3 Dec, Snowball Express Sendoff, Colorado Springs Airport

Due to the number or respondents, Please arrive and be at the American Airlines Ticket area by 8:00AM to get gate passes. We will have a very good turnout this year!

ITS BACK!

Please read entire post for important information if you wish to participate.

The Colorado Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to support the 2022 Snowball Express on Saturday, December 3rd, starting at 8:30 AM at the Colorado Springs Airport, 7770 Milton E Proby Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80916.

The Snowball Express is put on each year by the Gary Sinise Foundation, and their partner, American Airlines.

"The holidays can be especially challenging for grieving families. Each December, we host a five-day experience for 1,750+ children of the fallen and their surviving parent or guardian. With special time to honor their fallen and a blend of fun entertainment and inspiring programs, these families can lean on their peers for support. Which is why we keep bringing Snowball Express back to Walt Disney World® Resort each year!"

The Colorado Patriot Guard, historically, have greeted the families as they arrive at the COS Airport, assist with luggage, etc. We are issued gate passes, and will proceed to the gate area, through TSA Screening, where we will then interact with the families and other guests up to boarding time. We then will set a 2 column flag line the families will pass through to board the flight. Once boarding is complete, some members will proceed to the tarmac with flags as the plane is backed away from the gate. For the last 2 years, this event was only held virtually due to the Covid restrictions.

This is a very worthy event, and the PGR is proud to be a part of it, both in Colorado, and across the nation.

Those who wish to participate and go to the gate area need to submit the following information to jim.balcerovich@coloradopgr.org no later than November 20th.

• Full Name as it appears on your government issued ID

• Date of Birth

• Gender

Participating members will be allowed to park at no charge in the far west end of the Valet lane, departure level. As you arrive at the terminal, get in the left lane for Departure level, and enter the far left lane marked as Valet, as you come around the corner in front of the terminal. Proceed to the far WEST end of the valet lane to park.

8:30AM Stage, COS Airport, American Airlines gate area

9:00AM Briefing and prepare to support as needed.

'Can Do Bob' Aholt will serve as Ride Captain

Flags will be provided.