Actor Gary Sinise has dedicated a number of years to supporting veteran causes — whether it’s volunteering or building homes for wounded veterans, he’s a big advocate.

The Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express serves the children of fallen military heroes. Each year, children and spouses of fallen soldiers are treated to an all-expenses-paid five-day vacation in Orlando, Florida. The retreat offers a fun and inspiring program that encourage critical peer-to-peer support for these families and their loved ones.

Last night at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL, Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express families visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where they took a prehistoric trip to DinoLand U.S.A. Today, they’re visiting the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. #GSFSBE #SnowballExpress pic.twitter.com/v7ymyPUx1v

— GarySiniseFoundation (@GarySiniseFound) December 9, 2019

On December 7, American Airlines loaded up 15 airplanes with 1,750 children and spouses from Dallas, Chicago, Nashville and Los Angles and headed to Orlando. As a co-sponsor for the program, American Airlines provides not only the air travel but flight staff and hundreds of team member who volunteer.

Each airport had a special sendoff for the families, with people dressed up in festive gear, cheering and singing Christmas carols. According to American Airlines Customer Service Manager Nora Hilton, this was the largest turnout the airline has had in 14 years. Sinise’s stated that this annual event, this year marking number 14,  is done for children who have lost a parent in military service, either combat-related or illness, and want to make sure the children know that they aren’t forgotten. Although the Gold Star Family may be grieving, the program aims to provide a memorable experience where they can access support, make positive memories, create new bonds, and build a community with those who understand their loss.

The annual Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express event at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL is right around the corner. Look back at 2018 and see your donations touch Gold Star families at the Most Magical Place on Earth. #SBEGSF #SnowballExpress https://t.co/zWPLmB0jve pic.twitter.com/hRbDWOPr0g

— GarySiniseFoundation (@GarySiniseFound) December 4, 2019

In 2017, Snowball Express became an official Gary Sinise Foundation initiative and they’re committed to maintaining the wonderful traditions while finding new and exciting ways to serve families of the fallen.

The foundation originally started in 2006 from a letter that was written by a fallen soldier to his wife, only to be opened if he died in battle. He wrote that he had always wanted to take his kids to Disney.

So cool!!