REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - For survivors of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, one program is assisting them in the recovery process.
Redstone Arsenal’s Survivor Outreach Services held its second annual “Meet and Greet” program June 18 to show their support for Families of fallen warriors and let them know they are not forgotten.
“The importance of today is so survivors can meet each other and hopefully come together and hopefully make connections and know they are not alone in the grieving process,” said Emily McFall, Redstone Arsenal SOS coordinator. “We hope those who come today will go out and tell other survivors about the program and that it is here for them whenever they need it. This is all for them and we will always be here.”
Redstone Arsenal’s Survivor Outreach Services is a program that is designed to provide support for survivors of deceased Soldiers. The program extends support to Families and ensures survivors receive all benefits they are entitled and encourage them to remain an integral part of the Army family as long as they desire.
“I volunteered because I have been, unfortunately, exposed to several funerals involving fallen Soldiers,” said Capt. Blair Tighe, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, Headquarters and Headquarters Company executive officer, who volunteered to be a part Saturday’s program. “Survivor Outreach Service is a way to reach out and taking care of these Families in terms of community outreach and they feel like they are included and taken care of after the Soldier, the spouse, the husband, the wife has died.
“I am glad I could come out and play a small part and let the Families know they are not forgotten and we are here for them,” he added.
One Family Member talked about the importance of the program and how SOS has helped them in the grieving process.
“This program is so wonderful because it allows us to come together and meet others who may need to just say hello to someone who understand where we are coming from,” said Tiffany Little, survivor of Spc. Kyle A. Little. “You’re families want you to be happy so they push you to be happy, but you can come here where people may be happy and sad all at the same time. This is a safe place where you don’t have to try, you can just be, and that is the wonderful thing about this place, the people just ‘Get It.’”
“This also gives a chance for my daughter to be around other children who have lost a big part of their lives,” she added. “It will help her as she gets older to know how other children have worked through the same issues that she is going through.”
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