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{youtbe}https://youtu.be/T3uwoASwxsI?si=PEF0AtlyfkZPDJt6{/youtube}Read more: Julie Goodnight: Quick Tip, Safely Handle the Lead, CHA (0:29)
by Patricia N. Saffran
When a loved one does not return from being in the military, the grieving process for the surviving family can be overwhelming. Realizing the difficulties that these relatives and families endure, military veteran, Bonnie Carroll, founded and is president of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, TAPS, in 1994. She is the surviving spouse of the late Brigadier General Tom Carroll.
Since its inception, the charity has helped over 70,000 family members with sensitive care in the form of support programs and events for the families of fallen American military heroes. President Barack Obama recognized TAPS and Bonnie Carroll’s outstanding work by awarding her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, November 24, 2015.
Among the TAPS activities are grief counseling, camps, and gatherings for all ages held around the country, and a range of activities surrounding horses, a special interest of Major Carroll, who holds a degree in equine sciences. The charity takes advantage of horses as natural healers. TAPS has been designated the Official Military Partner of the Washington International Horse Show. On Military Night during the horse show, riders in the International Jumper Speed Final compete to “Jump for TAPS” — each time they clear the TAPS jump, a thousand dollar donation is made to the organization. TAPS is also the official charity beneficiary of the Potomac Hunt Races, a yearly event held in Poolesville, MD. These races feature steeplechase, pony races, and the appearance of the local hunt with their hounds.
Since 2009, TAPS has had a relationship with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment Old Guard Caisson Platoon, of Fort Meyer, VA, which is part of the Old Guard, the oldest active duty unit in the Army, from 1784. The ceremonial cavalry platoon participates in official parades, special events and presidential inaugurations, and it accompanies funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. They maintain constant vigil at The Tomb of the Unknowns. This platoon is the only full time US cavalry unit left after federally funded cavalry training was mainly abandoned around the time of WWII, when cavalry units were changed over to tanks. The caisson platoon, which has been in existence since 1948, participates in funerals at Arlington on a daily basis, usually thirty per day.
By the EIE Editorial Staff
There has been recent news about Graceland possibly changing hands. The latest news is that auction plans have been abandoned. But let's look back on happier times and remember when The King shared his home with family, friends and his beloved horses.
A deeper dive into his love of horses in All The King’s Horses: An Equestrian Life of Elvis Presley by Victoria Racimo and Kimberly Gatto perfectly captured the importance horses had in Elvis’s life and he felt a great connection to them. Like many horse lovers, we would find them as a source of calmness and enjoyment – and a way to escape the chaos and pressures of fame.
His love also extended to his family and friends. One of Elvis’ favorites was a Tennessee Walking Horse named Bear. The image of Elvis riding on Bear is a candid photograph taken on January 1, 1968.
He bought horses as gifts so he could share experiences with them! He was also a cowboy at heart and greeted guests at Graceland on horseback.
Elvis's passion for horses wasn't just passing fancy. At one point, he had so many horses that he needed a separate ranch, the Circle G Ranch, to house them all!
The image of Elvis riding on Bear is a candid photograph taken on January 1, 1968. © Magma Agency / WireImage / Getty Images.
Read more about Elvis in this book:
All The King’s Horses: An Equestrian Life of Elvis Presley
by Victoria Racimo and Kimberly Gatto
Buy Now on Amazon
Hardcover | Kindle | Audiobook.
You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.
In this Stallside episode, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Devis to explore his approach to equine sport horse medicine, rehabilitation, and alternative therapies including acupuncture, regenerative medicine, and laser therapy. Dr. Devis shares practical insights into his methods, discussing how he blends traditional sport horse medicine with cutting-edge techniques to optimize recovery, well-being, and performance.
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