Military and First Responder Families
Families of military members and first responders grieve in a world of rules no one explains: deployments, shift work, the silent aftermath of hard days, and the possibility, sometimes the reality, of a knock at the door. You are often the quiet support system behind someone who serves, and your own grief can go unacknowledged. Your loss matters, and there are communities built for people who understand what your family carries.
National Resource
TAPS: The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors provides compassionate care and peer support to all those grieving the death of a service member, including spouses, parents, children, and friends.
Grief & Support
Gold Star Wives of America: A national nonprofit supporting the spouses, widows, and children of fallen service members with community, resources, and advocacy.
More Grief Support
Veterans Crisis Line: Free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support for service members and veterans. Dial 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online with a trained responder who understands military life.
VA Resources for Survivors of Suicide Loss: The Department of Veterans Affairs' official hub for anyone who lost a veteran or service member to suicide, gathering benefits, mental health care, and coping resources in one compassionate place.
AFSP Veterans Resources: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's hub for the military and veteran community, with suicide prevention education, support after a loss, and connection to others who understand this world.
Currently in crisis?
If your grief has become a crisis, you feel unsafe, or you are thinking about harming yourself, immediate support is available.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week anywhere in the United States, free, confidential, and ready for anyone experiencing emotional distress or grief.
If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.