Thank you from the bottom of my heart for our Snowball Express trip!!! Words alone could never be enough to say thank you for what the trip meant to us. We are still talking about the wonderful time we had. I had never\met any other fallen heroes families, and it was so wonderful to me to meet others that know how you feel!!! It was so nice to see the kids smile and interact with the other children!! God bless you and your family and all the wonderful volunteers who made this happen. We will forever be grateful.
- Amy Stoddard and kids, wife of fallen hero James J Stoddard, Jr. 1976-2005

I'd like to take this time to thank EVERYONE who made an impact on my son DJ. That was the first time he was able to interact with children just like him. Words will never even come close to saying how truly thankful we are for being able to meet and fellowship with so many wonderful people who have been through the storm, and with prayer and organizations like Snowball, we are able to see a bit of light at the end of an endless dark tunnel. God bless you all
- Love, Dee, mother of DJ Torres

The weekend in California meant so much to us. My 3-year-old, who only knew her Daddy during her first two weeks of life, kept saying 'they are doing all of this because my Daddy is a hero'. I said this to one of the pilots, but I have to repeat it, this is the first time in a very long time that the smile actually reached my 10-year-old son's eyes! It meant so much to me to see my son really happy for the first time in over 3 years! We were so blessed to meet such incredible families and volunteers out there
- the friendships we made will last a lifetime! When we got home, we had a package of toys waiting for us - it was like the weekend never ended! Have a wonderful and blessed holiday season!
- Jackie Syverson, proud wife of Maj. Paul Syverson

To dear people that gave me and my 3 kids the best vacation since the loss of my husband, father of 5 and grandfather of 3.The kids really loved Oakley the best. Disney was just an added favor. This was our 1st plane trip. We had so many stories and free stuff to share with family and friends. We would love to thank everyone at Snowball Express, TAPS, American Airlines, all the airports, Oakley and Virginia Link for everything. We are already planning next year’s trip.
Love, The Jones Family

Thank you so much for everything!! From the beginning to the end, it was wonderful. It was our first flight and the fear we had at the beginning was replaced with fun. There are a lot of phone calls, emails and visits when a love one dies. As time presses on the calls and visits are few and eventually they stop. Snowball Express and all of the wonderful volunteers made us feel like someone still cares about the children. We met quite a few people that we are going to keep in contact with and I can't say thank you enough for the new memories. I was almost in tears when the plane landed. There was a box waiting for the children when we got home and I had to fight back the tears again. Disneyland was great but the dinner and Oakley meant a lot, to be in the presence of so many people who have been through the same thing. Awesome. May God bless each and every one of you. Thank you again and again.
Tonya Williams and Jordan and Jamal Wright

How do we begin to thank you, for all your kindness? Last year, 2006, when we (myself and my two children, Ben and Jen) went to Snowball Express, we were still in very much in shock. We really did try to enjoy the fun, but all we thought of was the death of my husband and their father SFC Daniel A. Suplee; it had been only two months since his death. So when we were invited back this year, we were very excited. This time around, we really enjoyed seeing many friends from last year. To see how many people support our troops and their families is such a touching and wonderful sight to us. The concert was so amazing; it was my children's very first and they weren't sure how to act, but they told me they enjoyed it. On the way to Oakley, we read many signs of welcome but the best one we read was "Our Hero, Your Dad". When I read that, I poured out the tears. My daughter Jen said, "Mom, this the first time I feel like crying". It got to her also. How wonderful of Snowball Express to bring back all the families from state to state. I stopped believing in God when Dan died and was very angry. But with all the caring and supporting people out there, how can there not be a God? So again, we thank you for allowing us to return and we are hopeful we will be able to attend 2008.
The Proud Family Of SFC Daniel A. Suplee, Husband and Father and Best Friend

I want to say Thank You Snowball Express and the sponsors and all the volunteers for an unforgettable weekend. We are all so grateful for the generosity of Snowball Express and American Airlines. What fun my kids had…their smiles and laugher were priceless. Again, thank you all.
From The Rivera Family.... AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY!

