About TAPS

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS) was founded in the wake of a military tragedy -- the deaths of eight soldiers aboard an Army National Guard aircraft in November 1992. In the months and years following the loss of their loved ones, the survivors turned to various grief support organizations for comfort; but when they turned to each other for comfort and to share common fears and problems, they found strength and truly began to heal. They realized that the tragedy they shared, losing a loved one in the line of military duty, was far different from other types of losses. They shared pride in their spouses' service to America, and tremendous sadness at the ultimate sacrifice their loved ones made.

The mission of TAPS is to provide a safe, loving environment which honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by caring for their loved ones. TAPS administers a variety of free emotional support programs for families, but the need for expanded services is tremendous.

Funds raised through this charitable golf scramble will enable TAPS to meet its mission of caring for the loved ones of our brave Soldiers, Marines, Airman and Sailors, both on active duty and in the National Guard and Reserves.  With the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, TAPS receives requests for help from a dozen new families a day, many with children under the age of 8 who are struggling to deal not only with the death of a significant adult in their life, a big brother/sister or a parent, but also with the compounded loss of their military life.

TAPS gives surviving families a solid foundation on which to build a healthy future following a tragic loss. The average American doesn’t understand the immense sacrifices that military families make for America. Being a military family requires special people and dedication. When a parent in that family dies, the spouse and children deserve the very best care possible. These surviving loved ones learn coping skills and will begin to understand that the feelings they are experiencing are normal reactions to an abnormal event – the untimely death of a spouse or son or parent.

Thank you for your support. We are grateful you have honored us by helping us care for our surviving military families, the living legacy of war.