Group spreads Christmas cheer by taking kids to Disney
Project helps children of fallen military heroes
A large contingent of San Antonio children who have lost a military parent in service to the nation are in Disney World today, enjoying a five-day retreat.
“It’s knowing you’re not alone,” said Ken Thornton, a retired Air Force captain, whose two granddaughters, 10-year-old Rachel and 12-year-old Avery Schafer, are participating in the retreat. “To have a good time with each other and learn from each other.”
Their mother said the trip is their first time back to the theme park in nearly five years; the last time they were there was for a family vacation with their father, the late Air Force Major Rick Schafer, an F-16 pilot whose call sign was “Tracer.”
“It’s special for us to go back,” said Ashley Schafer, 39.
Thornton, 65, and his wife, Cheryl Thornton, 62, said they were grateful to the donors and sponsors who made the trip possible.
The Schafer girls were among the children who gathered at an American Airlines gate at the San Antonio International Airport to take the Snowball Express to Florida on Saturday.
Volunteers had transformed gate B-2 into Christmas Central, complete with a Christmas tree, treats and tables laden with yuletide snacks and beverages. Airport Ambassadors and Ms. Santa Claus greeted the youngsters, who walked beneath a giant, inflatable Santa Claus hovering over the entrance.
Six-year-old Galina Franz’s face was flush with surprise. She stopped in front of her brothers, Alex, 14, and Luke, 12, staring at the seasonal decorations, especially the row of Christmas stockings hanging from the departure
gate wall.
“Mom, is my name on one of them?” she asked her mother, Adriana Franz.
Her mother said yes as a volunteer called out the names written on the stockings in gold letters. After Galina received her stocking, she spilled gobs of candy onto the floor, lost in thoughts of tasting sweets before boarding the flight early Saturday morning.
“She’s super excited to go to Disney World,” Franz, 43, said. “It’s nice that everybody is out here to show support for families of fallen soldiers. It’s a huge blessing.”
The event is sponsored by the Gary Sinese Foundation and American Airlines to help provide healing and support for families of military members who have died.
The San Antonio trip was one of 14 chartered flights that departed from 26 cities. More than 1,700 children, surviving parents and guardians are participating in the retreat that offers fun and a chance to make new friends with peer-to-peer support and a range of resources that include access to counseling services, financial counseling and help for those with disabilities and special needs.
In 2006, a letter written by Pfc. Jesse Givens to his wife became the inspiration for the Snowball Express. The fallen soldier had specified the letter was only to be opened if he should die in battle. He had one wish — that his family visit Disneyland. His dream has became a reality for thousands of children, surviving spouses and family members across the country.
Behind the counter Saturday, American Airlines customer service coordinator Kristine Shepherd helped string up decorations and monitor the incoming flight from Killeen, which she had been doing since before 5 a.m.
It was her fourth year working at the event, but she still gets emotional before she reads the official statement of how proud the partners are of the families who have sacrificed so much
“I can’t hardly read the announcement,” she said. “It’s an honor for us to be able to give back to them.”
Saturday, the Schafer daughters were ready for the trip. Rachel wore a red and white, polka-dotted Minnie Mouse dress. Avery said she was looking forward to returning to the theme park and having a good time with her family.
“One of my dad’s favorite rides was Space Mountain,” she said.
Members of the San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders held American flags high as the Gold Star families arrived at the gate.
When travelers slowed down to take in the activity, Airport Ambassador John Goetz shared the reason for the early morning goingson at the gate.
Goetz, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, said the Snowball Express is an important mission to share with travelers as they headed to their gates.
“I’m trying to explain it if they have time to listen,” he said. “They need to know, too.”