It’s again that time of year, when the Gary Sinise Foundation and the various flights called the “Snowball Express” gather families of fallen soldiers to take them to Orlando Florida for a few days at Walt Disney World.

Today begins our GSF Snowball Express #14. Over 1000 Gold Star Children travel with surviving parent or guardian, over 1,750 in all, via our travel partner @AmericanAir to Disney World as part of our @GarySiniseFound Snowball Express program. pic.twitter.com/lvDfMhXXcR

— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) December 7, 2019

This charter left Los Angeles this morning with 91 kids, 176 in all, and I got to take these photos with them before they left. I’ll join up in a few days. Have fun kids! We love you! pic.twitter.com/jPRuZ0iuIp

— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) December 7, 2019

American Airlines brings out more than a dozen planes  and according to Fox17:

“American Airlines chartered flights with all volunteer crews to make stops in more than 20 cities to make this happen.”

Many of the stops were filled with uniformed men and women coming to pay respects and see the families off on their trip. There were also a lot of special activities and send offs from the various airports around the country.

Nearly 1,700 children and their families left to attend this year’s event. According to American Airlines:

“During the trip, families will visit Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida, where they will also 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. Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express (GSF SBE) will offer a variety of activities and entertainment, including a concert from Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.”

What started the Snowball Express:

The annual event started in 2006, when the widow of a fallen soldier received a letter that was only to be opened if he died in battle. Among the wishes listed in the letter was one that he wanted his family to visit Disneyland. That letter inspired what would become the Snowball Express.

I wish all the families attending this year an amazing trip. I want to thank them for their sacrifice and I want to thank all the volunteers, sponsors, American Airlines and the Gary Sinise Foundation. I think they are all teaching us a thing or two about honor and kindness.

If you would like to learn more about this program, and many other initiatives for soldiers and their families, or you would like to donate, you can do so HERE.

What do you think? Comment and let us know!

Source: News.aa.com, Fox17, Fox 10 Phoenix,