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Tragedy assistance group was at Hood during shootings

About 20 surviving families of prior military losses were about to go on a field trip at Fort Hood when the base was locked down because of the shootings, said Ami Neiberger-Miller, a spokesman for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

TAPS is headquartered in Washington, D.C., but opened a branch office at Fort Hood earlier this year. The national non-profit organization offers support for anyone suffering the loss of a military member.

Neiberger-Miller said the families were still in the office as of 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Although they couldn’t receive phone calls, they were text messaging.

“Obviously with such a sad turn of events, even more families stationed at Fort Hood will need the services TAPS provides,” said Kim Ruocco, TAPS program manager for survivor support.

“We’re here to support the families in the midst of tragedy,” Neiberger-Miller said. “In the coming weeks, months and years we’re here to offer them support.

“It’s hard for our surviving families when an incident happens with a loss of life. They remember that raw feeling of pain when two people come up to your door,” Neiberger-Miller said.

“But there’s also a great deal of empathy and they want to reach out and offer comfort.”