kim Ruocco has inspirationally reduced the silence and stigma surrounding suicide.

TAPS was founded 27 years ago! In commemoration, we share 27 ways in which TAPS provides help, hope, and healing to the families of America's fallen heroes.

A surviving mom shares what a TAPS Expedition is like and how it changed her life for the better too.

A surviving military daughter reflects on the freedoms her father fought for in Afghanistan and how those values and hopes still endure today.

I might as well understand that I’m in a match where grief is my opponent for life. But my life can still be happy, hopeful and full of love.

Video recording discussion on how to find meaningful ways to celebrate the holidays and honor your grief while still protecting your feelings.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is on Saturday, November 20, 2021 and is intended to be a day of healing throughout the world.

November is a month to share gratitude, that may feel hard to do when we are grieving. At TAPS, we are grateful to count you as part of our family.

Now more important than ever, TAPS is supporting Gold Star Families who are reeling from the chaos in Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover.

Surviving father and TAPS Peer Mentor shares his experience with depression and his positive experience from the military in getting help.

Crafting, volunteering, and making donations are just a few of the many things we can do to honor our loved ones and forward their memories.

Video recording discussion on various acupressure points. Experience the effects of sound through a remote sound healing demonstration.

In this wilderness of your grief, the touchstones are your trail markers. They are the signs that let you know you are on the right path.

Learning to see ourselves in positive ways can help us begin to heal no matter what our capabilities. Our bodies are worthy of compassion and care.

Video recording on the dynamics and effects of faith and spirituality on the grieving process, even when the loss challenges one's beliefs.

Event Photos, Adult and Youth Survivors come together in fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Volume 27, Issue 3

Fall is a time to reflect on how we can practice awareness, understanding, and acknowledgment of the emotions that come with loss and change.

Surviving mom's reading of a story comparing the life cycle of dragonflies to the death of a loved one at her son's funeral continues to provide hope and healing.

Event Photos: Survivors come together both in-person and virtually in fellowship in Columbus, Ohio.

See the graphics from a commemorative book of 56 American flags flown in the 46th Presidential Inauguration and later presented to TAPS Families.

Video recording on health benefits and best practices for journaling in this hands on workshop.

Event Photos: TAPS joins Senator Warnock & Senator Hyde-Smith to Introduce Gold Star Families Remembrance Week Resolution on Capitol Hill.

Event Photos and Story of 2021 Colorado Celebrity Classic by Pam Cress

Those who lost loved ones on September 11 have become the living legacies of American service and sacrifice and forever part of the TAPS family.

Event Photos: TAPS supporters join together in supporting the families of our fallen military members.

After the loss of his father at the Pentagon on 9/11, surviving son gives back as a Legacy Mentor and Group Leader to TAPS Good Grief Camp youth.

If you’ve been forced to postpone a full ceremony after a death, read these helpful tips for planning a future ceremony and following through.

Event Photos: TAPS surviving men enjoy wilderness to refocus, honor our loved ones, and connect with other men who understand in West Creek Ranch.

Home Base and TAPS offer specialized trauma treatment combined with peer-based support to those grieving the loss of a military loved one to suicide.

Our nation has seen extreme acts of courage and service within civilian and military communities. We join in the outpouring of support.

A surviving daughter chooses to focus on hope, honoring our Fallen Heroes, and remembering that there is meaning in the losses of our loved ones.

Video recording on responding to people whose remarks feel insensitive regarding losing a loved one and how to respond without feeling angry or hurt.

Making memory boxes helps a surviving mother focus on the joy that person gave her life and can continue to give in the form of memories.

Surviving daughter and author Heather Plett shares lessons learned from a gifted palliative care nurse while caring for her mother at home.

Video recording on perspectives through different experiences. Explore how to honor the life and service our loved ones gave to our great nation.

Video recording discussion that explores and offers useful exercises and ideas to both ask for and offer support when someone is grieving.

Event Photos: Survivors come together both in-person and virtually in fellowship in Jacksonville, Florida.

With the support of TAPS, we are heading toward immense discovery to help illness loss survivors heal from the most traumatic events in our lives.

Share stories of your loved one or simply listen and find healing from other men who have experienced the loss of a loved one who has served in the military.

TAPS is grateful to the Senate and House co-sponsors who supported the resolution introducing 'Gold Star Children's Day.’

TAPS is here to celebrate, honor and support all of our nation's military surviving children - the living legacies of American service and sacrifice.

Nature can be a healer for us. Nature Heals written by Alan Wolfelt explores how to begin integrating it into your grief journey.

Video recording discussion on re-entry into the work place as a bereaved survivor and what that might look and feel like when trying to establish a routine.

