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'Snowball Express' stops at Sea-Tac to bring cheer to Gold Star families

Children of fallen military members boarded the "Snowball Express" at Sea-Tac Airport this weekend for a trip to Florida where they will connect with others who have had similar experiences.

It was a joyous scene at Sea-Tac this weekend when the "Snowball Express" picked up children of fallen military members for a trip to Disney World.

The goal of the trip is to give children like Bodie Dumaw the opportunity to bond and make new memories with others who also lost parents in the military.

"My husband was born after my husband passed away," Bodie's mother, Kailyn, said. "So this is a really big deal for him to come and just be with the rest of these families. We've never experienced anything like this before. This is amazing. We're just so excited."

The Snowball Express, an annual event organized by the Gary Sinise Foundation, took approximately 1,700 people from airports across the country to Orlando, Florida on Saturday where families would enjoy a trip to Disney World. The foundation partners with American Airlines.

Karin Bains with American Airlines has volunteered to be a part of the Snowball Express for more than a decade.

"It's absolutely amazing that we do this. I have so much fun with these kids ... It's very heartwarming.

"It touches my heart. It really touches my heart. And at Christmas time ... I love it."

Captain John Ray and First Officer Talia Dalton piloted one of many planes bound for Florida.

"It's so overwhelming," Captain Ray said. "It's hard to put into words just how neat it is."

For one mother and son it means the world.

"It means a lot, because I've never been able to give him ... he's an only child," Kailyn Dumaw explained. He's never had that comradery or anything from other kids. So to be with other kids that have gone through what he's gone through means more than I could give him.

"We're just so grateful and thankful and blessed for this opportunity."

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