Webinar: TAPS Policy and Legislative Update

Candace Wheeler

Candace Wheeler is Director of TAPS Government and Legislative Affairs. Candace Wheeler first joined TAPS in 2018 as the Senior Advisor for Policy and Legislation. As a staunch military-family advocate with over 30 years of experience, Candace works to protect the rights and earned benefits of surviving families. Her advocacy on behalf of TAPS and military survivors on Capitol Hill has directly impacted legislation and survivor benefits, including the passage of the historic Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022; the elimination of the Survivor Benefit Plan — Dependency and Indemnity offset or “Widow’s Tax.” Prior to joining TAPS, Candace was the Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing at the American Logistics Association, and she previously served as the Government Relations Deputy Director for the National Military Family Association. She holds a Master of Political Management from George Washington University, a B.A. in international relations from the University of Southern California, and an executive certificate in nonprofit management from Georgetown University.

Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann

Ashlynne is Deputy Director, TAPS Government and Legislative Affairs. Ashlynne is the surviving daughter of U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Jeffrey Haycock, who died in the line of duty in 2002, and U.S. Air Force veteran Nichole Haycock, who died by suicide in 2011. In addition to her role at TAPS, Ashlynne serves on the Department of Veterans Affairs' Advisory Committee on Education. She graduated from American University with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2013, and she was one of the first recipients of the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Fry Scholarship.