Gary Sinise is a world famous actor to most but to others, he is simply a kind and compassionate human being. He is someone who will stop at nothing to help others and we love him for that. As someone who has served in the armed forces himself, he is well aware of the sacrifices that they are forced to make. That’s why he started The Gary Sinise Foundation.
Now, he is looking to extend an even bigger helping hand. The families of fallen soldiers are often neglected. He is looking to change all of that. He started the Snowball Express program last year, allowing over 1,000 children to head to Disney World. It took 15 private airplanes to send everyone down but Sinise was more than happy to foot that bill.
What a sendoff for families as they board the Snowball Express! @INDairport -> Chicago -> Orlando for a special holiday trip in honor of their loved ones who died while serving our country. @GarySiniseFound @GarySinise @DoubleGee18 @WTHRcom #WTHRSunrise pic.twitter.com/ZWNAfnckBk
— Anna Carrera (@AnnaWTHR) December 8, 2018
The families that were whisked away were treated to a five day vacation at the happiest place on earth. Strangers and staff alike were asked to treat the children as if they were VIPs. Each of the children that were placed on these airplanes had laid a parent to rest because they were lost in the line of duty. In Gary’s mind, it was the least that he could do.
Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express 2018 at Walt Disney World in Orlando this year! A chance to heal, connect with other Gold Star families, and celebrate! 1,722 family members of our fallen heroes at the happiest place on earth. pic.twitter.com/zdE4gcEwiM
— GarySiniseFoundation (@GarySiniseFound) December 10, 2018
He believes that it is important for these children to remember that they are never forgotten. The Snowball Express has been in operation for several years now but Sinise is making sure that things are taken to the next level. We are glad to see that someone is taking the time to remember these children. In a world where veterans are consistently given their just dues, their loved ones are often lost in the shuffle.
I witnessed an international airport come to a complete stop today … At the Nashville airport I walked out into the concourse to this scene @americanairlines was flying a plane full of children who had lost a parent in combat, to Disneyworld on an all expenses paid trip and they threw a party for them at the gate❤️But when they announced them over the loud speaker and they lined up to board the plane the whole airport literally stopped and sang the national anthem with military present in salute. Most every person standing around, myself included was bawling at the sight of these kids and spouses who have paid so great a price for our country. To see all of this at Christmas time was so humbling. Seeing the general public in an airport stand still to honor these kids was simply beauitful. @bna_airport #nashville #fallenwarriors Gary Sinise Foundation #america #snowballexpress #christmas Garysinise
Posted by Jen Tringale on Saturday, December 8, 2018
No one ever stops to think about what will become of the children that are left behind in these instances. Thankfully, Sinise is stepping up to fill the void. These children deserve this amazing treat and we hope that Sinise is able to keep this program alive in the future. This is one of the more heartwarming stories that we have come across in some time.
It is always great to see entertainers taking the time to reinvest in the world around them. Being rich and famous can lead to a certain level of disconnect. Kudos to Gary for remaining well rounded and down to earth. Hopefully, other stars will take heed and help out when needed. Please be sure to pass this heartwarming story along to your closest friends and loved ones!
