By Ayumi Davis, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs

KILLEEN, Texas — Fort Cavazos leadership, members of the Gary Sinise Foundation and more gathered to send off Gold Star families to Walt Disney World Resort at Orlando, Florida, for the annual Snowball Express Dec. 7 at Killeen Regional Airport.

The Gary Sinise Foundation, founded by actor Gary Sinise, hosts a five-day experience
every December for Gold Star children and spouses/guardians at the amusement park, sending 1,750 people.

“We want them (Gold Star families) to have a magical experience,” said retired Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, a member of the Gary Sinise Foundation Advisory Board. “We want them to have this memory of having been to Disney World from a grateful American public, because we’re sitting there because we appreciate their service and their sacrifice.”

Lynch and his wife Sarah have been with the foundation since its inception in 2011.

“It’s unbelievably enriching and rewarding because you’re in the presence of heroes,” Rick said. “These are the survivor families, of those who fell in defense of our freedoms. Being with them is inspiration because what we want to make sure they know is we don’t forget. We don’t forget their losses.

“Now Sarah and I had the privilege of commanding the 3rd Infantry Division in combat, and 153 Soldiers died under my command,” he continued. “So this is personal to us. When we come to do these things, it’s very important to make sure that
everybody knows we acknowledge their sacrifice and we never forget.”

One Gold Star mom, Janice Johnson, was excited to take her granddaughters, Serena Johnson, 17, and Sian Johnson, 16, on the trip, saying it would be their first time.

“Before he (my son) passed away, he wanted to take them there, but he didn’t get a chance,” she said. “He passed away, so I’m very excited to take them.”

Johnson’s son, Sgt. 1st Class Roderick Johnson died Dec. 4, 2011 from cancer. Going to Gold Star events gives her lots of great support, she said.

“I try to support some of their families too, because I know what they have been through and what they’re going through, because I went through losing my oldest son,” she said.

Before the families boarded, they were able to interact with dogs from the GOTEAM Therapy, Crisis and Airport Dogs, Inc. and listen to remarks from Brig. Gen. Geoff Van Epps, III Armored Corps deputy commanding general of maneuver, and Rick.

“This is such a great program and a great way to honor our Gold Star families,” Van Epps said. “I really want to thank the Gary Sinise Foundation for their incredible generosity, and American Airlines for being such a great partner for this operation. I also want to thank the city, the airport and the installation staff from Fort Cavazos, who provide the support that helped make this possible and help synchronize all of the other partners that are part of making this operation such a success.

“We remember the sacrifice that you have made,” he continued, speaking to the Gold Star families. “We will never forget. We continue to honor you, and we hope that you enjoy the few days that you have ahead of you.”

Rick read a letter from Sinise for the Gold Star families, in which Sinise wrote his joy in providing this experience.

“While our hearts are heavy at the circumstances that brought everyone together today, I’m grateful we can honor deserving families, remembering their loved ones who are no longer with us as we wrap our arms around each and every one of you,” Rick read. “We do not forget, and this amazing event allows the American people who support the Gary Sinise foundation to bring some joy and new happy memories to this special group at the most magical place on Earth — Disney World.

“Please know that we do not forget your loved ones or your sacrifices,” Rick continued to read. “They are in our heart always, and I know in my heart they want you to have the best time this week, laugh, have fun, meet new friends and remember — America loves and supports you. From all of us at the Gary Sinise Foundation and all the supporters and friends who made this trip possible, always remember we love you.”

After the remarks, Gold Star families boarded the plane, with volunteers, Fort Cavazos leadership, member of the Gary Sinise Foundation and Patriot Guard Riders lining the bridge to the airplane, waving flags, giving high-fives and passing out candy.