Resources
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.—Department of Colorado
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
URL: https://www.taps.org
TAPS provides comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to griefresources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.
TAPS provides a variety of programs to survivors in the United States and worldwide.
TAPS National MilitarySurvivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp has been held annually in Washington, D.C., over the Memorial Day weekend since 1994.
TAPS also conducts regional survivor seminars for adults and youth programs at locations across the country, as well as retreats and expeditions around the world.
TAPS Staff can connect you to counseling in your community and help navigate benefits and resources.
If you're grieving the loss of a fallen service member, or if you know someone who can use TAPS support, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is always available toll-free with loving support and resources at 800-959-TAPS (8277).
Survivor Outreach Services (SOS)
Address: 6990 Mekong St. BLDG Bldg. 6215, Fort Carson, Colorado 80913, United States
Phone: 719-526-2069
Email: Click on the link to email SOS: https://rebrand.ly/Email-SOS-Support-Coordinator
Fort Carson’s Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Program demonstrates the Army’s, as well as Fort Carson’s, commitment to our Families of the Fallen. SOS is an enhanced, holistic, and multi-agency approach to deliveringservices to Survivors in the state of Colorado, Utah, North and South Dakota and Wyoming.
American Gold Star Mothers Inc.
URL: http://www.americangoldstarmothers.org
Membership Application: Click on the link below to download the membership application. http://www.americangoldstarmothers.org/uploads/1/3/8/3/13837342/membership_application_-_updated_3oct22.pdf
Mission: Finding strength in the fellowship of other Gold Star Mothers who strive to keep the memory of our sons and daughters alive by working to help veterans, those currently serving in the military, their families, and our communities.
Documentation Required for Membership:
Proof of relationship to establish eligibility rests with the applicant.
Stepmothers must provide legal documentation of your established parent/child relationship before your child’s 15th birthday.
Additional documentation may be requested. Altered documentation or providing false information will result in automatic denial or revocation of membership.
Mail one of the following documents along with the application for membership to ASGM, INC., 2128 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC. 20008
DD 1300: Report of Casualty
DD 2064: Certificate of Death. If the death occurred after release of active duty status, a rating decision letter of “service connected death” from the Department of Veterans Affairs or a service-related death as stated on the death certificate.
Mail your Membership Application to American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., 2128 Leroy Place, NW, Washington, DC. 20008-1893.
NOTE: Not sure what a DD1300 or DD 2064 is or where to obtain it? Please click on this link to email Fort Carson's Survivor Outreach Services, who will help you.
OR: Email your application to NSO@americangoldstarmothers.org, along with a PDF or picture of the DD1300 or a DD2064.
Gold Star Dads of America
Mission Statement: Gold Star Dads was created to bring together the “gold star” fathers in a single community, enabling them to honor and remember their sons and daughters, and to support one another in their loss. First and foremost, they are a Gold Star Family Support Organization.
National Objective: Provide public awareness of America’s Gold Star Family Community and to celebrateand honor America’s combat veterans and their families.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Veterans Benefits Administration offers a variety of benefits and services to spouses, children, andparents of service members and veterans who are deceased. Information on benefits available to the families of those who have died in military service. See especially the grief counseling service. Includes links to the Casualty Assistance Office for each branch of service.
Cohen Clinics
URL: Cohen Clinics
Cohen Clinic helps post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families through the challenges of military life, transition to civilian life, and beyond. They will not share your confidential information with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or other public, private, or government entities unless required by law. They comply with federal guidelines set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). If you prefer to schedule an appointment by phone, here's their Colorado Springs phone number: 719-416-5291. If you live outside of Colorado Springs or the state of Colorado, log on to their website to find a clinic near you.
Colorado Fallen Hero License Plate Application
URL: https://dmv.colorado.gov/license-plates-military
Who Qualifies? A current or past spouse, child, sibling, grandparent, or parent of service member who died in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Proof: Copy of Services member’s DD 214, Service Record, Report of Casualty (DD 1300), officially issued documents, or death certificate and proof that the applicant is the current or past spouse, child, sibling, grandparent, or parent of the service member.
Fees: One set of plates is exempt from fees. A second, or additional set requires a one-time fee of $50.00 for issuance or replacement of plates, in addition to other taxes and fees. Number of Plates Allowed: Unlimited.
Honor and Remember
URL: https://honorandremember.org
Campaign to get the Honor and Remember flag recognized by state legislatures and the U.S. Congress as a new national symbol recognizing all those who died in military service to America. The flag was designed by George Lutz, father of a Fallen Hero, who drove across the country in 2010 to promote the flag. Goal is to present every family of a Fallen Hero with a personalized flag.
