Hannah O'Brien sits down with Chantel Dooley, Director of Research and Impact at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), to explore the profound experience of grief and loss within the military and veteran community.
Chantel opens up about her personal journey as a surviving fiancé and how that experience informs her work supporting others through the aftermath of military loss. Together, Hannah and Chantel talk about the unique challenges faced by survivors, the essential role of community, and the critical resources TAPS offers to those grieving a loved one who served.
As Memorial Day approaches, they reflect on the deeper meaning behind the holiday and how it can be both a time of remembrance and emotional complexity for many. This episode is a poignant reminder of the strength found in shared stories and the healing power of compassion and connection.
What You’ll Learn:
- The personal impact of military loss and the journey through grief
- How TAPS supports survivors through programs, peer connections, and more
- The emotional landscape of Memorial Day for those grieving
- Insights on resilience, remembrance, and healing
Resources:
- Learn more about TAPS: www.taps.org
- Memorial Day resources and support for survivors
Tune in to find hope, healing, and a deeper understanding of what it means to honor our fallen and support the living.
Veteran Spouse Network
A podcast of real stories that will resonate with the Veteran spouse community. Hosted by Hannah O'Brien of the Veteran Spouse Network and in collaboration with Coming Home Well.
A community of peer support for military and veteran spouses and committed partners, providing opportunities to engage and connect to helpful resources and a community of support.
Hannah O’Brien is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work Masters program. A native of Austin, Texas, she knew she needed to spread her wings in college, traveling all the way to the east coast to attend American University in Washington, D.C. where she received her Bachelors in Law and Society. After earning her undergraduate degree, she held several positions that included working with children in schools, supporting offenders during reentry after incarceration, offering employment guidance for low-income adults, and helping support adult literacy. Hannah then began her Masters of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas, where she completed the Administration and Policy Practice concentration, planning for a career in non-profit management.
While pursuing her degree, she fell in love with, and ultimately married a Marine Corps veteran and began immersing herself in the unique culture of the military. It wasn’t long before she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the service of veteran spouses and families. Hannah has served as the Program Manager for the Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) since 2017, helping create, implement, and evaluate peer support programs for veteran spouses and families to ensure they receive the support they deserve. In addition to her role within the VSN, Hannah has had the opportunity to coordinate marriage enrichment and PTSD treatment groups for veteran couples, as well as assist in a multitude of different research projects aimed at supporting military and veteran families.