Turning Loss into Laughter: Gary Sinise’s Snowball Express Gives Military Families a Magical Escape

Turning Loss into Laughter: Gary Sinise’s Snowball Express Gives Military Families a Magical Escape

Gary Sinise is transforming grief into moments of joy for families who have lost a loved one in the U.S. military through his annual Snowball Express program. Each year, over a thousand children and their surviving parents are flown to Disneyland, where they spend several days immersed in celebration, connection, and healing—entirely free of charge. Flights, hotels, meals, and activities are all covered, allowing families to focus on being together rather than worrying about logistics. ALSO READ: Betty Reid Soskin, Nation’s Oldest Park Ranger, Trailblazer, Dies at 104

What sets Snowball Express apart is its profound sense of community. Children who share similar losses meet peers who truly understand their experiences, forming bonds that offer comfort and solidarity. Beyond the rides and attractions, the program incorporates memorial ceremonies and shared activities, blending remembrance with hope.

Sinise’s mission is both simple and powerful: to remind these families that they are not alone, and that even after unimaginable loss, joy and connection can return. In this way, Snowball Express is more than a trip—it’s a living testament to resilience, compassion, and the enduring human spirit.

Turning Loss into Laughter: Gary Sinise’s Snowball Express Gives Military Families a Magical Escape