For the families and loved ones of fallen Service members and Veterans, compassion, care and resources help provide a way forward and a path to healing.
“TAPS is there with open arms for families and loved ones.” – President and CEO of TriWest, David J. McIntyre, Jr.
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors – TAPS – is a non-profit that serves as a community for families and loved ones grieving the loss of their patriots, providing care and connecting them with vital resources. TAPS programs and workshops for survivors help them navigate survivor benefits, find counseling and youth support services, and connect with other resources.
At the TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp held during the Memorial Day weekend (May 26-29) in Washington, D.C., President and CEO of TriWest Healthcare Alliance (TriWest) David J. McIntyre, Jr., paid tribute to the fallen as he addressed their loved ones.
“We honor all of those who have sacrificed for our freedoms,” McIntyre said during opening ceremonies. “To the families of the fallen, we could not be more proud to help support the great mission of TAPS, from counseling to grief support and case workers, to a new initiative for more hands-on help to survivors.”
McIntyre also emphasized the urgency of understanding, hope, and healing for suicide survivors and support of those who have lost military family members to suicide. “TAPS is there with open arms for families and loved ones,” he noted.
He highlighted the focus of both TAPS and TriWest in suicide prevention and support for Veterans and active duty Service members.
TriWest has supported TAPS for more than 20 years as part of its commitment to military and Veteran-focused organizations, in its mission to serve those who have served, and honor military families of Veterans and Gold Star families.
Adrian Atizado, TriWest Director, Government Relations, described the TAPS seminar – like all of the organization’s events and programs held throughout the year – as a safe and supportive environment for participants.
“TAPS encourages a strong sense of family, understanding and resiliency among the participants in the environment created for the Seminar and Good Grief Camp,” Atizado explained. During the event, family participants shared meals, attended information workshops, participated in events, and connected with other surviving family members.
Since its founding in 1994, TAPS has been dedicated to providing compassion, care and resources to families and loved ones grieving the loss of active duty Service members and Veterans.
In 2022, TAPS assisted 8,849 newly bereaved loved ones on top of the 100,000 military survivors it currently serves through programs and resources for families, men, women, young adults, and youth. Last year more than 6,300 people attended TAPS training sessions on grief, trauma, and suicide postvention.