From Sea to Shining Sea the Gary Sinise Foundation paid for trips to Walt Disney World for literally hundreds of children of Gold Star families in the 2018 “Snowball Express.” Why? Because Christmas is tough on people who have lost loved ones in the military.
From SEA-Tac airport in Seattle/Tacoma, Washington:
NATCA members across the country support our #GoldStarFamilies who are enjoying #SnowballExpress2018 in Orlando. Members at Seattle Tacoma ATCT (SEA) are proud to support #SnowballExpress! @AmericanAir @NATCACharitable @GarySiniseFound pic.twitter.com/FX9adLhIcM
— NATCA (@NATCA) December 10, 2018
To LAX- Los Angeles
Over 1000 Gold Star Children travel w/ surviving parent, 1,750 in all, via @americanair to Disney World today as part of our @GarySiniseFound Snowball Express program. This charter left LAX this morning. I’ll join up in a few days. Have fun kids! We love you! pic.twitter.com/OfMEpVF1er
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) December 8, 2018
To Nashville International Airport where everything came to a standstill while someone performed the Star Spangled Banner.
And on to Walt Disney World:
We Remember.
Each flag representing the fallen hero of over 600 families attending @GarySiniseFound 2018 Snowball Express event at @WaltDisneyWorld
Thank you to these Gold Star families, our amazing volunteers and all who supported our event. pic.twitter.com/lr0TfBEXx6— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) December 12, 2018
The Gary Sinise Foundation website says,
“The holidays can be especially challenging for grieving families. Each December, we host a five-day experience for 1,750+ children of the fallen and their surviving parent or guardian. As a therapeutic retreat with a blend of fun and inspiring programs, these families can lean on their peers for support.”
Airports even got in on the act, as Santa arrived in Killeen, Texas, and saluting soldiers stood at attention during the National Anthem in Nashville, or the special tote bags given to participants at Sea-Tac from the National Air Traffic Controller Association.
Gary Sinise is well known for his charitable acts for US military veterans and troops, as well as Gold Star families. Thank you, Mr. Sinise!
Featured photo: Screenshot of Nashville airport during singing of the National Anthem.