Every year, hundreds of military service members die. While some of them will make the ultimate sacrifice on the field of battle, others will lose their lives while living a unique life as a member of the armed forces. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) CEO Dan Druen says, "These men and women will leave behind their beloved family and friends. I feel it is the responsibility of our nation and its citizens to take care of these individuals."

The need for TAPS has never been greater. With the events of 9/11 and the continued threat of terrorism, this nation's men and women in uniform will again be put in harm's way. In times of war or peace TAPS supports grieving families, friends, and co- workers by providing hope, healing, and assistance when a member of the armed forces dies.

TAPS was founded in 1994 by Bonnie Carroll in the wake of a military tragedy. Bonnie became a surviving wife when she lost her best-friend and husband General Tom Carroll who died in an Army National Guard aircraft crash in Alaska in 1992. Out of this tragedy, Bonnie found strength through the peer support she received from the families who lost loved ones in the same tragic event.

TAPS is a national non-profit organization serving families, friends and military service members who have been affected by a death in the armed services. We offer peer support, crisis response and intervention, grief care and counseling resources, casework assistance, long-term survivor wellness, and community and military outreach.

If you are a runner or novice, or just want to lend your support, TAPS has a unique opportunity for you to help raise funds and awareness to further the organization's ability to serve in this time of increasing need. Runners, novices, friends and family can all support Team TAPS through the upcoming 28th Annual Marine Corps Marathon, also known as "The People's Marathon," the sixth largest US Marathon and the tenth largest in the world to be held on Sunday, October 26, 2003 in Arlington, Virginia.

Team TAPS has a limited number of running slots open for this year's Marine Corps Marathon. If you are interested in running for Team TAPS and want to support military survivors through raising awareness and funds, please visit our web site at www.taps.org. If you are interested in running, act now as space and time are limited, form and fees must be received no later than Wednesday, August 6th.

If running is not your game, but you would like to support TAPS, the organization offers another unique way to join Team TAPS. Simply visit www.taps.org and join TAPS efforts to spread the word and secure supporters for the runners who are dedicating their efforts to individuals and groups who have fallen in service of our country.

Support all those affected by a death in the armed forces by running for Team TAPS or Joining the Team as a sponsor or supporter. By running or supporting Team TAPS you are not only paying tribute and remembering all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this great country, giving us the wonderful gift of freedom, but you are also reaching out to help those who have been left behind as a result of their sacrifices.

To find out more about this special organization or the Team TAPS Marine Corps Marathon, contact TAPS Chief Executive Officer Dan G. Druen, Jr. at (202) 588-8277 or dan@taps.org.