PEMBROKE – Athletics department officials at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke announced Tuesday that the Braves have partnered with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) as part of Military Appreciation Night on August 31 at Grace P. Johnson Stadium.

TAPS is the national organization providing compassionate care for the families of America's fallen military heroes, offering support to more than 70,000 surviving family members of our fallen military and their caregivers since 1994. One of their premier programs, teams4taps, has worked with professional and collegiate sports teams across the country to bring joy to surviving military families and to honor the lives of their fallen heroes. 

"TAPS is grateful to UNC Pembroke for their support of our nation's military surviving families and for creating this special opportunity to not only bring joy to those families, but to also help them honor the lives of their fallen heroes in such a meaningful way in front of a 'Military Friendly' college community," said Leigh Edmonds, TAPS Manager – Sports & Entertainment.

Four TAPS families will each be paired with a captain from the UNCP football team who will honor each family's fallen hero during the evening's game against Winston-Salem State by wearing the initials of their family's fallen hero on their helmet. The captains and the families will also be provided with time together prior to kickoff to connect and share their stories which was included to provide a more memorable and personal experience for the families, as well as UNCP's student athletes.

In addition, the TAPS families will accompany the ROTC, marching band, spirit squad and BraveHawk on the march to Grace P. Johnson Stadium prior to pregame festivities. The families will be introduced and recognized by all of #BraveNaton during the first quarter break.

"For these families to know they are supported, particularly in a close-knit community like Pembroke is paramount in this event," said UNCP director of athletics Dick Christy. "In addition to the release we hope Braves Football will provide the TAPS families, this is a great opportunity to educate our students on the real-life sacrifices our military families are making every day to ensure our freedom."

Retired and current members of the armed forces will be admitted free to the August 31 matchup at Grace P. Johnson Stadium with a valid military ID.

Grace Moore, UNCP Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing Partnerships 
"teams4taps is allowing us to show our appreciation at a level we have not been able to reach before and we thank them for that."