Contributions for 2024

Adapted from Alton Brown, Good Eats, surviving spouse shares her loved one's favorite pancake recipe.

A poem on the resilience of the human spirit as one navigates the labyrinth of grief.

Video discussion on ways to honor past relationships while embracing present experiences, relationships, and holiday traditions.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend a Honor and Remember event with TAPS Togethers at the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky.

A surviving father shares about the time, trust, and the right setting for men to open up fully open our grief boxes and leave them open.

Video discussion on coping with grief during the holidays, including taking care of yourself, managing difficult emotions, and managing expectations of others.

Event Photos: TAPS surviving families learn to grieve as a family with new tools for the path ahead at Morgan’s Place in San Antonio, Texas.

Event Photos: TAPS surviving family in partnership with LiUna attend a Washington Wizards game for a meet and greet with Anthony Gill.

Through programs like the Snowball Express and TAPS Good Grief Camps, surviving military children find connection and sometimes much more.

Nostalgia is part of what makes the holiday season so special, but it can also make it a difficult time for the bereaved. Embrace your vulnerability this season.

Event Photos: TAPS families meet together across the country for a TAPS Togethers Friendsgiving.

Grief, the holidays, and vulnerability naturally go together because when someone in our lives dies, the holidays can heighten our feelings of vulnerability.

Gifts of love and support received from family and friends decorated a surviving mother's Christmas Tree and helped in her journey toward healing.

Bonnie Carroll, founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), was honored with the President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game.

There’s an empty chair in our house and I am not sure what to do with it. It’s been empty a long time.

Volume 30, Issue 4

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Green Bay Packers Salute to Service game.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is on Saturday, November 23, 2024 and is intended to be a day of healing throughout the world.

Video discussion on childhood grief. Get tools and resources to support children and teens following a death.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the New York Jets Salute to Service game.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Pittsburgh Steelers Salute to Service game.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the New England Patriots Salute to Service game.

Event Photos: Survivors come together in fellowship in Destin, Florida.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend a special Gillette event with the New England Patriots.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Tennessee Titans Salute to Service practice and game.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Detroit Lions Salute to Service practice.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Golden State Warriors NBA Hoops for Troops Game in San Francisco, California with teams4taps.

Event Photos: Surviving families attend the NBA Referee Engagement with the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, California.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the San Antonio Spurs Veterans Day game.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the Washington Commanders game with teams4taps in Washington, D.C.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Detroit Pistons Basketball Game.

Event Photos: Surviving families attend the Kansas City Chiefs game in Kansas City.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Boots and Bolts Program with the Los Angeles Chargers and teams4taps.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the Washington Commanders Practice with teams4taps in Washington, D.C.

Event Photos: Surviving families attend the Dallas Cowboys Salute to Service practice with Boeing in Dallas, Texas.

Event Photos: Surviving families attend the NBA Referee Experience at the Chicago Bulls in Chicago, Illinois.

Event Photos: Golfers and supporters join together at Birdies Fore Warriors Golf Tournament with TAPS and Events DC.

An Air Force Veteran and surviving sister captures her final goodbye to her brother in poetry.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Dallas Mavericks Basketball Game in Dallas, Texas with teams4taps.

Video discussion on exploring how Military Mentors serve as a remedy against challenging circumstances through connection with children of military loss.

Event Photos: Surviving families attend the NBA Referee Experience at the Denver Nuggets in Denver, Colorado.

Event Photos: Survivors visit Mammoth Cave with the National Park Trust and TAPS Togethers in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky.

A joyous time of year may include added stress and complicated emotions for the bereaved. Here are a few reminders to carry with you throughout the season.

A story of how one town in Cherryfield, Maine carries their fallen heroes' legacies, says their names, and keeps their memories alive.

Event Photos: Surviving families attend the NHL Referee Experience with the Utah Hockey Club in Salt Lake City.

Video discussion on life-saving advancements in the military suicide prevention and services to help cope with trauma, emotional crisis, or thoughts of suicide.

