" You will forever be my inspiration and my special 'Guardian Angel'. Your memory helped me be strong, but only because you were in my heart, and will forever remain there. Thank you for being the example I could give my sons for what a man should be. But, most of all thank you for giving me the gift of love. Words cannot express how I miss you and how I feel so lost without you, even after 39 years."

Darlene Bernard
FL

The Concert

2010 Features

Band of Sisters

Michael and Taryn Davis

For the last 8 years, America has been at war. In these wars, more than 30,000 Americans have been wounded -- many severely disabled -- and over 5000 killed. Nearly half of the 5000 service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan were married.

Taryn and Michael Michael's grave

Taryn Davis was 20 when her husband, Army Cpl. Michael W. Davis, deployed to Iraq in October of 2007. She was 21 when Michael was killed by a roadside bomb and she became a widow.

Taryn Davis's story and her journey of healing led her to the Widows of Veterans Yahoo Groups site on the Internet and to Glenda Carter, whose husband Bruce was killed in Vietnam.

Glenda at Grave Bruce Carters Grave

During this year's Concert, acclaimed actresses A.J. Cook and Blythe Danner will share Taryn's and Glenda's stories.

Glenda Carter shares her healing journey in the book, Sacred Shadow, Sacred Ground: A Vietnam War Widow’s Journey Through Unresolved Grief, which chronicles her experience with unresolved grief.

Military widows at the AWP Winter Get-away in Florida.

The Journey of Grieving
Taryn's journey to understand more about being a military widow grew into a nonprofit organization, American Widow Project, "... dedicated to the new generation of those who have lost the heroes of yesterday, today and tomorrow, with an emphasis on healing through sharing stories, tears and laughter...Military Widow to Military Widow." The organization's website is full of wonderful sharing and useful resources, such as Widow Tips, Widow Blogs, Information on AWP Get-Aways and Scholarships for military widow/widowers and their families.

Organizations That Offer Assistance to Grieving Spouses

Gold Star Wives of America

American Widow Project

The Soldiers Project

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

Other Resources
Find additional information on receiving help for or reaching out to a military widow.

The Find Resources for Soldiers & Families section of our website lists additional resources.

Sharing your experience of grief is a gift. Don't underestimate the power of sharing your story or listening to another's.