BAKERSFIELD, CA - A Navy SEAL commander who starred in the 2012 film "Act of Valor" was in Bakersfield Thursday night, to support the families of fallen soldiers.
Navy SEAL Commander Rorke Denver says he knows too many families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. The gala was dedicated to raising funds and awareness for those who are not on the front lines of battle, but who deal with the pain that comes from losing a loved one.
He starred in the hit film "Act of Valor." Navy SEAL and author, Rorke Denver, was keynote speaker at the inaugural "Red, White, and Blue Gala" benefiting T.A.P.S.- the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
"Warriors, in general, are prepared for that ultimate sacrifice. You don't train to pay that ultimate price, but you're obviously aware that, that's a potential in your job. Sadly, it feels like it's the families who pay the tax of those decisions and that sacrifice," said Denver.
T.A.P.S. is a national organization dedicated to helping families cope with the loss of a loved one who served in our armed forces.
"Our families here in Kern County are so grateful to the support T.A.P.S. has provided. They've been connected to other survivors who have suffered a similar loss and they've found hope and healing," said president and founder of T.A.P.S., Bonnie Carroll.
T.A.P.S. has helped more than 200 local families throughout its 20 years of service. Organizers of the gala hoped to raise $75,000 - $100,000 that will go toward seminars, grief counseling, and summer camps for children of fallen warriors.
"We're such a patriotic and generous and giving community, and now we want to start what we call a third triad to help the families of our veterans, especially those killed in active duty," said Jim Tague of E&B Natural Resources, the company that sponsored the gala.
For Denver, Kern County's military supportive reputation preceded itself.
"It's super special to be in a place where service is much more the norm, than a very unlikely path for a man or woman who wants to serve," Denver said.
On Friday, there will be a golf tournament benefiting T.A.P.S. at the Bakersfield Country Club.
Navy SEAL Commander Rorke Denver says he knows too many families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. The gala was dedicated to raising funds and awareness for those who are not on the front lines of battle, but who deal with the pain that comes from losing a loved one.
He starred in the hit film "Act of Valor." Navy SEAL and author, Rorke Denver, was keynote speaker at the inaugural "Red, White, and Blue Gala" benefiting T.A.P.S.- the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
"Warriors, in general, are prepared for that ultimate sacrifice. You don't train to pay that ultimate price, but you're obviously aware that, that's a potential in your job. Sadly, it feels like it's the families who pay the tax of those decisions and that sacrifice," said Denver.
T.A.P.S. is a national organization dedicated to helping families cope with the loss of a loved one who served in our armed forces.
"Our families here in Kern County are so grateful to the support T.A.P.S. has provided. They've been connected to other survivors who have suffered a similar loss and they've found hope and healing," said president and founder of T.A.P.S., Bonnie Carroll.
T.A.P.S. has helped more than 200 local families throughout its 20 years of service. Organizers of the gala hoped to raise $75,000 - $100,000 that will go toward seminars, grief counseling, and summer camps for children of fallen warriors.
"We're such a patriotic and generous and giving community, and now we want to start what we call a third triad to help the families of our veterans, especially those killed in active duty," said Jim Tague of E&B Natural Resources, the company that sponsored the gala.
For Denver, Kern County's military supportive reputation preceded itself.
"It's super special to be in a place where service is much more the norm, than a very unlikely path for a man or woman who wants to serve," Denver said.
On Friday, there will be a golf tournament benefiting T.A.P.S. at the Bakersfield Country Club.