ABSTRACT
The majority of deaths in the United States Armed Forces are sudden and traumatic in nature, and involve the death of a young adult between the ages of 18 and 40 (Harrington-LaMorie, 2010). When young adults die, they often leave behind a young family. When a military service member dies, the typical demographic profi le of military surviving families often includes a young adult widow, young children, young adult siblings, and adult parents (who may often be young adults themselves) (Harrington-LaMorie, 2010). Survivors affected by the death of a young adult often have a limited age-related peer group who have had a common experience and can offer support in their grief.
