More than a dozen Georgians who lost a loved one in recent combat came together in Macon Saturday.
The Georgia Army National Guard sponsored the Survivor Outreach Service to help family members cope with grief and learn how to handle finances on their own.
Some folks say connecting with others going through the same thing is the best medicine of all.
"There's just some comfort in being around someone or talking to someone who knows exactly what you're going through," says Katherine Westgate.
Westgate says the pain of losing her husband of 14 years in late 2009 is something that will always stay with her.
"The hardest part is not hearing his voice everyday, missing holding his hand, and just sharing everyday life with him," she says.
Westgate is not alone.
"My son died five years ago, and it still feels like it's yesterday," says Cheryl Futrell, of Macon.
"My husband was killed June 4, of 2009, he was killed in action in Afghanistan," says another widow.
Members of the Georgia Army National Guard spent the day with families, or as they call them, survivors, providing grief counseling, financial planning, and budgeting.
"I was unaware of all the services that are open to me as a benefit from his service," says Westgate.
The American Red Cross held a babysitting certification course for teens with a parent in the military.
Melissa Mckenzie coordinates survivor outreach for the National Guard, and she says connecting the families can be an important step forward.
"A lot of healing begins with talking with others who are going through the same thing," says Mckenzie.
Many of the survivors agreed.
"I've met friends in the past year and a half that I know I'll have a bond with for a long time," says Crystal Beale.
"Sometimes that connection with somebody that knows what you're going through brings some comfort," says Westgate.
The day-long events wrapped up with a balloon release in honor of those who lost their lives serving their country.