Music as a Bridge to National Unity and Supporting Military Families Through TAPS

On September 2, 2021, Kim Monson explores the power of unity through music and the critical mission of supporting military survivor families. Music producer Reggie Carr unveils his bipartisan I’m a Uniter project while TAPS board member Tom Tarver shares how the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors provides lifelong support to those who lose loved ones in military service.

Uniting America Through Music

Start listening at 4:08 – Hour 1

Reggie Carr, founder of the I’m a Trumpster movement, reveals his ambitious new project designed to bridge political divides through the universal language of music. The I’m a Uniter soundtrack features nine original songs created by Democrats, Republicans, and independents working together in the recording studio.

Carr explains his philosophy: when people hear music, they connect with the sound without knowing the artist’s political affiliation. By demonstrating that Americans of different political persuasions can collaborate creatively, the project aims to show the RNC and DNC that bipartisan cooperation is possible. The soundtrack has already caught the attention of Congressman Ken Buck and Colorado Republican leader Steve House.

A first-time voter in 2020 who switched from his family’s Democratic roots, Carr emphasizes that his outreach targets youth and ethnic communities. His message centers on the American idea that all men are created equal, encouraging people to open their eyes, ears, and hearts to understand that political engagement requires strategic thinking.

“What we need to do to unite the country is, you know, I think it’s through music. You don’t know who produces or writes or who the artist. You know you just hear the song. You don’t know if they’re political affiliation or anything like that.”

Reggie Carr, Founder, I’m a Uniter

TAPS: Supporting Military Survivor Families

Start listening at 15:36 – Hour 1

Tom Tarver, board member for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, shares the vital work of TAPS in supporting military families who have lost loved ones. Founded in 1994 by Bonnie Carroll after losing her husband in a military plane crash, TAPS operates in all 50 states and several countries worldwide.

Tarver explains that when a service member dies, families often face an abrupt transition from military to civilian life with limited support. TAPS fills this gap with grief counseling, camps for children, mentoring programs, and 24-hour crisis hotlines. Last year alone, 7,000 people entered the TAPS system seeking help after losing family members to combat, training accidents, or suicide.

With the recent tragedy in Afghanistan fresh on listeners’ minds, Tarver notes that veteran and military suicide hotlines have seen increased activity. The upcoming Colorado Celebrity Classic on September 11th at the Ranch at Cherry Creek raises funds through Nashville songwriters and country music performances. Every donation, even the cost of a cup of coffee, helps families who have sacrificed everything.

“At the end of the day, they’re all our sons and daughters. We’re a family together here in this country. And that’s the importance of what TAPS does is we take care of everybody, and we’re together in this.”

Tom Tarver, TAPS Board Member