Blackwater and TAPS Team to Support Families of Contractors Killed in Iraq and Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) has teamed with security contractor Blackwater to expand its programs to provide comfort and care for the families of all deceased contractors who served on reconstruction projects, provided logistics support and personnel security, or were part of other missions in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

Since 1994, TAPS has provided front line emotional support services, grief and trauma resources and information and case work assistance to thousands of surviving military families. During that time, TAPS has informally worked with dozens of contractors who have died serving the military mission, but who have not been recognized as "fallen heroes."

TAPS Chairman Bonnie Carroll said, "America owes a debt of gratitude to those courageous citizens who have joined in supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to provide essential services as civilians -- delivering mail, driving convoys, protecting workers, cooking meals. Today's military effort takes a team, and we are grateful to Blackwater for leading the effort to provide care for the family when a member of this team is killed."

Rita Richardson's husband was a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel who once again stepped forward to answer the call to serve his country after September 11, 2001 by going into harm's way and providing personnel security. Rod Richardson set a standard of professionalism during his tenure with Blackwater, and his death on October 2, 2006 , while working for another company, was a great loss. Blackwater connected Mrs. Richardson with TAPS, and she will be honoring Rod by helping TAPS expand its services to care for others. "It's what Rod would do -- take care of others."

These contractors are often former military personnel who are back in a war zone ensuring our soldiers have the full support they need. Bryan Salek , Director of Risk Management at Blackwater, said, "Our employees are, primarily, veterans who bring a lifetime of selfless service and a wealth of experience to the mission. We are proud of every one of them, and we honor their service and their sacrifice by caring for their families."

BACKGROUND: TAPS is a nonprofit organization offering compassion, comfort and care to the thousands of family members coping with the death of a loved one serving in, or in support of, the military mission. TAPS helps surviving families cope and heal in the aftermath of their loss through a variety of programs, including a national peer support network, the annual National Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp, crisis intervention care, grief and trauma resources, and a toll-free 24-hour hotline at 800-959-TAPS. All services are free of charge to the families and provided through the generosity of private corporations and individuals. For more information visit http://www.taps.org.

SOURCE Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors