Our mission is to bring hope, stability and healing out of intense grief, and emotional and financial chaos. We provide a helping hand to guide the survivor through military channels to receive survivor benefits and arrange for a proper military burial, to receive counseling and peer support, and many other services. The work is often intense and deeply painful, but for every one of the survivors we help, whether close friend, spouse or child, it is essential. TAPS conducts its annual national military survivor seminar in Washington, D.C. every Memorial Day weekend in May. Survivors and caregivers from all over the United States, and from as far away as Germany and South Korea gather for four intensive days of seminars, peer support and specialized training, interspersed with special events such as the presidential address at Arlington National Cemetery. Of special emphasis is our Youth Gathering which provides counseling and grief management tools to children affected by the loss of a father or mother.
Children learn, play and heal in a caring environment specially tailored to their needs.
Every dollar raised goes toward assisting or providing the infrastructure to help the many survivors who call requesting our help. This is the least we can do for those whose loved ones have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. It provides funding for materials we provide to survivors giving practical advice and to promote healing. It helps us obtain the services of respected professionals experienced in dealing with the unique aspects of a military death. It provides the funding necessary to enable us to conduct our annual Youth Gathering during Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C., and much more.