Blue Angels Send Off Fallen Soldiers’ Families On Snowball Express

December 11, 2011

The Blue Angels welcomed seven local families of fallen military heroes to the Pensacola International Airport Friday before their flight to a Snowball Express event in Texas.

Snowball Express is a charity organization for children of America’s fallen military heroes, and the team was honored to support this event, said Blue Angel #7 Lt. Mark Tedrow.

Blue Angels team members signed autographs, presented each child with a personalized lithograph, and spent time with the children in the USO center before their flight to North Texas to join nearly 1,700 other children and surviving spouses.

“It was a truly humbling and rewarding experience to be able to spend time with the sons, daughters and spouses of those service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Tedrow.

The event is a time for the families to do something fun, said April Lyons, whose husband, Niall, died in 2009. April’s son, John Patrick, was excited to interact with other children in a similar situation.

“I think they’re just excited to know they’re not alone,” said Sarah White, a mother of three.

White’s son, Seth, although it was his first time at Snowball Express, said he knew just what the event would be like.

“I know what to expect,” he said, giggling. “I’m gonna have fun.”

Blue Angels C-130 Pilot Marine Capt. A.J. Harrell said he hoped being part of the event helped the families’ healing process.

“I know the kids were excited,” Harrell added. “It meant a lot to be a part of that.”

Tedrow said the experience was special to him because it is important to remember the sacrifices of not only our fallen soldiers, but also their families.

“Our job as Blue Angels is to credibly represent the Sailors and Marines who are forward deployed all over the world,” he said, “but today was a great opportunity to honor and represent the fallen servicemen and women that are no longer with us.”

American Airlines provides transportation annually for families across the world to the Snowball Express event, where children and surviving spouses meet for a weekend of enjoyment. This year, the schedule includes visits to Six Flags Over Texas and the Mesquite Championship Rodeo.

Pictured: Seven families of fallen military heroes flew from Pensacola to Texas Friday on the “Snowball Express”.  Photos and article submitted by Rachel McMarr, Blue Angels Public Affairs, for NorthEscambia.com, click photos to enlarge.

Comments

4 Responses to “Blue Angels Send Off Fallen Soldiers’ Families On Snowball Express”

  1. Debbie Richardson on December 12th, 2011 1:53 pm

    So glad to see the smiling faces of these kids… American Airlines flight crews happily volunteer their time on these flights as our way to say thank you to the families of our fallen warriors… SNOWBALL EXPRESS is one small way AA participates with the USO and many other partners to provide Holiday fun for these deserving military families. Thanks, Blue Angels, for the great send off!

    Debbie Richardson
    Hollywood FL
    Miami based AA flt att
    (former Pensacola resident)

  2. LoveIt! on December 11th, 2011 11:25 pm

    I hope that the time spent at Snowball Express will help these hurting families. Thankful for what our military men and women do for us each day.

  3. Howard Mosse on December 11th, 2011 6:06 pm

    You guys are awsome. I was a recruiter for the Air Force. I met the Thunderbirds many times. I think what you are doing for these kids is the best thing ever.

  4. scooter on December 11th, 2011 3:44 am

    Fantastic USO, What a way to honor the fallen and their Families. What a great story. Keep up the good work

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News