American Airlines issued the following announcement on Dec. 7.
On Saturday, Dec. 8, nearly 1,000 American Airlines team member volunteers will bring 1,722 children of the fallen and their surviving parent or guardian to Orlando, Florida, for five days of fun and fellowship at the 13th annual Snowball Express, a program of the Gary Sinise Foundation. This therapeutic getaway will offer inspirational programs, encouraging critical peer-to-peer support for these families.
The annual Snowball Express event began in 2006, with a letter written by a fallen soldier to his wife, only to be opened should he perish in battle. While the letter expressed many things, one wish was that they visit Disneyland. From that letter, Snowball Express was created to bring together the children and surviving spouses of fallen U.S. military heroes for a healing retreat. In 2017, it was announced the annual event would officially become a program of the Gary Sinise Foundation.
During their trip, families will not only visit Disney World, they also will have direct access to complimentary resources such as counseling services; application support for educational scholarships; education about and access to medical and government benefits; financial counseling and assistance; mentoring; and aid for those with special needs or disabilities. Snowball Express will offer a variety of activities and entertainment, including a concert from Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.
“For the last 12 years Gary has been involved with the Snowball Express program, and I know it holds a special place in his heart given the help and support it provides the families of our fallen military heroes,” said USAF General Robin Rand (RET), CEO of Gary Sinise Foundation. “Taking on the annual event as an official program of Gary Sinise Foundation is a true honor, and it would not be possible without the generous contribution of American Airlines. As our primary sponsor, they’re providing an invaluable service that enables us to accomplish our mission in creating new positive memories for our Gold Star families.”
As the official airline of the Snowball Express program, American is transporting the families from 80 cities worldwide via more than 100 chartered and commercial flights. American’s 12 charter flights will be arriving at Orlando International Airport from every corner of the country, some stopping at up to three locations to pick up additional participants along the way. Charter cities include:
Atlanta
Charlotte, North Carolina
Chicago
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Detroit
El Paso, Texas
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Indianapolis
Kansas City, Missouri
Killeen/Fort Hood, Texas
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Nashville, Tennessee
New York City
Norfolk, Virginia
Phoenix
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sacramento, California
Salt Lake City
San Antonio
Savanah, Georgia
Seattle, Washington
St. Louis
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Washington, D.C.
“This event is a favorite among the American team. I am proud to work with so many generous colleagues, not only those who have donated their time to fly and serve the families in the air, but those who have spent countless hours coordinating gate-side sendoffs in scores of airports around our system,” said David Seymour, Senior Vice President of Integrated Operations at American and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. “Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express is an impressive event that continues to grow every year, and it is our deep privilege to partner with the Gary Sinise Foundation to honor our Gold Star families. As a company, and as a nation, we owe it to them to never forget the sacrifice that continues long after the war is over.”
American team members volunteer their time in a variety of ways, including hosting special send-off celebrations at each of the departure airports, staffing the flights, assisting with activities, “decking the gates” with holiday decorations and providing refreshments and entertainment — all to make sure the Snowball Express families have an unforgettable experience each year.
“I’ve served as the Team Airlift coordinator for six years working with our pilots, flight attendants, gate agents and countless others to serve our Gold Star families,” said Jeff Graham, Airlift Coordinator and DFW-based First Officer at American. “Serving each of them is a privilege that we take on with love, compassion and pride.”
To learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express program, please visit garysinisefoundation.org. Additional information can also be found at aa.com/letgoodtakeflight. Follow this year’s festivities on social media with the hashtag #SnowballExpress2018.
Original source can be found here.
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