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Ongoing partnership to bring thousands of family members of fallen heroes to the most magical place on earth
FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines announced today that it has joined forces once again with the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) to support the annual Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express. Now in its 20th year, the annual event is dedicated to honoring the families of both fallen U.S. military service members and first responders.
Over two weeks in December, American will donate 16 charter aircraft and millions of AAdvantage® miles to bring more than 2,600 family members to Walt Disney World Resort for an all-expenses-paid experience. Families will travel from 29 departure cities across the globe — spanning Alaska and Hawaii to Germany, Guam and more.
Airport team welcomes young travelers ahead of their flight.
Family enjoy exploring the magic of Walt Disney World.
Team members wave farewell to families ahead of the departure.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, American will coordinate air and ground transportation for nearly 1,600 families of fallen military heroes. Ten charter flights will depart from 21 cities across the country, heading to Orlando International Airport (MCO). One week later, on Saturday, Dec. 13, six additional charter flights will transport approximately 1,000 family members of fallen First Responders from eight departure cities.
“The mission of Snowball Express is to unite the families of the fallen and create new happy memories during the holiday season. This is just one of many ways American continues to honor the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Randy Stillinger, American’s Manager of Military and Veterans Initiatives. “Through our partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, we want to remind these families that their loved ones’ service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Child walking down Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World.
Snowball Express families boarding flight.
Team members and volunteers welcome families to MCO airport.
Each year, more than 1,000 American Airlines team members dedicate their time to bring this magical event to life. This includes pilots and flight attendants who donate their days off as well as airport teams who organize special send-off ceremonies and memorable inflight experiences. Their dedication reflects American’s ongoing commitment to honoring the legacies of those who have served, while supporting their families with compassion, care and a bit of holiday cheer this season.
About American Airlines Group
As a leading global airline, American Airlines offers thousands of flights per day to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. To Care for People on Life’s Journey®.
ABOUT THE GARY SINISE FOUNDATION
Gary Sinise is an award-winning actor and humanitarian, best known for his roles in CSI:NY, Apollo 13, and his Oscar-nominated performance in the film Forrest Gump as the wounded Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor. An advocate for our nation’s defenders since the 1980s, after 9/11 Sinise began a tireless crusade to support America’s military and first responders around the world with handshake tours and concerts with his band, the Lt. Dan Band. In 2011, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation as an extension of those efforts. Today, the Foundation is building custom homes for severely wounded heroes, honoring and supporting the families of our fallen, providing essential equipment and training for first responders, improving the mental wellness of our defenders, and so much more. For more information and to support, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.