Event Photos: Adult and Youth Survivors come together both in-person and virtually in fellowship in Los Angeles, California.

This Memorial May, TAPS proudly partnered once again with Carry The Load as a national, non-profit partner.

Event Photos: TAPS Survivors move beyond your comfort zone with the support of others who understand in Eagle Creek, Alaska.

Video recording discussion on the unique aspects and challenges of sibling death and discover ways to find hope living without your brother or sister.

Dignity Memorial helps newly bereaved military survivors by providing grief support materials connecting families with the TAPS Survivor Care Team.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attended the at USA Basketball Women's National Team v Australia held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Volume 27, Issue 2

Event Photos: TAPS Families attended the Women's National Basketball Association All-Star Team v USA Basketball Women's National Team in Las Vegas.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attended the Major League Baseball All-Star Game held in Denver, Colorado.

TAPS surviving families learn to grieve as a family with new tools for the path ahead in Knoxville, Maryland.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attended the Washington Nationals Salute to Service Baseball game held in Washington, D.C.

This 4th of July, we thank you for your loved one's service to this country in defense of the freedoms we celebrate today.

A surviving mother finds a sense of peace and belonging with other Gold Star Families while celebrating the 4th of July without her son.

This 4th of July holiday, we remember the statement located on the wall at the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. "Freedom is Not Free."

Returning to work after loss of a loved can be a positive experience if approached with care, knowledge and managed expectations for yourself and your employer.

Video recording discussion on the aspects of EMDR and why it is recognized as an evidence-based method of treatment for PTSD.

Gardening is much more than a hobby or fun pastime. In fact, there are many proven benefits of gardening that people enjoy.

Thirteen NFL teams, our largest amount to date worked alongside teams4taps to celebrate the lives of our Fallen Heroes in 2020.

At TAPS it's our mission to care for the loved ones of America's Fallen Heroes and we are fortunate to have the support of leaders within the military community.

Begin to understand your degree of loneliness and get tips for finding ways past your loneliness with this helpful guide from Dr. Wolfelt.

Video recording discussion on exploring rich entries into our life-stories through music, both literally and metaphorically.

Video recording discussion on the period of transition from caregiving to bereaved as well as ways to cope and support yourself through this process.

Event Photos: Team TAPS participated June 5 and 6 at the Armed Forces Cycling Classic to raise money and awareness for TAPS.

The Spotify playlist reflects the full spectrum of who we TAPS families are, what we’ve lost and what we’ve become.

"Winter, spring, summer or fall All you have to do is call. And I'll be there, yes I will. You've got a friend" - Carole King

Event Photos, May 28 - 31, 2021

Interview with surviving military father, TAPS Peer Mentor and Army Vet on how coming together with other TAPS Families helps ease the pain.

Check out our highlight reels from the 27th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar over Memorial Day Weekend.

This Memorial Day TAPS families remember those they love and those they honor.

Military Surviving spouse Lesliee Ojeda shares her experience as a survivor but also as a counselor helping others heal.

Together, we are stronger and continue to grow in our grief journey, honoring our heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy.

Video recording discussion on exploring how can we learn about grief leadership from the life and service of the iconic Marvel character, Captain America.

As we come together to honor our nation's fallen heroes, we pause to reflect on the life they led and the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Comfort and support for loss can come at unexpected times and in unexpected ways, to include from a receptionist at a dentist office.

After loss, it is still possible to thrive, learn and grow as a result of our experiences. And with TAPS, we thankfully don’t have to do either alone.

This Mother’s Day, a surviving daughter shares the important role her mom has played in shaping her young adult life both professionally and personally.

May is the Month of the Military Caregiver. During this time, we would like to pause for a moment and acknowledge your sacrifice as a caregiver.

Event Photos: TAPS survivors paddle by canoe through the Mark Twain National Forest of the southern Midwest.

When our loved ones serve, the whole family serves and the TAPS family will pause throughout May to recognize and remember.

The lives of those who we love and remember and honor are carved into our soul, imprinted on our hearts and woven into the fabric of our nation.

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and solace but I also find joy for having known heroes that selflessly chose to serve a cause greater than themselves.

Video recording discussion on exploring some techniques to help cope with special memories and explore creative ways to commemorate your loved one.

Surviving spouse shares her family's story of navigating their grief and how they found a way to reconnect to the military community after their loss.

April is National Autism Awareness Month, and TAPS recognizes the unique ways that grief might be expressed by children and adults on the autism spectrum.

As flowers bloom, trees take their familiar green shape, and warmer weather greets us, we have an opportunity to explore new growth in ourselves as well.

"Though my pain has not been easy, grief is a journey, and it has birthed pain inspired purpose, and God has given me the strength to keep going."

