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Deborah Tainsh’s step-son, 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 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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Heart of a Hawk Press Page
Book reviews
Author Events
Keynote Speaker
Author Headshots:
To download, right click the link and choose "Save target as" Print-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.
Read Deborah's essay on grief and protocol.
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Media Alerts
for Deborah Tainsh
To arrange an interview, contact pr@elvaresa.com
Listen (8.7MB) to Deb interview Senator Chambliss May 2007.
Listen (4.5MB) to Deb talk with Moby on Moby in the Morning May 2007.
Meeting President Bush
Deborah and David Tainsh, along with twenty-four other Georgia and Alabama gold star families, met with President Bush on January 11, 2007. Read Deborah's thoughts about the meeting.
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To arrange interviews or events, please contact pr@elvaresa.com.
"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."
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George W. Bush, President, United States
"[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
Deborah shares her thoughts about her experience at the God Bless Ft Benning Days November 2007.
Deborah was invited to attend the dedication of the Purple Heart Hall of Honor in November 2006. Read more.
See more of Deb’s past events,
photos and essays.
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