Army Widow & Mom Still Serves

There are times when many of us think our jobs or lives are demanding and stressful. That is, until you meet someone as impressive as Capt. Marissa Alexander. She is a single Mom with twins, who lost the love of her life in Afghanistan, and still serves her country.

I found out about Marissa from TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. Ami Neiberger-Miller helped me out in finding someone to profile in connection with the group's Inaurgural TAPS Honor Guard Gala.

The fundraiser will help put more money into services for grieving military families, but it also brings together those who grow stronger by sharing their grief.

Marissa and Leroy Alexander's love story is a wonderful and moving tale about two high school sweethearts who decided to serve in the U.S. Army. Staff Sgt. Alexander was killed on his 3rd deployment to Afghanistan, his first as a Green Beret with the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group. Two of his team members, Capt. Charles Robinson and Staff Sgt. Christopher Piper, also lost their lives to an explosion in June of 2005.

Capt. Robinson, Staff Sgt. Alexander and Staff Sgt. Piper

You can read more about Marissa, Leroy and their twins in my web story or watch the video. I think we all should salute her for her strength and courage.

If you would like to find out more about TAPS or donate to their programs, you can go to the website or text TAPS to 85944, and someone will respond to find out what information you need.