As we celebrate Earth Day, Arbor Day and National Park week, we invite you to explore how your life intertwines with nature and its impacts on grief.

Volume 27, Issue 1

Video recording discussion on exploring key strategies and skills when working with people confronting grief, loss, trauma, illness and tragedy in all its forms.

For some bereaved, volunteering is a valued component of the healing journey and provides physical and mental health, social and financial benefits.

Event Photos: Survivors come together in person and virtually in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

As we walk together through our grief, let us pause to see the real splendor in nature and ponder ways to serve others while honoring our loved ones.

On this Purple Up! Day, we share stories of service and sacrifice from Legacy Mentors, in their own words.

Video recording discussion on how to increase understanding, communicate needs, and support different grieving styles among your family members.

Navigating our grief journey together and seeing the beauty that surrounds us can refuel us to reach out and connect with others at TAPS.

Is there a female from TAPS or elsewhere in your life that has provided support or been an inspiration to you along your grief journey?

Washington Nationals "Families of Valor" program partners with teams4taps to bring hope and healing to TAPS families.

As survivors, we are all superheroes, facing our grief day in and day out. Find your supports and lean in on those who understand.

TAPS events provide support, hope and well being to survivors of all ages. Learn more about our upcoming seminar, virtual events and outdoor expedition.

Event Photos: 2021 TAPS Togethers

A surviving daughter writes about the afflictions from Agent Orange exposure that has impacted so many military veterans including her father.

Each step of the way our TAPS Family has been there to support us and keep us connected virtually during the pandemic.

As we begin to slowly emerge from quarantine, many of us may be experiencing a sense of renewal as we venture back into activities and routines.

Video recording discussion on common ways we can be way too hard on ourselves after a loss, along with tips about how to be kinder to ourselves.

TAPS ensures 24/7 emotional support, casework assistance, virtual connection opportunities, and ongoing access to grief and trauma resources.

Often, music can help us express our feelings much easier than through writing or talking.

Read what skills and strengths other survivors have discovered about themselves after their loss.

Spring is the season of new beginnings, and we look forward to preparing the ground, planting seeds and growing with you in the journey to blooms.

The TAPS Family is diverse and beautiful. And while we each began our journeys in different ways; our paths have converged at this loving place called TAPS.

Event Photos: Survivors come together in person and virtually in Dallas Texas.

This past year, many of us have been left dreaming of vacations. Survivors share their favorite place that they went with their loved ones.

Video recording discussion on the realities of long term care and caregiving as well as review of federal insurance eligibility and program options for families.

Hear from survivors on how they cope when feelings of grief overcome them, even after a long time has passed since the death of their loved one.

During this period of quarantine, some have found the additional time to develop new hobbies or skills or have worked hard to enhance old skills.

Video recording discussion on powerful tools for reducing the components of debilitating stress for improved health and wellness.

Many families share traditions of watching or attending sporting events together. Read about special sports memories survivors had with their loved ones.

Learn how Soft Belly Breathing and Shaking and Dancing can help us feel easier in ourselves and make us feel more comfortable connecting with others.

The TAPS Family is built on love. It is our foundation, our inspiration, our strength. Let us reflect on love - in all its forms.

Survivors share about the comfort they have received from peer mentors and how meaningful those relationships have been for them.

To give and receive love is life’s most grand adventure and deepest valley, a painful darkness and a holy sanctuary.

Video recording discussion on how mindfulness can help you navigate loss, improve your health, and cultivate compassion for your grieving heart.

When friends or loved ones gather, often there is a sharing of food and conversation. Learn some of our survivors' loved ones favorite foods.

Event Photos: Volunteers assemble resource kits for TAPS Survivors at TAPS Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.

Thumbies, dog tags, quilts, shirts and bandannas are some of their loved ones' precious items survivors find comfort in wearing.

Video recording discussion on the six myths about grief, why they are still prevalent, and how we can successfully address them.

2020 has been a challenging year for so many in so many ways. Survivors look to 2021 with a fresh perspective, full of hope and seeking joy.

Find hope in the winter wilderness with an open heart and mind. Be open to what is and what is to come both in the winter and in our grief.

As we transition into a new year, we will forge new paths together in our hearts and set foot on trails we've yet to see. Together, we will explore the wild.

As we go into the new year after 2020, perhaps this year we choose to give ourselves the grace of making space to see what our internal voice has to teach us.

We are stronger together. Don't go it alone. Find encouragement with a TAPS Peer Mentor and keep hope alive.

This has been an incredibly difficult year, but it is a year that has also given us gifts. We recognized that we are a family and we are stronger together.

TAPS President and Founder Bonnie Carroll sends a message of warmth and care to all military survivors as we begin the New Year.