Deborah Tainsh will be the guest speaker at the June 2 Fayette County Republican First Saturday Breakfast.

Tainsh, wife of USMC Sgt Maj (ret) David Tainsh, Gold Star Mom to USArmy Sgt Patrick Tainsh, KIA Baghdad, 2/11/04, poet, and author of "Heart of a Hawk: One family’s sacrifice and journey toward healing," is an avid supporter of the United States Armed Forces and an engaging speaker regarding current issues involving our military, their families, and the importance of winning the war in Iraq and the fight against terrorism.

Tainsh has been interviewed and shared her family story and convictions on New York Public Radio, numerous national TV and radio broadcasts, the Associated Press, and most recently with German Public Television. She also writes for military.com and USA Patriotism. Deborah and her husband live in Midland, Georgia, near Columbus/Ft. Benning, where they both were born, grew up, and returned to for retirement. Their son, Phillip, also lives in Columbus.

The monthly GOP breakfast is held at the International House of Pancakes on Jeff Davis Drive in Fayetteville. The breakfast is open to all, membership is not required. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. Attire is casual and breakfast is optional. For more information call 770-716-1545.

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."

Tainsh’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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