The Snowball Express: A Heartwarming Tradition for Military Families
Actor Gary Sinise, best known for his iconic roles inForrest GumpandCSI: NY, has been involved in a deeply meaningful initiative that brings comfort and joy to the families of fallen military heroes. This program, called the “Snowball Express,” is part of the Gary Sinise Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families.
The Snowball Express is an annual event that offers a five-day experience for over 1,700 children of fallen service members, as well as surviving spouses or guardians. While many online claims suggest that the program takes place at Disneyland in California, the actual location is Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. This detail is often overlooked in social media posts, which can lead to confusion about where the event is held.
What the Program Includes
According to the Gary Sinise Foundation’s website, the Snowball Express is designed to provide both healing and entertainment. Participants enjoy a mix of fun activities, inspiring programs, and time to honor their loved ones’ sacrifices. The event includes special moments such as a sunrise procession at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, where hundreds of Disney cast members, many of whom are military veterans, line the streets to show respect for the families.
While the foundation covers most of the major costs—such as airfare, lodging, meals, and theme park passes—families are responsible for some expenses, like airport transportation and luggage fees. This means that while the program is largely free, there are minimal out-of-pocket costs for participating families.
Origins of the Snowball Express
The Snowball Express has a unique and touching origin story. It began in 2003 when U.S. Army Private First-Class Jesse Givens wrote a letter to his wife before being deployed to Iraq. In the letter, he expressed a wish that his family visit Disney Parks if he didn’t return. That wish was fulfilled in 2006 when his family and others from fallen military families visited Disneyland.
Gary Sinise became involved in 2007 when he and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, performed for these families. In 2017, the Gary Sinise Foundation took over the program, and the first retreat at Walt Disney World took place in 2018, starting an annual tradition. Since then, more than 17,000 children of fallen military heroes and first responders have participated in the Snowball Express.
How the Program Operates
The Snowball Express is open to children and surviving family members of those who served on or after September 11, 2001, and whose deaths occurred on or after that date. The program is funded through donations, partnerships, and the generosity of the American public.
Families from across the country and even overseas, including locations like Europe and Guam, attend the event each year. The experience allows them to connect with one another, celebrate the lives of their loved ones, and enjoy the magic of Disney.
Social Media and Public Perception
The program has gained significant attention on social media platforms like Instagram, X, Threads, and Facebook. Many users shared photos of Sinise with families wearing Mickey Mouse ear headbands, highlighting what they believed to be an act of incredible kindness. These posts often emphasized the idea that the program is entirely free, though it is important to note that some costs are still incurred by families.
Despite this, the sentiment behind the Snowball Express remains powerful. It provides a rare opportunity for military families to come together, find support, and create lasting memories.
Conclusion
The claim that Gary Sinise has brought over 1,000 children of fallen service members to Disney theme parks is mostly true. While the program is not entirely free, it covers the majority of costs and offers a transformative experience for thousands of families. Through the Snowball Express, Sinise and the Gary Sinise Foundation continue to honor the sacrifices of military heroes and provide comfort to those who have lost loved ones.
