The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) directly supports all grieving the death of an active duty servicemember or veteran, regardless of the survivor’s phase in their grief journey.

TAPS’ team of experts, staff, compassionate volunteers, and peer-support network stand ready 24/7 to embrace bereaved families, friends, and battle buddies and connect them with immediate and lifelong tangible resources and emotional care. This includes casework and education assistance, community-based connections, in-person events, a thriving online community, and the National Military Survivor Helpline, (800) 959-TAPS (8277), which is answered by a knowledgeable, caring survivor care team member anytime, day or night.

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TAPS was founded in the wake of a military tragedy following a 1992 C-12 crash in Alaska that took the lives of eight soldiers. Among the grieving family members was Bonnie Carroll, the widow of Brig. Gen. Tom Carroll, USA. After realizing that no support network was in place for the families of the fallen, Bonnie spent two years researching best practices while navigating her own grief alongside fellow survivors.

In 1994, TAPS officially opened its doors to military and veteran survivors. Today, Bonnie and the TAPS team have supported over 100,000 military and veteran survivors as they grieve, heal, and honor the life of their loved one.

Each day, an average of 26 new survivors connect with TAPS in search of support, resources, and community, such as:

• Programs. TAPS offers a wide variety of programming, seminars, online groups, and workshops. Learn more at TAPS.org/programs.
• Advocacy. Efforts are dedicated to empowering survivors to use their voices to spark change while working closely with government leaders and lawmakers to advance policy and legislation that impacts life after unspeakable tragedy. Visit TAPS.org/advocacy.
• TAPS Magazine: This quarterly publication, mailed to members/survivors, is a comprehensive resources for grieving families. Visit TAPS.org/magazine.
• Facebook group. In this group, a survivor can share and receive support from other survivors, staff, and professionals. Learn more at Facebook.com/tapsorg.