My family was unable to attend the event due to my falling ill the day we were scheduled to travel. I ultimately spent the entire weekend in bed while my parents took care of the kids. My children, especially my 10-year-old, were extremely upset and disappointed when they didn't get to go on the trip. Today, they received a package in the mail which made them both extremely happy. Though they didn't get to go, they know that others out there are thinking of them anyway and they were not forgotten. Thank you so much from my family to yours.
Sincerely, The Will Family

I lost my husband in 2005 in Iraq and my son, who was four at the time, always felt alone. He always said that he was the only one at his school who did not have a dad. Snowball Express has changed that for him and I would really like to extend my gratitude for making a difference in our lives and helping me to feel like there are people out there who do care. I love each and every one of you. This past weekend was a very emotional weekend for me because I felt loved and I felt like I was part of a family. I want to also thank all the volunteers for making this weekend special. Words are not enough to express how I feel right now. I miss my husband and there is nothing that will bring him back to me or our son, but you guys made me see that people still love and care for others regardless. Thanks. Could you please extend my thanks to all the major supporters and partners of Snowball Express. We (Jordan and I) really appreciate you all! Thanks and God Bless you all!!
Suzette Prince

You have given the full measure of loving expression far beyond words to the children who do not understand the confusing sense of loss and despair in a world that seems too overwhelming with only one parent.
With love and Respect, Mi'chele, Gabriel and Adrian Melendez-Cetto

Dear Snowball Express:

My daughter and I attended the Snowball Express event last year in southern California, 6 months after the death of my husband and 3 three months after the birth of our third child.  My husband was a Commander in the Navy and the Commanding Officer of a helicopter squadron in Jacksonville, FL when his helo went down and killed all five crew members aboard.  Today, May 7, is the 1 year anniversary of his death.  I think I was looking for some reason to get out of bed this morning other than having to take care of three children, ages 9, 2 and 8 months so I logged onto your site  looking for information on the 2008 event and happily I found it.

Thankfully I found so much more than information today.  I realized I found hope.  You see, I started thinking about last year's event. I thought about the hundreds of people who lined the streets on our way to the Oakley facility, I thought about the people who volunteered their time and money.  I thought about the other families who attended the Snowball Express and I thought about the many people in our lives who have been here to hold our hands and help us through this painful time, of which,  Snowball Express played a big part.  I realized that I am very lucky because of the love and support I have received from people I know and people I don't know.  I found hope today for my family’s future and I found the strength to go on because so many people care.

I read Roy's blog and found out about the wonderful events that are taking place to help this year's event happen.  I can only image the logistics of organizing such a huge event and I was a meeting planner before I had kids! It kinda boggles the mind when you know what goes into these events and it makes me that much more grateful for all of your unending energy, enthusiasm and drive.

Last years event really helped my daughter open up about her dads death.  I think it helped her, and me, to see there are other children in her situation and who share her grief.  She talks about the Snowball Express often and shares her experience whenever there is an opportunity.  She is looking forward to coming again this year.  Your staff and volunteers were so caring and helpful.  It was a good start on our long road of healing.  This year I hope to bring my 9 year old daughter and my 2 year old son to the event. 

Sorry to be rambling on and on when all I simply wanted to say was thank you.

-Kathy Sheahan

FROM OTHERS WHO OBSERVED THE EVENT, SUPPORTED IT OR VOLUNTEERED IN SOME WAY.

