WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Kit Bond was presented with an award for his efforts to help military families at last night’s Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Gala, where he pledged to continue to fight for our troops and their families.

 

            “Americans who put on our uniform and fight for us back home should be confident that their military and civilian leadership supports them in their mission – with the right policy, the right equipment and the right strategy for victory,” said Bond.  “They should feel secure in the knowledge that their families are being cared for, and will continue to be cared for even if the unthinkable happens.”

 

            The TAPS gala was held in honor of the families who have lost a loved one in our Armed Forces.  At the organization’s inaugural gala, Bond was presented with the TAPS Congressional Honor Guard Award for championing the rights of military families.  Bond, who served as Honorary Chairman of TAPS in 2001, was presented the award by 10 year old Taylor Heldt.  Taylor is the daughter of Lance Corporal Erik Heldt of Hermann, Missouri, killed in Iraq in 2005.  After losing her father, Taylor became involved with TAPS and now speaks about the organization and her story to help other families and children. 

 

            As the father of a U.S. Marine who served 2 tours in Iraq, Bond told the TAPS families he was one of the lucky ones to have his son return home safe.  Bond honored the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen who have given their lives for their country.  Bond also recognized the families who, like their fallen loved one, have also given the ultimate sacrifice.  It is essential that Americans support these families, like the help TAPS provides.

 

            Founded in 1994, TAPS supports these military family members through the grieving process.  Bond praised the organization for their critical work.  Through support groups, grief camps for children, practical advice, and 24/7 assistance, TAPS helps family members of every age and relationship cope with their loss and rebuild their lives.  To date, TAPS has helped more than 25,000 surviving family members, casualty officers, and caregivers.

 

            Bond stressed that he will continue to support TAPS and champion the policies that support the troops and their families.  Unfortunately, the U.S. government and military are falling short in some areas.  Bond pointed to troops returning home with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), where too often these invisible injuries are not being properly treated.  Also, Bond raised concerns with bureaucratic delays in getting our troops in the field life saving equipment.  Bond pledged to the TAPS crowd that he will continue to fight to improve treatment of our troops in battle, our wounded warriors, and our military families.

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