Grief. It hits when you least expect it. Maybe it’s Father’s Day or a special holiday. Sometimes it’s just a regular Monday. No matter when grief strikes, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is here for you and your Family. This week we were fortunate to speak with Air Force Major (R) Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. Bonnie is no stranger to grief. She began the TAPS program following the tragic death of her husband in 1992. Through her experience, she saw the need for a national network for peer-based emotional services for those who have lost a Servicemember or Veteran loved one.

What Does TAPS Offer

TAPS provides expanded resources, significantly beyond what the military is meant to provide.
These include survivor seminars, physical events as well as sports events with NFL and NBA, camps that teach coping strategies, education, and mentoring. These offerings are for adults and children alike. Children, a critical part of coping of the family unit, often don’t know what to do with the grief, trauma and negative emotions that follow a sudden loss of a loved one. TAPS provides skills -based events that teaches them how to transition from military Family member to being the living legacy of a Servicemember.

TAPS also advocates for Families in congress to ensure they receive the benefits they’re entitled to, as well as new programs that can provide aid.

Last year, more than 9200 new Families reached out to take advantage of the programs that TAPS provides.

How to Connect

If you are interested in finding out more about TAPS or would like to contribute to their programs, check them out at TAPS.org or give them a call at 800-959-TAPS (8277). They have peer resources available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can also help to connect you to counseling services in your local community and provide immediate resources at no cost to you.

For More Information

Watch the full video on this week’s Your Next Mission^® video podcast episode on our website or on our YouTube channel.

Your Next Mission^® is a program initiative of the American Freedom Foundation, a non-profit
dedicated to serving our Veterans and Families. Your Next Mission^® video podcast with host
12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley features insightful conversation with subject matter experts from the
military and civilian communities. It’s a place where we can have frank and honest
conversation, tackle the tough questions, share stories, and have some fun along the way.