Survivor Support Organizations

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

TAPS is an organization that is dedicated to supporting anyone and everyone who has ever been affected by a service member's death that occurred on active duty. TAPS provides, at no cost to the survivor, a national peer support network, grief-counseling referral service, crisis intervention (24 hours a day) and case worker assistance. You may call 1-800-368-TAPS (8277) to speak with a TAPS counselor. They also publish a quarterly newsletter. For additional information you may contact:

You may also read this page for more information.

The Society of Military Widows (SMW)

SMW was founded in 1968 by Theresa (Tess) Alexander to serve the interests of women whose husbands died while on active military duty, of a service-connected illness, or during disability or regular retirement from the armed forces. SMW is a nonprofit organization chartered in the State of California under section 501 (c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

Veterans' Widows International Network, Inc.

This organization formed to help with support for Veterans and retiree widows across the country. Contact:

3657 E. South Laredo St
Aurora, CO 80013
Phone: 303-693-4745

The Military Widows Gazette

The Military Widows Gazette gives legislative news and information regarding benefits for the widows of military career men.

The Widowed Information and Consultation Service

This service helps widows cope with their special problems. Contact:

909 North J
Tacoma, WA 98402
     OR:
1005 1/2 S.W. 152nd
Seattle, WA 98166

Survivors

Urges public awareness and participation in all matters of concern to widows with younger children including action to influence federal legislation. Contact:

Iona House Community Center
4200 Butterworth Place, NW
Washington, DC 20016

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross assists family members of deceased Sailors in applying for federal and state benefits. They provide information on other resources, counseling relative to problems arising from the death and planning to meet financial needs. Local chapters of the American Red Cross serve every community in the United States.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is available to provide emergency assistance for a dependent spouse, minor children and dependent parent(s) of deceased Navy personnel. Aid may be rendered in the form of money or as a loan. Assistance is also furnished in applying for pensions, insurance and other benefits accruing to the dependent by reason of the decedent's military service. Inquiries should be addressed to:

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
801 N. Randolph Street
Arlington, VA 22203-1978
Phone: (703) 696-4904

Gold Star Wives of America

Gold Star Wives of America (GSW) is an organization of and for survivors of servicemembers who died on active-duty or who's death was related to service-connected disabilities.  GSW represents survivors interest before Congress, because survivor benefits are different from servicemembers,  veterans and families.  

Contact:  
Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.
P.O. Box 361986
Birmingham, Al
35236-1986

Toll Free at 1-888-751-6350
E-mail: info@goldstarwives.org
GSW website: www.goldstarwives.org.