Tuesday, December 24, 2024 American Airlines and the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) teamed up in December to bring joy and comfort to over 2,500 participants through the foundation’s heartwarming Snowball Express initiative. This annual event, held during the holiday season, offers families who have lost a loved one in military service or fallen first responders the opportunity to gather for a week of hope and healing at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The Snowball Express program, fully funded to cover all expenses, provided an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, emotional support, and the magic of Disney.
Families from across the globe traveled to Orlando, with many arriving on 17 specially chartered flights operated by American Airlines. To ensure the event’s success, more than a thousand American Airlines team members volunteered their time, creating meaningful and memorable moments for participating families. From heartfelt gate-side ceremonies to themed inflight experiences, every detail was designed to honor and uplift the attendees.
Among the dedicated volunteers was Captain and Chief Pilot Keith Firmin, who served as part of the crew on a Snowball Express flight departing from Washington, D.C. Firmin, a volunteer firefighter with a commitment to service that predates his aviation career, has dedicated himself to supporting programs like Honor Flights and Snowball Express.
His dual roles as a pilot and first responder highlight his unwave.