Event Photos: TAPS surviving families learn to grieve as a family with new tools for the path ahead in Portola, California.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Baltimore Ravens Seats for Service.

Event Photos: Team TAPS runs the 49th Annual Marine Corps Marathon

This is part five of a six-part article series to serve as a reminder that crazy is normal when grieving. It is adapted from Dr. Wolfelt's new book.

Event Photos: Surviving families and teams4taps deliver the game ball before the Washington Spirit Game in Washington, D.C.

Event Photos: TAPS adult sibling survivors enjoy a time of fellowship, adventure, and a culinary experience with Operation Barbecue Relief (OBR)

Event Photos: TAPS families experience the powerful connection between horses and humans to teach, learn, grow, and heal at Paradise Stables.

Event Photos: Surviving families attend a Davidsonville College Football Practice and Game in Davidson, North Carolina.

Video discussion on practical tools and strategies to grow your capacity for resilience and stay buoyant during challenging times.

Event Photos: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) hosts the KVG TAPS Topgolf Event with golf4taps.

To our TAPS Family enduring the added stress of natural disasters in an already stressful time, our hearts are with you. You are not alone.

Our vision looking forward at the start of our grief journey can seem blurry and near-sighted. A father takes a look back at his post-traumatic growth.

Event Photos: Surviving families attend the Green Bay Packers Special Experience in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Event Photos: Survivors come together in fellowship in San Antonio, Texas.

Event Photos: Surviving families attend the NFL United Kingdom Experience in London.

Event Photos: TAPS Families participate in the 2024 TAPS and Ford Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo at Grey Wolf Ranch, Horseshoe Bay, Texas.

For those of us who have lost a loved one, every day is Memorial Day because not a day goes by when we aren’t remembering the one we lost.

Surviving families from all over the country joined TAPS on Capitol Hill to advocate for survivor benefits the last week in September.

Video discussion from those who have experienced a loss by suicide for coping with the mental, emotional, and spiritual strain of grief.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend Remembrance Day at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.

Event Photos: Surviving spouse advocate to end the remarriage penalty and increase the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) at Capitol Hill.

A look at a few grieving styles and what might be common reactions to loss at different developmental ages.

Event Photos: 2nd Annual TAPS Advocacy Week Congressional Reception with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

Video discussion for survivors of suicide loss, learn how to participate in three separate research initiatives for the purpose of suicide prevention.

Event Photos: teams4taps and the Atlanta Falcons host surviving families for the Hero of the Game in Atlanta, Georgia.

TAPS Education Support Services is available to support surviving family members of all ages as they pursue their educational goals.

Event Photos: teams4taps and surviving families attend the Washington Nationals Salute to Service game in Washington, D.C.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the Baylor University Military Appreciation Game in Waco, Texas.

Event Photos: Fundraiser with world-class entertainment by Jay Silence Band and Billy Bower. TAPS Legacy Award was presented to Pete Coors.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Boston Red Sox Baseball Game with teams4taps.

Event Photos: TAPS Families meet up on National Day of Service and Remembrance to beautify National Cemeteries across the United States.

TAPS families participated in the Ford Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo event hosted by Ford Motor Company and Blue Star Families.

Grief, joy, hope, and the love and support felt from others have guided a surviving mother's steps toward healing since her son's death.

Event Photos: TAPS families relax, heal and create lasting friendships with fellow survivors on a cruise to Alaska from Seattle.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend Survivor Appreciation Day and the Honor & Remember Ceremony at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Angel City Football Club Game with teams4taps in Los Angeles, California.

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

A surviving fiancée decides to fight through her painful recovery and make her loved one's life worth living in this incredible story towards healing.

U.S. Air Force Veteran's poetic tribute of this special man and the influence he had on his life.

Volume 30, Issue 3

Event Photos: TAPS International staff host the Republic of Korea Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Event Photos: Survivors come together in fellowship in Buffalo, New York.

This September, join the 30-Mile Challenge for TAPS. This is our chance to rally the TAPS community and spread the word about TAPS while getting outdoors.

A surviving family hosts a kickball tournament to spread suicide awareness following their own loss.

