Evocati PR Partners with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
Elevating the voices of grieving military families through purpose-driven public relations
Introduction
Evocati PR, a veteran-owned public relations firm dedicated to empowering underserved communities, proudly announces its new partnership with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
This collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing public awareness and strategic communications for the leading national organization providing compassionate care to those grieving the loss of a military loved one.
About TAPS
Bonnie Carroll (left) Founder & President at TAPS and Mark Szymanski (right) CEO at Evocati PR pose for a photo together at the 2025 TAPS Good Grief Camp.
Founded in 1994 by Bonnie Carroll, TAPS emerged from her personal loss following the tragic death of her husband, Brigadier General Tom Carroll, in a 1992 Army plane crash. Since then, TAPS has grown into an unparalleled support network, extending its care to hundreds of thousands of bereaved family members across the globe.
The organization offers peer-based emotional support, a 24/7 helpline, community-based care, and comprehensive casework assistance, ensuring no military family grieves alone.
In addition to its programs, TAPS has been a driving force behind several landmark legislative victories for military and veteran survivors. Their 20-year campaign led to the repeal of the "Widow’s Tax," allowing surviving spouses to receive both the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)—a Department of Defense annuity—and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)—a tax-free monthly payment from the VA—without financial offset. They championed the Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act, ensuring in-state tuition for all Chapter 35 education beneficiaries, and played a central role in passing the PACT Act, which expanded healthcare and benefits to millions of veterans and their survivors exposed to toxic substances.
About Our Partnership
Mark Szymanski (left) CEO at Evocati PR and Cheryl Endres (right) Senior Communications Consultant at EPR pose for a photo together during 2025’s TAPS Good Grief Camp.
Evocati PR will serve as TAPS's Agency of Record, implementing a comprehensive public relations strategy focused on enhancing media presence, strengthening brand recognition, and preparing for crisis communications. This partnership aligns with Evocati PR's mission to drive impact for values-based organizations.
"TAPS is an organization that truly embodies purpose, and their dedication to military families is profound," said Mark Szymanski, CEO of Evocati PR. "We approach this partnership as problem-solvers, ready to leverage strategic communications to ensure TAPS's vital work and unparalleled programs receive the attention they deserve. Our team is honored to help them elevate their brand and solidify their position as the go-to resource for military bereavement and more."
Evocati PR will implement a proactive media relations strategy, conduct storytelling initiatives to highlight the diverse experiences of survivor families, and develop robust crisis preparedness plans.
This strategic partnership aims to ensure TAPS is not only present in media conversations but actively driving them, particularly around critical topics such as suicide postvention, grief, and the evolving complexities of military loss.
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