COSTA MESA, California, Sept. 26, 2007 – American Airlines has signed on as the “Official Airline of Snowball Express” (www.snowballexpress.org) and will donate the majority of air travel required to bring nearly 1,500 U.S. military family members who lost spouses, fathers and mothers in the global conflict against terror to and from this year’s commemorative event, November 29 – December 2, in Southern California,according to Snowball Express Foundation president Roy White, a former Air Force Lt. Colonel and a pilot with Southwest Airlines. 

“We cannot thank American Airlines enough for their generosity,” said White.  “We know this relationship with families of these fallen heroes will be a rewarding experience not just for them as they travel to this wonderful event, but also to the employees of American Airlines.  This is an example for others to follow. You will bring smiles and provide memories to many children and surviving spouses.”

Captain Steve Blankenship, American Airlines managing director of Veterans Initiatives, said, “American Airlines is honored to be the official airline of Snowball Express, supporting our service members, veterans and their families. This commitment is at the core of our values and represents the very spirit of our airline and employees.”

The families will fly into Orange County, Los Angeles and Ontario airports. Additional assistance is being provided by the Veterans Airlift Command,  www.veteransairlift.orga nonprofit organization providing free air transportation towounded soldiers, veterans and their families for medical and compassionate purposes through a national network of aircraft owners and pilots.  They will be flying families directly to the event from West Coast cities and bringing families to the staging cities to link up with American Airlines charter flights on the East Coast.

Families will attend a dinner and concert in their honor on November 30, from 6-9:30 pm at The Grove in Anaheim starring Gary Sinise (of Forrest Gump, CSI: NY) and the Lt. Dan Band, a rock group he co-founded.  Sinise and TriWest Healthcare Alliance have underwritten the cost of the evening as their way of saying thanks to the families. 

On Saturday, the families will be taken to Oakley Corporation headquarters where employees will again this year present a wide array of excitement, entertainment, visits from celebrities and a carnival-like experience. Returning founding sponsors Quiksilver, Panda Express, OutBack Steakhouse and Pepsi will provide food and beverages.

White said that other generous contributions were provided by Southwest Airlines, FarHeap Solutions, the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel, Marriott Resort Newport Beach, MarriottResort Anaheim Park, Best Western Stovall’s Inn, Coach USA, Coach America and the Calvert Company, helping to make this weekend a reality.

On Sunday, a day at Disneyland is planned.  Rotary District 5320, Gold Star Wives, Ladies Auxiliary VFW, the American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart and other veteran and civilian service groups, as well as individuals, have volunteered to help the families. 

For more information and to make a donation, visit www.snowballexpress.org.