ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) held it's 2nd annual retreat in Alaska over the weekend, with 75 widows and significant others travelling to Anchorage to participate. TAPS helps people dealing with the loss of loved ones who are in the military. TAPS was founded in Alaska in 1994.
"I think it helps to remind the women that there is a whole big wide world out there," TAPS Manager of Program Development Kyle Harper said during an interview. Harper was living in Girdwood when her fiance, who was stationed at Fort Richardson was killed in 2007.
"When I decided to plan this retreat, the first place I thought of and love more than anything else in the world is Alaska, and I wanted to share this majestic wonderful place with these widows," Harper said.
The women went repelling, hiking and participated in a scavenger hunt in downtown Anchorage.
"I've learned i'm not alone, that there are other women with different experiences that are going through the same emotions that are having the same feelings and frustrations," Sara Lawrence said. Lawrence lost her husband in December 2010.
The final day of the retreat is Sunday August 21st, many of the women plan on participating in the Big Wild Life run.
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