Surviving men find connections as they grapple with the question of what to leave behind at Camp Operation BBQ Relief and what to take home.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the New York Yankees Baseball Game with teams4taps.

Video discussion on ways to support children and teens as they return to school, including adjusting expectations and communicating with the school.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Washington Capitals - TAPS Summer Skate Party with teams4taps.

Event Photos: Team TAPS attend the Na Koa Wounded Warrior Canoe Regatta in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the Jacksonville Jaguars Training Camp in Jacksonville, Florida.

A surviving mother of suicide loss turns her pain into advocacy for mental health and suicide awareness, living every day to honor her son's life.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the New England Patriots Training Camp.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Minnesota Vikings Training Camp.

Event Photos: Survivors share the wildernesses of the earth and alongside fellow survivors in New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia .

A surviving spouse speaks about her life, her loss, and her purpose that is relatable and forces one to confront the things we carry along with our grief.

Video discussion on how to create an environment of openness, support, and love to build rapport and connection with our kids.

How a surviving sister's Eagle Scout project honors the names of heroes and brings surviving families in her community together.

In partnership with our supporters, TAPS connects survivors like you to incredible opportunities to grow, heal, and honor fallen heroes.

Surviving spouse and daughters share their experience participating in the challenging off-road course in borrowed Ford vehicles.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the San Francisco 49ers Training Camp.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the Washington Commanders Training Camp with teams4taps in Washington, D.C.

Event Photos: Survivors come together in fellowship in Phoenix, Arizona.

Event Photos: TAPS adult men survivors enjoy a time of fellowship, adventure, and a culinary experience with Operation Barbecue Relief (OBR).

Military and Legacy Mentors aren’t just at the heart of the TIME101 announcement, they always have been at the heart of Good Grief Camp.

Video discussion on reimagining the world of recreation and start to think about the ways it changes our brains and our mindsets.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Baltimore Ravens Training Camp.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the USA Men's National Basketball Showcase Game against Germany with teams4taps in London, United Kingdom.

Event Photos: TAPS adult survivors explore the wildernesses of our earth and our emotions alongside fellow survivors in Rocky Mountain National Park.

TAPS is proud to be named this year’s TIME101, in partnership with Gillette which honors an individual or group that is making an impact in their community.

Surviving father and son found healing from grief and growth in their relationship during a TAPS Men's Retreat.

Event Photos: TAPS Young Adults promote peer connection, community and personal well-being in Lincoln, Missouri.

Ryan Bass of Bally Sports interviews Chase and Dane Gilbert as they completed visiting the last 2 of the 30 Major League Baseball ballparks.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the New York Mets Baseball Game with teams4taps.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the USA Men's National Basketball Game against Canada with teams4taps in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pets not only provide companionship, but have positive physical and psychological impacts on our healing from grief.

Listen to TAPS Statement on issues of importance to the surviving family members of all ages, representing all services, and with losses from all causes.

Video discussion on overcoming physical, mental and emotional barriers that prevent getting outside and spending time healing in nature.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the USA Basketball Practice with teams4taps in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Event Photos: Fundraiser with world-class entertainment by The Castellows, Brett Jones, Jimmy Nichols, Frank Myers and Ed Montana.

Event Photos: TAPS surviving women build connections and foster accountability at West Creek Ranch in Emigrant, Montana.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Kansas City Royals Baseball Game with teams4taps.

Event Photos: teams4taps and surviving families attend the Washington Nationals Salute to Service game in Washington, D.C.

This is part four of a six-part article series to serve as a reminder that crazy is normal when grieving. It is adapted from Dr. Wolfelt's new book.

The nation watched as the Gilbert family visited their last ballparks in June. Read more about their incredible journey.

Telling our stories of love and loss helps us survive the pain of grief and begin to heal in a way that integrates our losses into our lives.

Event Photos: TAPS surviving children meet with experts in the areas of higher education in Washington D.C.

Video discussion on best approaches to repurpose and redistribute your loved one's possessions in a meaningful way to cherish the memories.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the St. Louis Cardinals Ticket Program with teams4taps.

