Contact - Surviving The Folded Flag

I look forward to hearing from other Gold Star parents

and those seeking an inspirational speaker and follower of Christ.

email Deborah Tainsh at:

And please visit my blog:

The published author of two books, Heart of a Hawk: One families sacrifice & journey toward healing and Surviving the Folded Flag: Parents of war share stories of coping, courage, & faith, I have personally worked with over 400 families of the fallen from coast to coast. My books have been recommended and used as tools to show life experiences as have never been written about by families during war time. My books and talks have also been known to inspire our returning heroes from the war zone. As an experienced and articulate speaker, I have no doubt that I can provide informational and inspirational messages and workshops as part of your efforts that will help make a difference to all who desire to help our grieving military families , returning and wounded warriors. My engagements include:

The Association of the United States Army Conference (D.C.), Fort Bragg Special Ops Family Readiness conference, 335th Signal Command (theater) UMT Chaplains' Readiness Conference; Fort Benning, Georgia NCO and Officers’ wives meetings, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors of military personnel, Wounded Warrior retreat events, churches, and various organizations from San Francisco to New York. I look forward to supporting and adding to your efforts to help all who need us in these desperate times. Best regards, Deborah Tainsh

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT DEB Presented the INFANTRY QUEEN OF BATTLE award "For inspirational work and continuous support of Soldiers, their families, and Fort Benning, Georgia."--- Major General Walter Wojdakowski, USArmy 2007

Certificate of Recognition presented by Disabled American Veterans. 2007

Recognized for exceptional performance of service during the annual 335th Signal Command UMT Readiness Conference.
"Your professionalism and expertise were invaluable to the success of this critically important training."
---Stuart M. Dyer, Major General US Army Reserve April, 2010

Deborah Tainsh is a real gem. I speak often to New Horizons Learning Center students about choices. Then, along comes Deborah Tainsh to paint such a vivid personal picture of how making choices dictates the future for our kids. Her story and her family's story is at the same time heart breaking and uplifting. She outlines a story for students where the human spirit has been victorious over human suffering and personal tragedy to triumph in service to family, fellow man, and country. She speaks to students in a language they understand and of conditions they know. Students listen to Deborah because they can quickly tell she has been in the same shoes many of them find themselves in. And ... she offers a vision of hope for their futures. ------------Craig Bush, Principal New Horizons Learning Center June 4, 2010

Deborah, with your unique insight on “Thy will be done,” your presentation on Heart of the Lord’s Prayer was candid and inspiring. Each of us was challenged to face difficult experiences with a new perspective. Thank you for sharing your spiritual journey with the United Methodist Women in such an honest and meaningful way.” Martha Spiva First United Methodist Church Panama City, Fl Deborah: I want to thank you so much for speaking at our Women’s Retreat recently. Your examples of David’s plight and prayers, and your own personal journey fit perfectly with our theme, Psalm 35:9 “And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord”. You showed us how to outshine our enemy and remain joyful in the light through our own relationship with God. We definitely felt the spirit of God among us. Thanks again, Kathy Welsh Moderator Elect First Presbyterian Church of Lynn Haven Deborah: I would like to “Thank You” for attending our meeting on 05/11/10 and giving your testimony which was very inspirational. It is very obvious that because of your Faith in God that both you and your husband endured the loss of your son. I look forward to you attending our meeting in August. Thank you, Marilyn Redd Xi Theta Zeta a Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Deborah, It was a pleasure talking to you. You are so generous with your time, energy, and heart. Thank you for your assistance in this important tribute. I'm sorry for you and David's loss. I can imagine the grief but I'm sure it wouldn't be close to the reality. Thank you for contacting the families. That seems to be my most difficult task because, as I said, it seems so very awkward. I look forward to working with you and appreciate your efforts and input. Warm Regards, Michelle Creel Oakland Terrace School Panama City, Florida Dear Deborah, My sincere gratitude for the motivational in-service presentation that you shared with our volunteer group last week. Our volunteers enjoyed your personal stories and insights. What a blessing to learn from so many experiences. Again, thank you. Karen Peeples Volunteer Coordinator Emerald Coast Hospice January, 2010 Deborah, Thank you so much for speaking to our group on Saturday to inspire others. You are truly amazing ! Heather Bastedo Area Patient Rep American Cancer Socity Florida Division

Ms. Deborah Tainsh Panama City Beach, Fl. May 19, 2010 Dear Deborah, I would like to tell you how much I enjoyed your presentation at Lynn Haven Presbyterian church recently. It was also a great pleasure to meet you later and to personally hear your enthusiasm for Christ and for those who serve in the Military. I have had the good fortune of having wonderful friends over the years, who offered advice, shared insight and motivation at the many forks in the road one experiences as a professional and I got it. I must confess however, as a mother, that I could not comprehend losing a child even when my child (and yours) was adults. That just shouldn’t happen. So, three years later, under certainly different circumstances, I met you. Was it providential or coincidental? I choose to think, providential. Your story, your passion for those who sacrifice their lives for others, your faith in Jesus Christ, your witness and testimony in speeches, the written word, facebook and emails are certainly a life commitment to help others in their recovery. I would like to personally thank you for your wonderful support to me. I see more than a glimmer of recovery on the horizon. Recently, I helped to establish a Support Group for Families and Friends for Loss to Suicide. The saying that time is the best healer of our grieving hearts; it also takes people like you in our lives to inspire us to go on. Thanks again for your support and most of all, thank you for sharing your story of loss and grief. I personally value that you uplift God,”daddy” in your words, in ways to serve Him better. I look forward to hearing you speak in our congregation real soon. Wishing daily blessings for you, Sherl Morden, Executive Director Second Chance Head Trauma Center