I am participating in a special fundraiser in support of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). TAPS provides direct support to families who have been impacted by a death in the military regardless of geography or circumstance.

About this Fundraiser
My story: It is often hard to find a way to use your passion or skills in a meaningful manner. I am a quiet person and haven't found a way to make my mark! I love to run and get out on my on exploring and I wanted to use my passion to help spread the word about a program that desperately needs people to listen and to help make a difference. Having two boys of my own, my heart just aches every time I think of the families that have to cope with a loss of a family member serving in the military.

Two members of my church, Evan Marshall, and Michael Reed are both fallen soldiers and their families are amazing. I want to honor these two fallen and bring awareness to TAPS. My goal of this fundraiser involves running/hiking up all 40 peaks of NC and TN that are over 6000 feet in elevation. Each run will be at least 10 miles or more. I have set my goal to raise and average of $100.00 per peak. All funds will go to T.A.P.S. I would love to complete this challenge in a year.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors is the national organization providing compassionate care for the families of America's fallen military and their caregivers since 1994. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, healing seminars and retreats for adults, camps for children, casework assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and the 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline 800-959-TAPS available for all whom have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces, Services , provided free of charge.

Any small gift will help, $0.10 a peak is $4.00, $0.25 a peak is $10.00. Your gift will help a grieving family and survivors that have lost a Dad, Mom, Brother or Sister while serving our country.

The funds I raise will flow directly into TAPS programming which supports these families through an amazing network of resources, seminars and publications. TAPS provides these services at no charge to survivors from all branches of the service, including Reserves and National Guard. TAPS’ programs and services are available not only for immediate family, but also for extended family and friends. Please help me honor our fallen heroes by supporting me in this effort.  No donation is too big or too small. 

Thank you!

Jeff Bangle, DVM

jfbangle@yahoo.com

See my blog post here: ( you will have to copy and paste link)

https://southbeyond6000feet40peaksfortaps.wordpress.com/2017/03/06/south-beyond-6k-x-40-peaks-for-t-a-p-s-in-honor-of-evan-marshall-and-michael-reed/