Surviving Families of Suicide in the Military Speak to DoD Task Force on Suicide Prevention

Families left behind following the suicide of a loved one while serving in the military were invited to speak before the new Department of Defense Task Force on Prevention of Suicide in the Armed Forces on Thursday, October 8, 2009 in San Diego.

The families, who are in San Diego to attend a four-day seminar for TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, were asked to share their personal stories as part of a series of Task Force meetings designed to help the Department of Defense better understand the underlying issues surrounding suicide, including the ultimate impact on survivors.

As survivors, the families reflected on the factors that led to their loved ones suicide, to identify any indicators they may have observed, and to share information uncovered through researching their own incidents in the hope that their experiences may help others.

Of the family members attending the four-day TAPS seminar and Good Grief Camp on Friday and Saturday in San Diego, more than 350 had lost loved ones to suicide while serving in the military. While TAPS has offered workshops and other programs for such families, this was the first time the organization has offered a seminar designed specifically for suicide surviving families.

The October 8 meeting was the first West Coast field hearing held by the Task Force, which was formed in August, 2009, through Congressional mandate and conducted its initial hearing on October 1st in the Washington, DC area. The Task Force is co-chaired by U.S. Army Major General Philip Volpe and Ms. Bonnie Carroll, founder and chairman of TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

This story about their comments and the task force, was created by the Pentagon Channel. It aired on October 20, 2009 on "Around the Services."

TAPS offers support services and compassionate care for any one grieving the death of someone who served in the Armed Forces. More information is available at www.taps.org.

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• soldiers
• ptsd
• mental health
• stigma