American Airlines, the official airline of Snowball Express, flew more than 1700 children and spouses of fallen U.S. military personnel on an all-expenses-paid journey to Dallas/Fort Worth for the third year. December 9 – 13, 2011, these families enjoyed a few days of holiday activities, building new memories and friendships along the way.

Snowball Express is a nonprofit organization established in 2006. Their mission is to provide hope and new memories for the children of fallen military heroes who have died in active duty since 9/11. This year’s trip to Dallas/Fort Worth originated in 75 cities across the country, as well as international locations including Germany, Guam and the Philippines.

Among this year’s Snowball Express events:

• A welcome tribute for the families at the American Airlines Center at Victory Park
• A private performance at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo (where the children will participate in some of the events)
• A visit to Six Flags Over Texas – Holiday in the Park
• A day of music and fun with the Booker T. Washington School of Performing and Visual Arts at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas
• A private performance by Dallas native and Las Vegas ventriloquist/entertainer Terry Fator