LISLE, IL (11/08/2010)(readMedia)-- Dealing with life after the death of a loved one in wartime can be a long and lonesome struggle, but the survivors don't have to grieve alone. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) held a Regional Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp in Lisle Nov. 5 to 7 to bring together survivors from throughout the Midwest.
In coordination with the Illinois National Guard Survivor Outreach Support program (SOS) and Operation Support Our Troops Illinois, TAPS provided peer-based emotional support for more than 300 survivors of servicemembers who lost their lives in a time of war.
TAPS provides a supportive environment where survivors can come together to share their stories and help each other grieve, said Bonnie Carroll, the president and founder of TAPS and an Anchorage, Ala., native.
"We wish we didn't have to know each other, but boy are we glad we do," said Carroll.
Since its formation in 1994, TAPS has helped more than 30,000 survivors of fallen military members across the country, she said.
In addition to the volunteers from the non-profit organizations, roughly 20 Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard volunteered to act as mentors to surviving children, forming bonds of trust and friendship through discussions and activities. Older children shared stories with their peers while the younger ones drew pictures and played games that honored their loved ones.
A surprise visit from a special guest was one of the highlights of the weekend.
Elmo from television's Sesame Street stopped by to bring a smile to the children's faces, and ended up lightening the spirits of the adults in attendance as well.
Giving the survivors a chance to laugh and have fun together is part of the healing process, said Bobby Gilmore the ILNG SOS coordinator and a Petersburg native.
"Today is all about the families and their grieving process," said Gilmore. "It's a celebration of the lives of the heroes that were lost."
Maj. Gen. Dennis L. Celletti, the Assistant Adjutant General for the ILNG, and Brig. Gen. Ronald Morrow, the Joint Force Headquarters Assistant Adjutant General - Army, stopped by to remind the survivors that they will forever be a part of the military family.
"We are one big family and we will never forget our fallen comrades," said Celletti.