Resources for Children and Teens
Angels of America's Fallen
Our mission is to see the children of our fallen grow into healthy and successful adults, writing their own stories of success, by finding an activity that they are passionate about and can grow in, with a coach or a mentor. Once accepted into our program and until their 19th birthday, we will cover the costs of each child’s activity or passion (up to an annual limit.) You select the activity and activity provider, and Angels of America’s Fallen steps in to cover the cost, up to that dollar limit. We support children in activities like: Aquatic Sports, Dance, Gymnastics, Musical Arts, Football, Lacrosse, Martial Arts, Camp and more.
Snowball Express
URL: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/snowball-express
Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express serves the children of fallen military heroes. This organization is committed to creating hope and new memories for children of fallen heroes to maintain wonderful traditions. All expenses are paid for children and a parent or guardian to this annual event in December in Dallas, TX.
American Wanderer Summer Camp - RV Camp for Kids
The next generation of a traditional summer camp for boys and girls ages 11-17. Our Cabins roll and our Camp moves. Our Campers and Guides explore some of the most magnificent parks in the world - all right here in America. We offer 4 distinct 2 week sessions exploring over 34 Parks in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Scholarships - Children of Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Retired and Former Service members are all eligible to apply. Children of Wounded Warriors must annotate their applications as such due to multiple categories of funding sources. National Guard, Military Reserve and Wounded Warriors should also see www.ourmilitarykids.org for additional funding.
Armed Services YMCA - Operation Camp
https://www.asymca.org/operation-camp
Camps and camping opportunities offered throughout the year at YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region continue to be one of ASYMCA’s most popular programs. Camps encourage healthy living as part of our core mission of strengthening our military family and provide much needed recreational and bonding opportunities for military children and families who have experienced multiple deployments.
Camp Corral
The mission of Camp Corral is to transform the lives of children of wounded, injured, ill, and fallen military heroes by providing a unique summer camp experience. The vision behind Camp Corral is one where kids, ages 8 to 15, are free to be kids, far away from the day-to-day challenges they face as children of military service members and veterans. We partner with some of the best camps around the United States to host each session. Camp Corral has proven to be a “week of a lifetime,” providing kids non-stop fun with activities like canoeing, swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, ropes course challenges, horseback riding, and more. Campers have the priceless opportunity to connect with other kids who understand the unique challenges that come with military life. Each of our host camps provides top-quality programming that teaches the skills needed to build emotional resilience. The positive effects may follow a child for a lifetime.
Camp Mariposa (for children impacted by substance abuse in their families)
https://moyerfoundation.org/camps-programs/camp-mariposa/
Camp Mariposa is a free, weekend overnight camp program that supports children between the ages of 9-12 who are impacted by substance abuse in their families. Camp Mariposa gives these children the knowledge, tools and coping skills to prevent them from developing an addiction of their own and to help break the intergenerational cycle of addiction. Camp is offered six times a year and campers are encouraged to attend multiple sessions There are currently 8 locations across the United States.
Department of Defense Summer Camp Experiences
http://www.militaryonesource.mil/-/department-of-defense-summer-camps
During the school year, it's easy to fill your children's schedules with activities - but what about during the summer? If your children are looking for something exciting to do, the Department of Defense (DoD) is here to help. Each year, the DoD provides summer camp opportunities for your children, giving them a chance to have fun, meet new people, and develop skills that will benefit them for years to come.
4-H Military Partnership Camps
https://4-hmilitarypartnerships.org/events/camps
A list of camps for military children through 4-H across the nation. States, communities, and higher education institutions are responding to COVID-19 based on a variety of local factors, and institutions may adjust their scheduled dates, registration deadlines or other components for these camps.
4-H Military Teen Adventure Camp: Mingus Mountain, Dewey, AZ
https://extension.arizona.edu/mtac
Come and join Arizona 4-H on Mingus Mountain July 17-22, 2022 where we will enjoy mountain air and stay in rustic cabins. Activities at camp will include blacksmithing, shooting sports, mountain survival skills, hiking, and more!
Freedom Hunters
Freedom Hunters is a military outreach program dedicated to honoring those who protect our freedoms. Our mission is to salute the noble work of our courageous men and women of our Armed Forces. Freedom Hunters reflects the outdoor community's appreciation to our troops by taking select active duty and combat veterans, families of fallen heroes, children of the deployed, as well as those wounded or injured, on outdoor adventures. Freedom Hunters mission is empowered by the generous support of many: sportsmen, conservation groups, state agencies, outfitters, corporations, and land owners.
