FORT HOOD — Families of fallen soldiers traveled to Fort Hood to speak with experts from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) on grief, suicide, and bereavement.
- Event took place at Fort Hood
- TAPS is a support network
- TAPS began 25 years ago
"He was so much more of everything besides my husband and my friend, a father," said Tiffanie Rodriguez.
She remembers her husband's dedication to serving his country. Staff Sergeant Daniel Rodriguez served 10 years.
"I always just thought he was just doing his job and he's going to come home," said Tiffanie Rodriguez.
He did not return from his last tour. Daniel Rodriguez was killed by an improvised explosive device in 2012, a devastation that caused Tiffanie Rodriguez to withdraw from getting help.
"I think it was about 7 months in that I finally gave it a try," she added.
Through TAPS, Tiffanie Rodriguez found people who understood. That support network helped her and her children move forward.
TAPS began 25 years ago after the founder lost her husband. At the time, no such national program existed.
"Families will come together for workshops to learn coping strategies to meet with others, who understand their loss and to know that they are not alone in their grief," said founder Bonnie Carroll.
TAPS holds seminars across the country to form support networks.
The seminars are particularly special for Tiffanie Rodriguez. After years of working through the pain, she will be a mentor to other widows, turning her grief into something positive.
"It was just my time to be able to give back," she said.
If you are in need of a support, visit www.taps.org.