1st Marine Division TAPS into survivor assistance program

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. Michael Regner, commanding general of 1st Marine Division, and his wife, Mary, present a thank you gift to Bonnie Carrol, president and founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors after Carrol gave a one-hour class on TAPS to commanders and family readiness officers of 1st Marine Division, March 4. Receiving training like this from expert volunteers at TAPS is important to 1st Marine Division and it will help commanders and FROs better understand how to best engage surviving family members. (Official Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Joseph Reney)  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

03.07.2011

Courtesy Story

1st Marine Division

By 1st Lt. Joseph Reney

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Commanders and family readiness officers from 1st Marine Division increased their knowledge and understanding of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors at the Blinder Memorial Chapel here, March 4.

The brief was arranged specifically to educate 1st Marine Division key personnel who will likely engage family members whose loved one has given the ultimate sacrifice while serving his or her country.

First Marine Division Marines and sailors know the importance in understanding how to assist grieving Marine Corps and Navy families. Embracing every program and resource available it essential to taking care of 1st Marine Division families.

Mary Regner, wife of 1st Marine Division commanding general, Maj. Gen. Michael Regner, arranged the brief through Bonnie Carroll, president and founder of TAPS. Together they want to see the program continue to grow and support the families that need assistance.

“We want to expand the relationship that the Marine Corps has endorsed us to have [with TAPS],” said Mary Regner. “It’s all a part of educating [key personnel].”

The instruction consisted of a one-hour slide show presentation, with video and lecture where Carroll passionately described the importance of supporting surviving family members. She also explained how the program works and how to help survivors heal.

“Our theme for this event is, ‘remember to love, celebrate the life and share the journey,’” said Carroll.

Receiving training like this from expert volunteers at TAPS is important to 1st Marine Division and it will help commanders and FROs better understand how to best engage surviving family members.

“You are making the difference,” said Carroll.

• Date Taken: 03.07.2011
• Date Posted: 03.07.2011 18:41
• Story ID: 66650
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US