Girls on Ice
Girls on Ice is a unique, FREE, wilderness science education program for high school girls. Each year two teams of 9 teenage girls and 3 instructors spend 11 days exploring and learning about mountain glaciers and the alpine landscape through scientific field studies with professional glaciologists, ecologists, artists, and mountaineers. One team explores Mount Baker, an ice-covered volcano in the North Cascades of Washington State. The other team sleeps under the midnight sun exploring an Alaskan glacier.
Military Teen Adventure Camps (Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Vermont, Virginia, Washington)
https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/military-teen-adventure-camps/index.html
Locations - LINK
Would you like to spend time whitewater rafting, hiking, rock climbing, winter camping, backpacking, exploring the environment, running ropes courses, or practicing wilderness skills? What if you could do these activities with other military youth just like you?
Military teens (14-18 years old of Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, and Retired personnel) will have an opportunity to participate in adventure camps at little to no cost. These high energy, high adventure, and high experience camps are planned across the United States from Washington to New York and the states in between. This is the perfect chance for you to experience the outdoors as you never have before! Each camp offers a unique outdoor experience that will allow you to build your leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork skills while engaging with the outdoors. Camps have funding available to assist with transportation costs.
Operation Teammate
https://www.operationteammate.org/
Operation Teammate partners with collegiate and professional sports organizations to hold events where military children become honorary teammates for the day. These impactful athlete interactions are a fun-filled day of mentorship, games, and activities to recognize the military child for their sacrifice and also their resilience, bravery, and strength.
Our Military Kids - Program for Children of the Wounded
https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/
Children of wounded warriors face similar financial difficulties along with the challenges of learning to adapt to the physical, mental, and emotional changes in a loved one. Our Military Kids supports the children of wounded service members/veterans by awarding grants that pay for participation in sports, fine arts, and academic tutoring programs. Activities help children cope with stress and anxiety in a positive way while parents recover from severe service-related injuries.
Seven Stars Foundation
https://sevenstarsfoundation.com/
The purpose of the Seven Stars Foundation is to make a positive impact on the children of military members which include the fallen, wounded, active, deployed, and reservists. We accomplish this mission by sponsoring the children to YMCA camps across the country for a week where they can establish lasting bonds with new friends.
The Brendan Looney Foundation (scholarships and grants)
https://brendanlooneyfoundation.org/scholarships
The Brendan Looney Foundation is committed to helping individuals and families reach their fullest potential. Scholarships, awards and grants are based on need and aligned values with the foundation. Scholarships, awards & grants include but are not limited to: education and physical education/camps
United Heroes League for Military Kids
https://unitedheroesleague.org/programs/
United Heroes League has provided over $10 MILLION dollars' worth of free sports equipment, game tickets, cash grants, skill development camps, and special experiences to military families across the US & Canada.
America's Mighty Warriors (Arizona, Florida)
https://americasmightywarriors.org/_1/programs/
As a Gold Star Mother herself, Debbie has a special connection to the families of thefallen. Through the Heroes Hope Home in Arizona and the Serenity Hope Home in Florida opportunities to attend retreats, concerts and events for the families, America's Mighty Warriors gives hope, respite, encouragement and resiliency. We reach out to the entire immediate family of the fallen: parents, siblings, spouse, and children. These families have given their very best. We owe it to them to never forget their heroes or the
sacrifices made. Through Gold Star Respite, families of the fallen are invited to stay at the Heroes Hope Home in Arizona or attend one of our retreats held throughout the year. Extended families are welcome to the Heroes Hope Home so parents and siblings can join spouses and children of the fallen for some much-deserved respite, relaxation and rejuvenation. At retreats, families have the time to reflect and relax and have some fun with other families who share a special bond because that cannot be explained. Counseling and group sessions are available for those who wish to participate. The Heroes Hope Home was established in 2009 to provide a positive, peaceful and enriching environment for families of the fallen. It is a place of hope, love and rejuvenation, where all those who stay understand that to forget is just not an option. The HHH welcomes families of the fallen for a week stay. We believe that families should be free to rejuvenate, have fun, have access to therapy, or do nothing. The way you spend your time is up to you. Just let us know your goals for your visit and we will take care of the rest!
Camp Corral
The mission of Camp Corral is to transform the lives of children of wounded, injured, ill, and fallen military heroes by providing a unique summer camp experience.
Camp Hometown Heroes (Grafton, WI)
https://www.camphometownheroes.org/about-us
Camp Hometown Heroes is a national free week-long overnight summer camp for children and siblings between the ages of seven to seventeen of fallen U.S. service members who died in any manner: combat, accident, illness, or suicide.
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The American Gold Star Mothers—Department of Colorado is 501C3.
To DONATE: Click on the Gold Wreath Below. Or use the QR Code