Todd and I just want to express our thanks to everyone involved with Snowball Express. We had one of the most meaningful experiences of a lifetime. Although we were only involved during the weekend, so many lives touched us. Everyone seemed to jump in and help where they could to make it an unforgettable time for the children. As the mother of a fallen warrior, words can't begin to express the appreciation I felt watching my own grandson enjoy the events. It also provided the time for Gold Star families to share and comfort each other. We will be on hand next year if you need our help again. It would be an honor. Thank you again! Debbie

I'm writing to you because I went to Disneyland this past weekend on Dec. 1st and 2nd. While waiting in a line, I noticed a lady’s long tag around her neck which was also on her 3 kid’s necks so I asked what it was about. The mom went on to tell me that she lost her husband in Iraq and how much Snowball Express has done for her and her family. My family and I didn't know whether we should be happy or just cry for that family. Throughout the day, we went on to see numerous people with the same tags from your organization. It truly made us feel and see the hurt/loss that these families have endured and for most of them, this was their first time at Disneyland. I had my two sons with me that day and they are ages 5 and 2 and I can't imagine them having to endure the pain that the children we saw did. Thank you for what you have done for these military families!!! Disneyland was a very humbling experience that day as we saw a lot of excitement but also sadness in many of the military families faces. It's nice to know that there are a lot of caring people who want to show people that they love them and are thankful for their dedication to our country! You are a great blessing to this country! God Bless You!
Sincerely, Ms. Hernandez

Hi, I don't need information, I just wanted to give a HUGE THANK YOU for all that was done for our family, and so many others, by Snowball Express. I wasn't sure who to contact so I just went here... I am a nanny for the Gilbert family, a widowed mom with 5 children 10 and under. We brought the oldest three to this year's event and I know that it was fun and magical for the kids and definitely life-changing for their mother. I was extremely happy for her, to see the friendships she made with other moms who could truly identify with her in where she is in her life now, and to see the kids make quick friends who also are in similar situations. I was moved to see so many young mothers who are devoted to their children and to giving them a wonderful life despite enduring such tragedy. I am so thankful to all of the people at Snowball who just loved on our family for four days - from the moment of arrival to the moment of departure. My heart was touched by the generosity, kindness, and outpour of love that I witnessed in my short time there. I came home and told my family about the experience and they were also blown away. My brother-in-law asked if Snowball accepts donations and I gave him a hearty yes! I will pass on the link to him.
With great heartfelt thanks, Jess

It was our pleasure to volunteer this year to support the ongoing success for Snowball Express. Words alone cannot explain the fulfillment that we derived from these families. I must admit, our first intention was to bring some comfort, if only for a single weekend, for these brave souls, however, I found myself asking how I can do more, for I became somewhat selfish and wanted to do more for my benefit. To be involved with these families was truly rewarding. The appreciation they showed was amazing, for it was they who we were to show our appreciation and they turned the table. I hope Southern California will be the host again next year so we can throw a larger and even more successful party. The ball is just beginning to gain momentum and I'm afraid if it's relocated elsewhere you'll need to start all over. Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts and I look forward to becoming even more involved next year.
The Palmers, Huntington Beach, California

FROM THE BAND, CTS, OF PHOENIX, AZ WHO PERFORMED FOR THE FAMILIES<

Dear CTS Friends, Words cannot express what an awesome weekend we had performing at Oakley headquarters last weekend. We arrived in LA on Friday night and it was pouring rain. On Saturday, when we got up, it was cloudy but not rainy. We set up and sound checked on this awesome stage and then several thousand families arrived for a day of fun. These families are truly heroes, as every one of them had lost a dad or mom in the recent war. I talked to several women with children there that told me they lost their husbands last year in Iraq. This event was truly a wonderful day and CTS was proud to be a part of it. You can watch NBC news tonight on your national affiliate and check out the event. Thank you for your support as our fans and, because of all of you, CTS is performing at these incredible events. Also, check out iTunes and search under CTS or Jeff Senour, as our music is now available.
Thanks again, Jeff and the Guys at CTS

FROM THE AMERICAN AIRLINE PILOTS, FLIGHT ATTENDANTS AND EMPLOYEES WHO HELPED MAKE THE EVENT SO SPECIAL.

