What is the Tragedy Assistance Program?

The Tragedy Assistance Program (TAPs) has assisted the survivors of the fallen since 1994. Its main mission is to help those grieving the loss of a service member via programming, advocating, and support.

TAP understands that grief doesn’t happen on a 9 to 5 schedule. That’s why it operates a 24/7 toll-free helpline for those in need of support. Its programs and services include training sessions on trauma and grief, suicide prevention, and education benefits.

TAPs is here to support you through your loss regardless of the cause of death. It pushes for improvements at those federal agencies that service military families, such as the Department of Education, Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Defense. The program is also geared toward writing legislation to support the families of fallen service members and veterans.

When service members suffer exposure to toxic chemicals in the line of duty, it can have long-term effects for them and their families. When a service member dies as a result of an exposure, it can be devastating. Fortunately, TAPs succeeded in its effort to pass the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxic Act. The bill will allow service members exposed to toxins in the line of duty to have lifetime veteran health care benefits.

TAPS has been working to get a mental health bill passed to assist military personnel. The Expanding the Access to Mental Health Services Act will help get counseling to the families of veteran suicide victims.

In some ways, the internet has brought us closer together. TAPs now offers only seminars so that you can log on from anywhere, build community, and work through your grief.

Building networks is vital not just in work but also in grief. Mentors are those who have lost loved ones at least 18 months prior to joining this program. They have volunteered to assist you in any way they can as you process your loss.

Processing the pain of your loss is healthy. But sometimes fun and laughter are great medicines. TAPs connects families with professional sports programs to keep everyone active and involved in recreation with other survivors.

No one wants to experience loss. However, if tragedy strikes, TAPs has great resources to utilize. When you lose loved ones who have served in the U.S. military, know that there are resources available to help you through your grief.

Read more about how one Marine veteran is advocating for holistic healing. Here’s how a milspouse has turned her grief into action.