Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

FORT CARSON, COLO. -- More than 100 people who have lost a family member in battle were dealing with their loss in a special grief seminar at Fort Carson on Saturday.

The event was put on by Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), an organization many call a lifeline after their loved one dies.

Children sent off balloons carrying a message to those who've died in battle.

"It's a chance for the kids to put down in writing things they want to tell their loved one they lost," said Bonnie Caroll, founder of TAPS.

Carroll started TAPS to give other families the support she needed when her husband was killed in 1992.

"I tried going to other support groups and it just really didn't connect but getting back together with the other seven families who lost loved ones in the crash with my husband, we really found we had everything in common," Carroll said.

From those families, TAPS grew into a national organization that offers grievance services.

"You can call them at midnight and they will answer the phone," said Meagan Staats, whose husband died in Iraq.

"After the funerals, it gets pretty quiet. Friends and families stop coming around and that's when TAPS kept calling. As others moved on, they were still there. So, those dark times they saved my life," said Chad Weikel, whose brother died.

The battle to move on hit home for Maj. Gen. Mark Graham and his wife who lost both of their sons, one to an IED, another to suicide.

"After you lose your children you feel like you don't know how to keep living," said Carol Graham.

"TAPS is an organization that allows you to go to some people who understand because they've been there," said Mark Graham.

"More than anything it gave us a family," said Carol Graham, part of a family that shares in the heartache, but in the fond memories as well.

TAPS started in 1994. Today, more than 25,000 families are involved in the organization.

This is the third year TAPS has held a grievance seminar at Fort Carson.