Gary Sinise Foundation Flies Military Families to Disney World
Actor Gary Sinise, the force behind the Gary Sinise Foundation, recently made headlines for taking military families to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The foundation organized the Snowball Express event, which saw about 80 family members of fallen military heroes traveling to Orlando from LAX on a donated American Airlines plane. The flight was staffed with a crew of volunteers who made the event a spectacular success.
Speaking to CBS News, Sinise expressed his gratitude for being able to make this event a reality for families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. “A lot of families have sacrificed in service to our country and for me to be able to go out there and wrap my arms around them and tell them we don’t forget, and that we appreciate them, that means a lot,” he said.
The event allows families to connect and heal, with many of them expressing that this is their only vacation all year. Dala Encinas, who lost her husband, said, “It’s like a large family reunion. We grew up with a lot of these families … this is the chance where we get to reconnect and just kind of get to laugh and remind each other it’s okay to laugh, but it’s also okay to cry and remember and honor our loved ones.”
The Snowball Express event at Disney World hosted over 700 families of fallen military heroes, giving them an opportunity to remember and honor their loved ones while enjoying a special trip to the theme park.
Executive Director of the Gary Sinise Foundation Donna Palmer stressed the importance of showing these families that they are not forgotten. She said, “It’s so important because it gives us an opportunity for us to show them they are not forgotten. It gives them that special sacred place to remember, but then they can take that special memory and go into the park.”
The Gary Sinise Foundation was launched in 2011 and supports thousands of families of fallen military heroes year-round through empowerment workshops and regional community events such as the Snowball Express event at Walt Disney World Resort.
This foundation is dedicated to serving the defenders of the country and their families. Sinise stated, “While our programs and projects have certainly made a difference in many lives, there’s much more work to be done.”
In a time when many in Hollywood ignore or overlook the sacrifices made by military heroes and their families, Gary Sinise continues to show his dedication to supporting them. Each year, he steps up to help the families of military heroes who sacrificed their lives for America, standing as an example of spreading compassion and support.
Gary Sinise’s efforts to support and honor the families of fallen military heroes are not unnoticed. His foundation continues to make a significant impact on these families and the community at large, providing them with opportunities to heal and bond while remembering their loved ones.
The foundation’s commitment to empowering and supporting military families through workshops and community events, such as the Snowball Express, highlights its dedication to serving those who have defended the country. Gary Sinise’s ongoing efforts and advocacy for military families have made a profound impact and shown the importance of supporting those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
In conclusion, the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express event showcased the unwavering dedication of the foundation in providing support and compassion to military families. The event at Disney World was a heartwarming opportunity for families to remember their loved ones and experience moments of joy and healing. The foundation’s efforts, spearheaded by Gary Sinise, serve as a testament to the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by military heroes and their families.
Additionally, the foundation’s commitment to supporting military families year-round underscores its profound impact and the meaningful difference it continues to make in the lives of those who have given so much to their country. Gary Sinise’s ongoing dedication to military families is a beacon of hope and compassion in an industry where their sacrifices are often overlooked, highlighting the importance of honoring and supporting those who have served their nation.
