Beginning Dec. 9, nearly 1,700 spouses and children of fallen military service members will fly into Dallas on American Airlines and American Eagle flights for an all-expense-paid visit to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The trip, which runs through Dec. 13, has been planned in conjunction with Snowball Express, a nonprofit organization established in 2006 to bring a few days of fun and friendship to the families of those who lost their lives while serving our country.

            For the third year, Snowball Express returns to Dallas/Fort Worth, with American as the official airline. American and American Eagle are donating nine chartered aircraft and providing free travel on several commercial flights for families traveling from 75 cities across the country, as well as international locations including Germany, Guam and the Philippines. Selected families will travel on flights provided by the nonprofit organization Air Compassion for Veterans. These flights are funded in part through its partnership with Fuel Smart, American's employee-led fuel conservation program.

            American and American Eagle employees will host special send-off receptions at each of the departure airports. Festivities will include holiday decorations at gates and onboard aircraft, refreshments and entertainment, and even visits from Santa Claus. In addition, public officials in cities across the United States have proclaimed Friday, Dec. 9, as "Snowball Express and American Airlines/American Eagle Day."

            "December can be a very difficult time of year for these children and their surviving parent who must now go through the holiday season without their hero," said Francis "Buck" Kern, chairman of the board of Snowball Express. “With the help of American Airlines, we are able to bring children together from all over the country. The healing that occurs when these children come together is truly remarkable.”