Today, leading private aviation company, Wheels Up in partnership with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a non-profit organization that offers compassionate care to those grieving the loss of a military loved one, will fly the family of fallen military hero, Lieutenant Colonel Jay Thoman, from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. for Memorial Day Weekend to attend TAPS’ Annual Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.
The Wheels Up partnership with TAPS is part of Wheels Up Cares, a platform that was created to make an impact and lend the brand’s support to causes that are important to Wheels Up members, families and friends.
“Through the Wheels Up Cares program, our goal is to bring awareness to organizations like TAPS as they work to care for grieving families of those who gave their lives for our freedom,” said Todd Smith, CFO and interim CEO of Wheels Up.
“We are honored to play a role in helping these families and easing their travel burden, so they can focus on the benefits of TAPS’ Annual Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp instead of on the logistics of getting there.”
For the last four years, Wheels Up has supported TAPS by providing flights for attendees of the Annual Military Survivor Seminar, which brings together grieving military families to meet and connect with other survivors through participation in activities, workshops led by experts in grief and loss and small group sharing sessions.
During the Seminar, the TAPS Good Grief Camp, a program for children who have lost a loved one who served in the Armed Forces, is offered to provide a safe space for military children to explore grief and embrace healing with other kids their age who understand their loss.
“We’re grateful for Wheels Up’s continued partnership,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS Founder and President and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.
“These families have made the ultimate sacrifice and Wheels Up’s support helps us ensure that they continue to receive the resources and care they need throughout the grieving process.”
