Families of fallen soldiers travel to Disneyland
Chartered American Airlines planes, dubbed the Snowball Express, are picking up hundreds of families across the country for the four-day trip, which is for the children of service members who have died in combat since Sept. 11, 2001.
Posted — Updated“Last year was our first Snowball. It was the first time I saw my girls smile again,” Teresa Priestner said while waiting with her daughters, Megan and Breanne, to catch one of the chartered flights at the Fayetteville Regional Airport.
Both of Priestner's daughters wear special dog tags honoring their father, Army Chief Warrant Officer John R. Priestner, of Sanford, who died in 2006 after his helicopter crashed in Iraq, according to the Arlington National Cemetery.
For Breanne Priestner, 16, the trip to Disneyland was a way to connect with others going through the loss of a loved one.
"I can have fun. I don't have to explain anything. Life, if I get sad or just feel down, they know what I'm feeling," Breanne Priestner said.
Nationally American Airlines chartered flights for 20 cities to carry 1,400 people to Disneyland. Families will also visit Universal Studios. They are expected to return on Saturday.
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