Snowball Express Whisks Military Families From El Paso To Dallas

All aboard the Snowball Express! The flight lifted off from El Paso International Airport Thursday morning, carrying families of fallen military heroes to a weekend of fun-filled events in Dallas. But for many, the trip will be about much more than a good time.

“Despite my husband not being here, we got people who are willing to help,” Angelica Escobedo said. “He passed away in Iraq in March 2009.”

His death left her three children without a father. It’s a void the non-profit Snowball Express is hoping to help fill this holiday season.

“They understand they’re not the only kids who’ve lost a parent in war, but being able to spend time with other kids who are in their same situation they feel they’re there together,” Escobedo said.

This year, four borderland families will join about 1,300 other families across the world for an all expense paid trip to dallas. Six Flags, the rodeo and a performance of The Nutcracker are all on the itinerary.

“They can come together as a family and not feel like outsiders,” Escobedo said.

Although this program has been around for five years, Fort Bliss officials say this is the first time families have opened up to the media about the program.

“Naturally, families that are grieving like to grieve in private so we’ve honored that over the past few years,” Ft. Bliss garrison commander, Col. Joe Simonelli said. “But this is really the city of El Paso reaching out to its soldiers and their families, especially in times of need.”