2 Dec - 2023 Snowball Express - Colorado Springs Airport

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

The Colorado Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to support the 2023 Snowball Express on Saturday, December 2rd, 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, supporting Gold Star families. The Patriot Guard Riders have been active participants in this event since its inception.

"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, weather permitting, some members will proceed to the tarmac with flags as the plane is backed away from the gate.

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 bob.aholt@coloradopgr.org no later than November 21st. Email Only please.

• Full Name as it appears on your government issued ID (If you don't have a middle name, please state this when you send information. It saves us having to double check)

• Date of Birth

• Gender

Participants need to be at the airport by 8:15AM to get gate passes and be ready to assist the families.

No Weapons of any kind if you wish to participate at the gate. We will be going through TSA Security checkpoints.

Those participating as/with the PGR, have been authorized to park on the upper departure level, at the far west end of the Valet lane. When you are approaching the terminal, proceed to the Departure level, in the far LEFT lane. Right as you start to turn in front of the terminal, enter the Valet lane and proceed to the far west end to park. If you can PLEASE CARPOOL, as space is limited.