Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
Hotline 800-959-8277 available 24/7
A national organization that offers a broad range of support, mentoring, and other services to those grieving the loss of a loved one in the armed forces. TAPS services include a nationwide peer support network, information and resources on coping with grief and trauma, online support groups, and a quarterly magazine for casualty survivors. These services are free and no membership dues are charged.
TAPS clients also mark their calendars for Memorial Day weekend in Washington, DC, to attend the annual "National Military Survivor" seminar and "Good Grief Camp" for children and young survivors.
Offers a free e-newsletter—sign up on their website.
National Headquarters
910 17th Street, NW Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
General Info: info@taps.org
Main Telephone Number: 202-588-TAPS (8277)
Hotline: 800-959-TAPS (8277)
Military OneSource
Hotline 800-342-9647 available 24/7
General support
This free 24-hour service, provided by the Department of Defense, is available to all active duty, Guard, and Reserve members and their families. Consultants provide information and make referrals on a wide range of issues, including grief and bereavement. Services include consultation online or by telephone, with referral for up to six free face-to-face counseling sessions. You can reach the program by telephone at 1-800-342-9647 or through the Web site at http://www.militaryonesource.com.
Link “grief and loss” on the website for more resources.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Bereavement counseling (through the Readjustment Counseling Service)
1-202-273-9116 (Vet Center Bereavement line)
e-mail: vet.center@va.gov
Provides bereavement counseling (including outreach, counseling, and referral services) to family members, including parents, spouses, and children, of service members who have died in the service of their country. Counseling is provided at community-based Vet Centers near the families. Send an e-mail or call the number above for the location of your nearest center.
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
2128 Leroy Place, NW
Washington, DC 20008
1-202-265-0991
An organization of mothers whose sons or daughters have died in the line of duty or have died as a result of injuries sustained in active duty. Gold Star Mothers states its mission as "[to] stand tall and proud by honoring our children, assisting our veterans, supporting our nation, and healing with each other." Has over 150 chapters nationwide, and provides a newsletter. Minimal national membership dues. Chapters usually charge a smaller fee. Husbands and children of members of American Gold Star Mothers may join as associate members.
Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.
P.O. Box 361986
Birmingham, AL 35236
1-888-751-6350
Provides support services to men and women whose spouses died in the line of duty or from a service disability. Areas of help include legislative information services; volunteer opportunities in community, military, and VA hospitals; and online chat groups. Minimal annual membership fee; members join local chapters and receive a quarterly newsletter.
Society of Military Widows
1-800-842-3451
Provides moral support, referrals for services, and advice to widows of deceased military personnel of all ranks -- when death occurred during active duty, retirement from the military, or from a service-connected cause. Minimal annual dues.
United Warrior Survivor Foundation
P.O. Box 181097
Coronado, CA 92178
1-877-804-UWSF (8973)
Assists surviving spouses of special operations personnel killed in the line of duty since September 11, 2001. Services for spouses and children include financial assistance, financial guidance and planning support, college scholarship grants, educational counseling, professional bereavement counseling, and peer-to-peer mentorship, based on need.
