Bonnie Carroll honors fallen soldiers by founding a support program
- Bonnie Carroll lost her husband, Brigadier General Tom Carroll, in a National Guard plane crash in 1992, which killed eight soldiers.
- Refusing to let her grief overpower her, Bonnie established the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors to help other military families.
- This Memorial Day, Bonnie highlights the importance of remembering and honoring those who have fallen in service to the nation.
In 1992, Bonnie Carroll experienced a profound tragedy when her husband, Army Brigadier General Tom Carroll, was killed in a National Guard plane crash in Alaska. This incident claimed the lives of eight soldiers, including her husband, which left Bonnie in a state of overwhelming grief. Rather than succumbing to despair, she harnessed her pain to create a purpose-driven path. Her journey led her to establish the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emotional support and resources for families grieving the loss of loved ones in the military. Its primary focus is on offering compassionate care to those mourning deaths within the active military and veteran community. Through her organization's efforts, Bonnie emphasizes the need to find meaning and purpose in the face of loss. Her advocacy and outreach have raised awareness regarding the challenges faced by military families. She encourages those affected by this grief to remember the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and to find solace in knowing that they are not alone. Especially on days recognized for remembrance, such as Memorial Day, Bonnie reinforces the importance of honoring the fallen. In this year's Memorial Day observance, she reflected on the significance of saying the names of those who have died in service to their country. By sharing their stories, she believes that their memories can live on through the compassion and support offered to their families. This initiative provides a space for survivors to heal and connect, promoting community and shared experiences among individuals who understand the unique sorrow of losing loved ones in military service. Ultimately, Bonnie Carroll's work serves as a testament to how individuals can turn their personal grief into meaningful action, impacting the lives of many others. Her journey from heartbreaking loss to creating a support network illustrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy, encouraging others to support one another and remember the sacrifices made by service members.