Wizards, Caps support military families

WASHINGTON — It’s simple, maybe even fashionable. Fans of the
Washington Wizards and Capitals have a chance to make a difference in the
lives of families who have lost a loved one in military service with a tip of
the hat — a Courage Hat or Cap.

By purchasing what the Wizards are calling a Courage Hat and the Capitals are
calling a Courage Cap, fans will be directly supporting the Tragedy Assistance
Program for Survivors (TAPS). Through the sponsorship of the Telos
Corp., 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the hats and caps
are able to go directly to TAPS.

TAPS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance to families
after the death of a loved one in military service. The support to families is
wide-ranging — from providing resources to dealing with grief to helping
organize such outings as trips to sporting events — all to ease the pain and
bring joy
after a family member has made the ultimate sacrifice.

“When there is a knock on the door, or when a flag is presented to a family at
Arlington, that family is connected with TAPS,” said TAPS founder Bonnie
Carroll.

“We provide ongoing support comfort and care to families. It is all
made possible by the citizens of this country who appreciate service and
sacrifice,” Carroll said.

TAPS made it possible last Wednesday for Traci Voelke to attend the Wizards
game against the Detroit Pistons at Verizon Center with her sons Andrew and
Benjamin. Two years ago, Traci’s husband, U.S. Army Maj. Paul Voelke, died of
non-combat related injuries while serving in Afghanistan. A 1998 graduate of
the United States Military Academy at West Point, Paul Voelke served as an
infantry officer in the Army for 14 years.

“The military becomes your family,” said Voelke. “After you lose somebody, you
start to wonder, ‘Where is that family I used to know?’ These are people your
spouse worked with, you socialized with, and then that is ripped away from you
in the middle of the night. TAPS steps in where that is lost. It is the
connection to the military that is so important for me and for the children to
still have.”

Wizards Courage hats and Capitals Courage
caps
are $20 and available at games or online. Hats and
caps signed by select players on both teams are available for $50.

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