Military Connection: Snowball Express 5K Event: By Debbie Gregory

We have all seen the photos and videos– children rushing to their daddies and mommies in uniform, ending the separation caused by a deployment that lasted anywhere from several months to over a year. We have seen the videos of the surprise homecoming, where the parent in uniform emerges at the child’s school or a sporting event, to the delight of all who witness it. We get emotional watching, maybe even shedding a tear for the moment of celebration at the reunion. But it is imperative that we also remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, and are denied this reunion. We need to honor their families, who will never be the same family again.

Since 2006, Snowball Express, presented by American Airlines, has been carrying out a campaign to “provide hope and new happy memories to the children of military fallen heroes who have died while on active duty since 9/11.” The non-profit organization gathers gold-star children together, from all over the world, for a four-day experience filled with fun activities like sporting events, dances, amusement parks, and more. The surviving parents often say that their child is now  reserved, withdrawn or unwilling to talk about their loss. Participating in Snowball Express helps gold-star families, partially by letting the children know that they are not alone, but also by creating new, happy memories by making each child feel special.

Snowball Express’ efforts are powered by sponsorship, participation and donations. To find out how you can support this wonderful non-profit, please visit www.snowballexpress.org/support/

Snowball Express would also like to announce its first annual 5K Run. This fundraising event will be held on September 27, 2014, at Trinity Park Pavilion, 2300 West 7th Street, in Fort Worth, Texas.

The event will include a 5K walk/run and a 1K fun walk/run for the kids. Registration starts at $20 per participant for those who register before September 1^st. The entrance fee goes up to $30 per participant for those who register between September 2^nd and the 24th. Registration will be $40 per participant the day of the event. Click here to register.

Everyone in the region is encouraged to contribute by participating in the race or volunteering to help. And all Americans are encouraged to donate to Snowball Express. By doing so, you are remembering the military families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Snowball Express 5K Event:By Debbie Gregory