Snowball Express - Part 1 First Responders, 13 Dec, LAX Terminal 4 - 0430hrs

[John Gretzinger]

UPDATE - NEW STAGING AREA - LAX TERMINAL 4 TICKETING PAVILION
LAX Snowball Express 2025 - First Responder Families - PART 1

This is a very special Help On The Home Front Event.
 
Background:

SBE was established for the surviving Spouses and Children of our fallen Heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan. The mission has been expanded to include families of First Responders who have suffered the same loss. Snow Ball Express is a trip sponsored by American Airlines that brings Families from all over the Country to Orlando, Florida, were the Families are treated to entertainment and various activities. This year the SBE will leave LAX on Saturday, 13 December and return on Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
 
Snowball Express Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/snowballexpress
 
The PGR will assist the families with their baggage and escort them from the hotel to check-in at the LAX Terminal 4.

Please Do Not bring anything to give the children except your love and hugs.
 
Once all the Families have completed the check in process the PGR will be allowed to go to the departure gate to see the Families off. You will have to pass through normal TSA screening. If you want to go to the departure gate you will need a form of government issued photo identification.

NOTE:  If you wish to have a gate pass prepared for you prior to your arrival at LAX, please forward the following information to John Gretzinger at jdgretz@gmail.com.  Name as it appears on your ID, Date of Birth, Serial Number on your ID (if using a California Driver License that is your DL Number) not later than Wednesday, 10 December.
 
When the Families return on 17 December 2025 the PGR will meet the Families at the baggage claim area in Terminal 4. We will help the Families with their baggage again. Some will go back to the departure hotel while others will have their baggage loaded into waiting transportation. Again we will be of whatever assistance the Families need.

NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring these Gold Star families. For those interested, and all PGR are welcome, we will be accompanying the families from their hotel to the airport. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.

Part 1 Time table for Saturday, 13 Dec 2025:

0430 - Stage at LAX, American Airlines Terminal 4 Ticketing - Upper level  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nxff1rWL4DfbosCb7

0500 - Unload the families from the hotel shuttle and assist those arriving on their own at the terminal
Parking will be available for motorcycles in front of the terminal
 
0530 - Move to Gate 42A for festivities

0630 - Start Boarding

0710 - Aircraft departs for Orlando, Florida

 
Part 2 Wednesday 17 DEC 2024 TBA
 
Ride Captain
Tom Barry
California State Ride Captain
casc@patriotguard.org
714-206-1227
 
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain).  Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car).  Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can.  Please ride/drive safely.