It is important to balance technology use with activities that are proven to have a positive effect on children’s overall health and well-being.

Listen to TAPS Statement regarding Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for high school students, graduates & claims processing delays.

Volume 30, Issue 2

Event Photos: TAPS adult survivors learn new ways to look at some of the world's most inspiring landscapes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.

Event Photos: TAPS Families participate in the 2024 Ford Proud to Honor: Bronco - Off-Roadeo in Horseshoe Bay, Texas.

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.

Event Photos, May 24 - 27, 2024

TAPS Family Photos taken during the National Military Survivor Seminar May 2023.

Event Photos: TAPS partners with MLB players from Loan Depot Park and Tropicana Field to provide the MLB Experience to a TAPS Family.

Event Photos: Surviving women explore the wilderness and work on a service project to be a part of their loved ones’ legacy in Eagle, Alaska.

Event Photos: teams4taps and TAPS families meet the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team.

Event Photos: TAPS families meet Coach Quinn and the Washington Commanders with teams4taps in Washington, D.C.

TAPS was honored to spend Memorial Day weekend with so many of you at the 30th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend and TAPS supporters participate in the Armed Forces Cycling Classic.

A surviving daughter recalls her memorable running adventures with her Dad as she raises awareness for TAPS and honors his memory.

Video discussion on choices we have regarding our thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes in the midst of grief.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend a Memorial Day event with the Atlanta Braves.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend a Memorial Day event with the New York Mets.

Event Photos: TAPS Families are part of the Baltimore Orioles Memorial Day Game at Camden Yards.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the Washington Nationals Salute to Service game with teams4taps in Washington, D.C.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Pittsburgh Pirates Memorial Day Weekend Game.

TAPS Youth Programs can support you and your children through grief with age-appropriate activities and plenty of opportunities to grow as a family.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the Baltimore Ravens Flags with the Flock.

Event Photos: TAPS Families meet with meet with Jon Gray of the Texas Rangers.

Event Photos: TAPS Families are part of the Baltimore Orioles Armed Forces Day.

When we support each other and share in the moments and milestones after loss, we understand that together, we heal.

Event Photos: TAPS Families meet with the Los Angeles Angels during Military Appreciation Night.

Video discussion on tips on practical ways for all of us to explore, grow through, and move beyond the trauma that comes with the loss.

Event Photos: TAPS Families meet to honor their heroes nationwide during Carry the Load throughout the month of May.

A surviving father shares his two different approaches to take when moments in life trigger an emotional grief reminder.

TAPS honors 30 years of a community that comes together to uplift, empower, and honor the memory of our fallen heroes.

Garrett was the first attendee at a TAPS Good Grief Camp, now sharing memories of his dad with pride, not pain, thanks in large part to TAPS.

Video discussion on how we increase our own resilience and help children gain resilience.

TAPS is a proud partner of Carry the Load which honors the sacrifice of military service members and first responders who died in the line of duty.

This Memorial Day and every day, we honor the fallen heroes who served and died protecting our freedoms. Read a surviving father's tribute.

TAPS is proud to announce that we have been named the TIME101, in partnership with Gillette. Tune in to the TIME100 Gala on May 12.

Event Photos: Surviving family of U.S. Army Sergeant Zachary Ewing, announce the Vikings first round draft pick in Detroit, Michigan.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the Washington Nationals Salute to Service game with teams4taps in Washington, D.C.

Meet two surviving mothers in the TAPS Family. These mothers share the heartbreaking goal of ensuring the world remembers their sons.

Video discussion on creating personalized, creative, and meaningful rituals to honor our special loved one.

Listen to TAPS Statement on issues of importance to the surviving family members of all ages, representing all services, and with losses from all causes.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the Charlotte Hornets Trainer Experience in Charlotte, North Carolina.

This is part three of a six-part article series to serve as a reminder that crazy is normal when grieving. It is adapted from Dr. Wolfelt's new book.

Event Photos: TAPS Families attend the 144th White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington, D.C.

Understand the roles of learning and self-discovery in your healing and learn the many new opportunities to connect with fellow survivors this year at TAPS.

