Thread: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

http://www.taps.org/

Taps is a program set up to emotionally and spiritually aid for those who have been affected by the death an individual of service. If you have lost a friend, brother, sister, father, mother, uncle, anyone who has served in any branch of the military, recent or not, I highly recommend contacting this out fit.
On June 24th of this year I lost my brother in a murder-suicide. He made it up the high rank of Airman first-class. My sister came into contact with a consoler from this outfit not long after. They have national meetings around the country all threw out the year, funding provides a hotel room and air travel for those who need it. But besides that, this was the single greatest thing that has happened form this incident. The people of Taps offer support for everyone suffering form the loss of a service man not just those of suicide. They offer large and small scale sessions with people who will become the largest family you can imagine. There are sessions for everyone; recent lose, men, siblings, mothers, parents, healing threw art, writing, panel discussions, children, etc. Dozens of Marines volunteer their weekend and spent the entire weekend partnered up with a child to play games, play with, and be someone to talk to.
Having lost my brother to suicide rather then combat, I went into this feeling somehow I didn’t belong, that somehow it was dishonorable. The common reaction when you tell people what happened is them being speechless, holding there mouth and stepping back. Taps is the people who step forward with open arms. After the first hour there I knew going there was the right thing to do. It is an environment filled with people who are all going threw the same lose at all different points. Everyone has there own story and they all want to know every single one.
I can offer more information for those who are interested because they are truly and amazing group. Also visit the website for those seeking more information on upcoming meetings, good reading, and other information about the organization.

[img width=700 height=467]http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/8697/sismamema.jpg[/img]
My sister, grandmother, me and mother
[img width=700 height=520]http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/6231/67547643.jpg[/img]
One of my father
[img width=700 height=455]http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/5926/groupy.jpg[/img]
The San deigo showing for suicide survivors only
[img width=700 height=469]http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/347/amazingc.jpg[/img]
This was a mother and daughter who lost a son/brother. My grandmother comes down form you hotel building talking with the do, not my gm in the middle, they come down and my grandmother told me to get my sister out of bed. The mother breaks out in tears, telling me i look just like her Johnny. Said I give hugs just like him too. About the most amazing moment i think i've had to give them that chance to feel like he was right there with them.

I'm sorry to hear about your Loss Soviet. And I'm glad you went to TAPS. I first heard about TAPS when I was in a Signing Choir (Yes, I do mean Sign Language.) We went there to volentier. Though, as fate would have it, I lost my dad Feburary of the year we were planning on going. It was... An interesting situation. This was the National Convention, and I've been back there at least three times since then. It is a good place for the families that need it.