Bonnie Carroll

Bonnie Carroll founded the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) in 1994, at a time when there was no national support network for the families of America’s fallen heroes. Through her own grief following the death of her husband, Brig. Gen. Tom Carroll, who perished in an Army plane crash in 1992 along with seven other soldiers, she turned her tragedy into a purposeful effort to create what is today the major national program providing compassionate care for all who are grieving the death of a service member.

Since its launch in 1994, TAPS has cared for the more than 100,000 surviving family members through a national network of peer-based emotional support services; a 24/7 helpline available to those grieving a loss; connections to community based care throughout the nation; and casework assistance for families navigating all of the resources and benefits available to them. Ms. Carroll was elected to the Telos board of directors in September 2020.

In addition to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award from the Department of Defense, Carroll was named a recipient of the Community Heroes Award by the Military Officers Association of America; has been recognized by the Defense Department with the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service; and has received the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award.

Ms. Carroll holds a degree in Public Administration and Political Science from American University, and has completed Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Executive Leadership Program on International Conflict Resolution. She is a graduate of several military service schools, including the USAF Logistics Officer Course, Squadron Officers School, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, Academy of Military Science and USAF Basic Training (Honor Graduate). Ms. Carroll was elected to the Telos board of directors in September 2020.