My Nonprofit Reviews

My father died in Northern Iraq in October 2011 as a civilian working to build a base for the Department of State. To this day we do not know 100% how he died. My father was a dedicated Navy Officer for 20 years, a Seabee Commander in the Navy. He was dedicated to building projects and helping the military after his retirement. My father's passing has been very devastating to me and members of our family. If it wasn't for TAPS I don't know what I would do. Since my dad was retired Navy and I am over the age of 26, the VA or the military will not provide grief counseling services to our family. This has been hard since we lost our father in Iraq. Having to watch my dad come home in a coffin in the baggage claim behind the airport is forever etched in my mind. Being a part of TAPS allows me to be with other families who "get it." I've been to hospice grief groups and groups put on by churches, however, no one is in a similar circumstance to the way we lost our dad. TAPS has allowed us to connect with other families, children and loved ones who have lost their loved ones to war and in military causes no matter the circumstances. The best part is being able to go on retreats and meet other survivors who instantly "understand" what it is like to lose a loved one in Iraq, the Middle East, etc. They understand how hard days like Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and other important days are never the same. I am forever grateful that I found out about TAPS. (Thank you to the Chaplain in Maine who told me about TAPS on Facebook). I look forward to going to retreats and meeting new people from TAPS. Recently I went to a retreat at Camp Pendleton (San Diego, CA) and I met a fellow adult survivor Brendon who also lost his dad who passed away from a plane crash. I am grateful I now know someone I can call or meet up with who lives nearby to talk about the hard times. Without this organization I don't know what I would do. It's a group of people who "gets it." They understand your grief instantly when others may not be able to. I thank Bonnie and all other staff that are part of TAPS. I hope someday when my grief is not so intense, I can volunteer for TAPS. Thank you. Please support this organization. They help where the VA and other organizations are not able to help. -Erin in San Diego, CA.

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