Bonnie Carroll

President and Founder of The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

Bonnie Carroll is the founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), established in 1994 to support those grieving the loss of a military loved one. Motivated by the death of her husband, Brigadier General Tom Carroll, in a 1992 Army plane crash, Bonnie turned personal tragedy into a mission to provide compassionate care to families of fallen military heroes. Under her leadership, TAPS has become the leading national organization offering peer-based emotional support, 24/7 helpline assistance, and resources to help navigate benefits and services.

Bonnie has held key government roles, including White House Liaison to the Department of Veterans Affairs under President George W. Bush and Executive Assistant to the President for Cabinet Affairs under President Reagan. She also co-founded TAPS Ukraine following the 2014 Russian invasion, offering support to Ukrainian families affected by the war. Bonnie retired as a major in the Air Force Reserve, where she served in various leadership roles, including Chief of Casualty Operations.

A respected advocate for military families, Bonnie has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Defense Health Board and the VA Advisory Committee on Families, Caregivers, and Survivors. She is a co-author of Healing Your Grieving Heart After a Military Death and has appeared on major national platforms discussing military grief.

Honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, Bonnie has received numerous awards, including the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award. She holds a degree in public administration and political science from American University and completed the Harvard University Executive Leadership Program in International Conflict Resolution.