TAPS families honored at Pentagon event

Photo By James Varhegyi | Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter welcomed participants of the 21st Annual Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) National; Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors to the Pentagon, Washington, May 22, 2015, for an evening of activities with representatives from all branches of the military. Lt. Gen. James M. "Mike" Holmes, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements, hosted the Air Force portion in Airman's Hall. Representative from the Air Force Research Lab were on hand to demonstrates various scientific principles. An F-22 pilot was on hand to help make and fly paper airplanes, as well as help the guests try on some flight equipment. The TAPS Good Grief Camp for children and teens provides a safe and supportive atmosphere to learn coping skills, establish and identify support systems, and create awareness that they are not alone in their grief. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jim Varhegyi)  

PENTAGON, DC, UNITED STATES

05.22.2015

Story by Senior Airman Hailey Haux 

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs     

WASHINGTON –The Secretary of Defense hosted a family night for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors families at the Pentagon, May 22, as part of the Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors.

The Secretary of Defense hosted a family night for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors families at the Pentagon, May 22, as part of the Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors.

TAPS offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in the armed forces. With music, games and gear for children to try on, TAPS is in its 21st year and always held over Memorial Day weekend.

“What you and your families have given and sacrificed for our country is something no one in this building will ever forget, no one in this country will ever forget and no one in the world should ever forget,” said Secretary of Defense Ash Carter. “This, tonight, is to celebrate you, to welcome you home, to make you feel at home [and] to let you have fun, kids especially. [We’ve] got lots of cool stuff to do, a lot of fun for you to have, and a very nice way for you to know how much everyone around this country loves you and your family. You'll always be in our hearts.”

During the event, more than 200 children and adults were able to meet other families in similar situations.

“It’s good to be around people who have the same stories because they know what you’re about,” said Bree Sullivan, TAPS member. “It’s nice to be around our military family and other survivors because it allows us to grieve without being embarrassed. I love seeing my kids having fun and running around.”

There were booths from each service for TAPS families to walk around to, one being the Air Force booth which had robots and other fun experiments from the Air Force Research Lab and a paper airplane folding and flying contest.

“I liked the Air Force because they have jets,” said Chase Sullivan, son of Bree Sullivan. “I want to be a pilot someday.”

• Date Taken: 05.22.2015
• Date Posted: 05.27.2015 14:45
• Story ID: 164698
• Location: PENTAGON, DC, US