Event Photos: Kansas City Royals host surviving families at Kauffman Stadium.

On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we honor the military who served in the Vietnam War, many of whom didn't receive a proper welcome home.

Video discussion on how stress impacts our physical and mental health and ideas for managing stress while grieving.

After loss, our brains struggle to make sense of where we are and where we’re going. We must learn again where we need to go and create a new path.

Volume 30, Issue 1

TAPS is proud to award Deputy Director, Government and Legislative Affairs Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann with the Senator Ted Stevens Leadership Award.

This year's recipient, Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann, was honored honored for her tireless dedication to advancing legislation impacting military survivors.

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

This year's recipient, Sergeant First Class Nicole McMinamin, U.S. Army, was honored for her positive influence & lasting connection with surviving children.

We are so proud to have spent the past three decades standing shoulder to shoulder with the families of America's Fallen Heroes.

Listen to military survivors who have grown up with TAPS by their side as children. They are the next generation of TAPS.

The 2023 TAPS Impact Report is a tribute to the enduring spirit of our community in supporting one another on this journey of healing and remembrance.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the Boston Celtics Referee Experience in Boston, Massachusetts.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the Wrexham Experience in Wrexham, Wales.

Event Photos: VA Secretary Denis McDonough and the VA Under Secretary for Benefits, Josh Jacobs visit TAPS Headquarters

Listen to testimony on the importance of passing legislation to allow surviving spouses to retain their benefits following remarriage before age 55.

Event Photos: TAPS Testimony by Rebecca Harrison Mullaney before the Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs

Event Photos: TAPS families attend a training event with the New York Mets.

Event Photos: 2024 TAPS Togethers

Honoring the lives of our fallen loved ones is an important part of the TAPS mission. Get inspiration and share your story honoring your loved one.

Event Photos: TAPS escorts families on the Scotland Experience with the Glasgow Rangers.

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

A surviving sister continues her brother's legacy of service as she honors him through her "Flag Boxes for Fallen Heroes" Eagle Scout project.

Event Photos: TAPS fundraiser held in Jupiter, Florida by hosts Tom and Sharon Chisholm

Video discussion on the use of psychedelics to alleviate mental health issues relevant to the needs of the veteran community.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the Caps for Charity at Topgolf National Harbor with players from the Washington Capitals.

Surviving father and TAPS Peer Mentor shares his journey in healing from loss and the positive experience of fly fishing at a TAPS Outdoors retreat.

Video discussion on how we can honor our love for those who have died and embrace the changes their death has brought to our lives.

Event Photos: TAPS families attend the Charlotte Hornets basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Event Photos: The National Football League hosted TAPS Families at NFL Practice/Skills showdown, Disney World, and the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games.

February newsletter includes part 2 of Dr. Wolfelt's "You’re Not Crazy — You’re Grieving" series, Learn more about your emotions in grief.

Listen to testimony on passing legislation to allow surviving spouses to retain their benefits following remarriage and fix educational compensation issues.

Event Photos: Families with stars4taps visit the office of the CBS Morning Show via Paramount Video Network.

Event Photos: TAPS survivors climb the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas, Aconcagua.

Video discussion on the gain/loss framework and suggestions on using this framework to conceptualize death and dying-related experiences.

Event Photos: TAPS families at the NHL Referee Experience with the Nashville Predators in Nashville, Tennessee.

U.S. Air Force Veteran shares the incredible story of a World War II veteran, and one of the many Marines who took part in the invasion of Iwo Jima.

Watch this webinar video discussion on modeling healthy grief while companioning children of military loss, providing patterns for future growth and healing.

Event Photos: TAPS families meet with Josh Richardson and the Miami Heat in Miami, Florida.

Surviving battle buddy shares how grief impacts every part of our life, that grief is a natural, powerful human emotion purely driven by love.

No matter where you are on your journey with grief as we begin a new year, we hope the stories in this newsletter fills your heart with the hope of healing.

Military survivors share how they actively honor and remember their loved ones, through writing, hiking, scholarship, and running.