Author of Heart of a Hawk: One family's sacrifice & journey toward healing
and Surviving the Folded Flag: Parents of war share stories of coping, courage, and faith
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Deborah Tainsh’s stepson, U.S. Army Sgt. Patrick Tainsh, was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq on February 11, 2004. Writing initially to sort out her own grief, Deborah captured the raw and tender moments of her family’s sorrow and remembrance. Her book Heart of a Hawk: One family’s sacrifice and journey toward healing brings readers into the Tainsh family’s living room as Deborah and her husband, retired USMC Sergeant Major David L. Tainsh, hear the tragic news of their son’s death and begin their struggle toward acceptance and peace.
A portion of all proceeds from Heart of a Hawk is donated to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. As a TAPS mentor, Deborah talks with military families across the nation, sharing her family's continuing journey of grief, love, and hope while celebrating a son's courageous life with the message that "our children expect no less courage and giving from us than what they showed the world."
Deborah's volunteer work with grieving families inspired her to compile stories from other Gold Star parents in her book Surviving the Folded Flag: Parents of war share stories of coping, courage, and faith.
Deborah’s poems are included in the National Endowment for the Arts archives of Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience. She has written for magazines and web sites, including TAPS magazine, Marines’ Memorial Crossroads Magazine, and Military.com.
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Deb's Blog
Heart of a Hawk
Heart of a Hawk reviews
Surviving the Folded Flag
Author Headshots:
To download, right click the link and choose "Save target as" Print-ready
Web-ready
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Deborah believes in the TAPS motto to "Remember the Love, Celebrate the Life, Share the Journey."
U.S. Army Sgt. Patrick Tainsh was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq on February 11, 2004. To view photos of Patrick throughout his life, visit Mem.com.
Read a note about Patrick from his step-mom, Deborah.
Read Deborah's poem written four years after Patrick's death.
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Read Deb's blog to see her latest photos, essays, and events.
Watch a YouTube video created by Deb about her experience.
"Your book is a powerful tribute to your son and his service in the Armed Forces. Patrick’s strength and determination are an inspiration to all Americans, and I am touched by his unwavering loyalty to our great Nation…. Patrick’s sacrifice will not be forgotten. You and your family remain in my prayers. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America."
—
George W. Bush,
former U.S. President
"[Heart of a Hawk] is really a 'must read' for any family who is struggling with the journey through grief and healing after losing a soldier. I think it would be a wonderful gift for us to be able to provide this valuable book to each of our precious fallen hero families."
— Joni Bennett, Georgia State FRG Coordinator for 48th Combat Brigade Guard Unit
"Your son's story has truly touched my heart, as a parent, as a Christian, and as an American. I look forward to passing the story on to my own children to read." —Mike Huckabee
Heart of a Hawk received a silver medal in the inspirational category in the 2009 Branson Stars & Flags Book Awards.
See more of Deb’s past events,
photos and essays.
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