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Late last week, some 40 children and spouses of fallen military heroes flew out of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport on American Airlines to join other families from around the country who have lost soldiers for the 9th annual “Snowball Express.”
Snowball Express is a nonprofit organization established in 2006 to bring hope and new memories to the children of military members who have died while on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. It provides an all-expense-paid weekend of celebrations and special activities in Dallas/Fort Worth each year.
As the official airline of the Snowball Express, American transported families from 72 cities this year via 10 chartered and 51 commercial flights. American employees volunteer their time to host send-off celebrations, staff the trip and assist with other activities. The Savannah send-off featured refreshments, a double line of American flags and cheering well-wishers guiding the families through the terminal and, of course, Santa and his elves.
“The families of fallen soldiers have paid the ultimate price for our country and our freedom,” said Doug Parker, American’s chairman and CEO. “All of us at American Airlines are deeply grateful for their sacrifice.”
The four-day celebration began when the Snowball Express flights arrived and were greeted with “a Texas-sized welcome” Thursday evening at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. On Saturday morning, crowds lined Fort Worth’s main thoroughfare to express their gratitude as nearly 2,000 families of the fallen participated in the “Walk of Gratitude” from the Fort Worth Convention Center to Sundance Square Plaza. The rest of the long weekend was filled with parties, sporting events and other special activities.
The families arrived home Monday night.
“This time of year can be very difficult for military families who have lost a loved one,” said Buck Kern, executive director of Snowball Express. “It’s extremely moving to hear participants talk about what their Snowball Express experience means to them.”
