Up ahead a felt snowball flew across the airport walkway. The next one beaned me in the head, and I laughed knowing I had arrived at American Airlines Gate A22 in Phoenix. We were here last year, and knew we needed to enter with vigilance. We used our arms as temporary shields, knowing the snowball fight had commenced and retaliation is imminent.
Look again, and you will notice, amidst the laughter, the waiting area is brimming with holiday decor. Santa, elves, superheroes, PGR, and military are present, and yet the VIPs today are children with one thing in common.
What is Snowball Express? The magnitude of this event is greater than us. We meet children who have witnessed full military honors, and been handed a flag that will not bring their parents home. We meet military spouses who are way ahead of us in understanding this thing called life. And beginning on this day, for five days, American Airlines flies families from all over the world to meet in Texas for a sparkle of Christmas, and the chance to believe in a bit of magic for a moment in time.
Mission Statement: To provide hope and new happy memories to the children of military fallen heroes who have died while on active duty since 9/11– Snowball Express
My Impressions: The staff, volunteers and military presence of the Snowball Express go above and beyond their commitment to make sure the children of our fallen know they are not alone. While they cannot fix it, what they do know is they can find a smile on every child who arrives.
One Gold Star mom said: This (loss) doesn’t ever go away, and people never really know what to say. Another, talks about her youngest daughter who never knew her dad, and still another who just misses having homework help. And yet they eloquently share four opinions:
- They do not want, or have time, for pity. They have things to do.
- They don’t want to be placed on a pedestal. They want normalcy.
- They have endless gratitude for events like Snowball Express, Camp Hometown Heroes and TAPS. It is here where kids can be kids, and share what no one else really understands. Loss.
- Remember.
You know that gift of time I always talk about?
It’s real.
Donna
Wind Kisses 
Wow. This is a very good activity. I didn’t know you haa this sort of events for the little ones. Good article.
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Thank you. This event is very moving and I feel very lucky to be invited each year. they have been doing it since 2006. Humbled every time I go. And as a Preschool educator, I know you know the value in what they do. Thank you again.
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Beautiful and hopeful. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you. Probably the most important event in my year. the lives of children….
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Beautiful post Donna. Time is precious! And this is a valuable use of time, building positive experiences for all these brave children, showing them that they matter, that they are not alone and empowering their voice! Another reason why your life is special Donna.
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Thank you Marie. As you know, it’s the little things that are the big things. I feel so lucky to be a part of this.
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Very well written, Donna. Should you ever get the chance to go there and volunteer…and there are HUNDREDS of volunteers….you would see what a huge affect this has in the families. They don’t win their battles there, but their armies grow as they share a common bond with the other families. SE is a step…or several steps…in a long, long process of healing for them. I went once, a number of years ago and I will return within the next year or two. For now, we will support them anyway we can here. I’ve made some tremendous friends in these families, and we’ve helped some of them of them in other ways after they return….so Snowball Express has residual effects, if you will excuse the pun, it “snowballs” into greater things.
Thanks for sharing Donna
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Thank you for taking time to read. Thank you for what you do to bring a twinkle to the eye of so many.
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I personally will return every year and hope to go to Texas one day to experience time there. Thank you again for everything you do .
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What an amazing event! I really love the last image of Santa walking behind the troops.
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Thanks Terri. It is hard to put it all into words, but I think I needed to try. It is too important not to.
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You were indeed successful!
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Than you.
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This is beautifully written.
I am glad you bringing awareness to it.
This has been my 3rd year bring able to participate in this event, to me it’s one of the volunteer events I really look for.
This year was more younger kids then what it has been, but looking at there smiling faces during our snowfights, having conversations with the older once being part of there journey is priceless and rewarding.
I will see you there again next year Donna
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Yes. I am so humbled by the entire experience,and not just by the families going, but by the volunteers and the staff of AA who make this happen. I won’t miss another one.
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