History of TAPS
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1994 by Bonnie Carroll. After her husband, Brigadier General Tom Carroll, died in an Army plane crash, Bonnie was left feeling lost and alone. She started TAPS to provide comfort, care, and support to others who had also lost a loved one serving in the military.
Impact of TAPS
Since its inception, TAPS has provided comfort and support to more than 100,000 surviving family members, loved ones, and caregivers of fallen military heroes. The organization has grown significantly over the years and now offers a wide range of programs and services to those who have lost a loved one in military service.
TAPS Mission
The mission of TAPS is to provide compassionate care, support, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. The organization offers peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, casework assistance, and connections to community-based care. TAPS also hosts a variety of programs and events to help survivors build peer connections, honor their loved ones, and cope with their grief.
TAPS Programs
TAPS offers a variety of programs and services to support survivors of military loss, including:
- National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp: This program brings together surviving families from all over the country for a weekend of healing, hope, and support. Children and teens attend the Good Grief Camp, where they participate in age-appropriate activities to help them cope with their grief.
- TAPS Peer Mentor Program: Survivors can connect with a trained TAPS peer mentor who has also experienced the loss of a military loved one. These mentors provide emotional support, guidance, and resources to those who are grieving.
- TAPS Casework Assistance: Survivors can receive personalized assistance with benefits, entitlements, and claims related to the death of their loved one.
TAPS in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to many military families who have lost a loved one in service. TAPS has a presence in Wisconsin and provides support and resources to surviving families in the state including a roundup of local events. Survivors can connect with TAPS through their website or by calling their toll-free helpline (800-959-TAPS (8277). TAPS also hosts five National Relay Routes to support survivors including a route that goes through Wisconsin this month.
TAPS has been a lifeline for many surviving military families since its founding in 1994. The organization provides essential emotional support, resources, and programs to help survivors cope with their grief and honor their loved ones. For those in Wisconsin who have lost a military loved one, TAPS is there to provide comfort and care in their time of need.
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