Thank you for all that you do for the families of our military. I have not been able to stop thinking about Snowball Express and the families I had the honor to get to know. You have done a wonderful thing, Roy. Snowball Express is a hugely fun thing for the families but it is also so much more than that. Just the fact that someone cares to do something special for them is priceless. The opportunity for these children to interact with each other has to be important to their healing. What I observed and learned from the families on that trip will be with me forever. You were right when you said this would change our lives. I love the children I got to know and I miss them. One Mom told me that since her husband’s death, his family has shut them out of their lives. Now these children have not only lost a father but have lost his family and their grandparents. We can't even begin to know all that's going on with these families. One of the fathers is buried about an hour from my home in Harrisburg, PA. Adrianne and I are planning to go up there during the holidays.

I'm also so proud of American Airlines. With all that has gone on over the past several years, we sometimes have trouble seeing where the good is in our company. American stepped up to the plate. Wow! I wish I could personally thank all of the corporate sponsors, Oakley in particular, Gary Sinese, the volunteers, the Patriot Guard and everyone who helped to put a tear in my eye and a smile on the faces of these children and their parents. Especially you, Roy. I will never forget you. I have seen the face of a person who just wants to make things better. Thank you.

I got the e-mail asking us to write something about one of the families we got to know. I'm planning to do this. I feel especially close to a couple of the families and I just need to decide which I would like to write about. You may remember that I lost my voice on the third day of the event. Yesterday was the first day that I have been able to speak at all so I haven't been able to fly this month. I'm on the sick list but hope I'll be able to go off it in a day or two. I feel fine now but I couldn't evacuate a plane. It is what it is and it will get better. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas. This year, all of our family will be home for Christmas, including the three grandchildren, ages 3, 2, and 1. I'm so excited. This is going to be a very fun year. Thank you again, Roy. I was honored to be a part of Snowball Express.
Diane, AA Flight Attendant

As I spoke to you in my first conference call to volunteer to be a part of Snowball Express, I was told it would change my life. Truer words have never been spoken, and in so many ways. First, it made me so very proud of the company I’ve been employed with for nearly 30 years. My company made these airplanes available and supported this amazing tribute to our fallen heroes and their families. I have never felt as proud to be an AA Flight Attendant as I did Nov 29-Dec 3. At Disneyland, we wore shirts with SBE and American Airlines on them and standing in line for a ride, a lady asked me what Snowball Express was. I was happy to explain and to say I was an employee of American Airlines. Her eyes misted over and she gave me a hug because she was a Vietnam baby and knew what this must have meant for these kids. She said "You can never know the positive impact of this on these kids and families, to know that people really care about them."

The charter flights I "worked" had to be the most fun flights I have ever been a part of. The kids were so excited and made many pictures and notes thanking AA and Snowball Express for this opportunity. We decorated the airplane with them and it was the messiest and most beautiful airplane I have ever seen.

At our hotel and during the activities and bus rides, I had the pleasure to hear many of the wives’ stories. They were so eager to talk about the person they loved, their hero, and the father of their children. I must say, I am still experiencing an emotional roller coaster. These families are now a part of me and I felt like I had lost all of their loved ones, as well; I had just lost them all in one weekend. So I found myself mourning for the men and women I had never met, yet so excited to have met the strong and brave and loving families they left behind. So you see, my life will never be the same. Prior to the Snowball Express, I hurt when I watched the news and we had lost another American hero, but I saw it through the only pair of eyes I had at the time. My vision has now been enhanced and I have never seen more clearly. I am so very proud to be an American citizen and an American employee.
Shirley, AA Flight Attendant

Please extend our thanks to all those who helped make the arrival at LAX a successful one from my perspective. Truthfully, I had a difficult time holding back tears of gratitude from the time I saw the water canon salute as the aircraft entered the C10 alleyway lead by an Airfield Ops vehicle fully lit...to the entrance of our special guests as they deplaned through a line of TSA, LAWA, G2, AA, AE employees and appreciative customers stretching from the terminal door at gate 45 to the Admirals Clubs (almost the checkpoint).

I'm told I may not have been alone on the tears front. I hear that some of those providing the reception (employees to customers) may have shed a tear or two, as well as our honored guests.

Please extend our thanks to all those who cared enough to demonstrate their care, respect and support.
Thanks, Barry