TAPS REACHES OUT TO SUPPORT FAMILIES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

December 21, 2010 By Troy
Posted in Charities/Contests, You Served Radio

We have had members of TAPS on YouServed Radio before. It was a serious tissue-alert show. It is a great organization where the whole focus is on truly those left behind. There are many organizations who claim they are there to support the families of the fallen, for TAPS it is all they do.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas day, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), won’t close its doors. The organization’s toll free line, 1-800-959-TAPS (8277), in continuous operation since 1994, will remain available to offer comfort and support to anyone grieving the death of someone who served in the military. [emphasis mine]

The TAPS 800 number is answered live 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. On a typical day, the organization receives 60-90 phone calls from surviving family members of our fallen military seeking support, resources, information and assistance.

Holiday blues are normal for those who are grieving. Unfortunately, those feelings of loneliness and sadness can surface to plague family long after the death of their loved one. On average, it takes 5-7 years for people to reach their “new normal” following the loss of a Service Member.

With at least ten people significantly impacted by each military death, more than 58,600 people are grieving the death of someone they love who died while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. That figure doesn’t include those who lost loved ones to stateside accidents, illnesses or suicide in the military.

Many of the people reaching out for help and support on Christmas Eve and Christmas day are parents who have experienced the death of an adult son or daughter. An estimated 11,700 adults are grieving the death of an adult child who served in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001. But the holiday blues can also impact spouses, siblings and other relatives of those who’ve died.

“The emphasis on family gatherings during the holidays can leave bereaved families feeling left out,” said Bonnie Carroll, president and founder of TAPS. “Everyone else is expecting their loved ones home for the holidays. Instead, these families welcomed home a casket, held a funeral and received a folded flag. They are painfully aware of the fact that one seat at the family table will be empty this year.”

And adults aren’t the only ones who can come down with a case of the holiday blues. Children can too. “Sometimes children will write letters to Santa Claus saying that all they want for Christmas is their dad,” said Carroll. “Children who are grieving need the support and care of family and friends during the holidays. TAPS is there for them.”...

Troy has much more on this important topic here. Please go read, and share it.