Military families who lost their heros have a place to turn. A support group called TAPS, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors held their regional meeting at Fort Carson this weekend. The group helps survivors left behind.
"We had emotions we didn't think possible," said Debra Anderson. She lost Christopher who was her sailor, her hero and her son. "He was over there for 3 months and he was hit by a mortar."
"TAPS brings together families, so they know they aren’t alone," said Bonnie Carroll. She started the program 15 years ago when her husband died.
"This is a family we didn’t want to join, but I am grateful to have each other."
They gather to share stories of sorrow and stories of sadness. The families left behind learn how to cope.
"I get to talk with other people to see how they deal with things," said Anderson.
The commanding general of Fort Carson is among the crowd. He, too, lost a son overseas.
At support groups like this, Anderson can remember her son. "Even if it's just his memory, he'll still be alive, even after we're gone."