LAX Snowball Express 2023 First Responders - PART 1
This is a very special Help On The Home Front Event. This is the first year that Snowball Express is doing a second wave for the families of First Responders in addition to their regular event for the families of our Veterans.
Background:
SBE was established for the surviving Spouses and Children of our fallen Heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan. 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 have a second wave for First Responders which will leave LAX on Saturday, 9 December and return on Wednesday, 13 December 2023.
Snowball Express Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/snowballexpress The PGR helps the families with their baggage at their LAX Hotel (The Westin Los Angeles Airport on Century Blvd), Airport Curbside, and during the check-in process. At 0430 on 09 Dec 2023 the PGR will meet the families at the Hotel.
Following a quick meeting some members of the PGR may be asked to go to the LAX Departure Terminal to assist the Families that will be going directly to the departure terminal. The remaining PGR will assist the Families by loading their baggage on the bus(s). Once the bus(s) is/are loaded the PGR and LAX PD will escort it/them to the Terminal. In general we are going to be of any help necessary. 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.
When the Families return on 13 December 2023 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 (the PGR may escort) 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, 09 Dec 2023: 0400 - Stage at the Westin Los Angeles Airport, 5400 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/W96yxTN614Jtttf18 0415 - Mission briefing - new parking procedures at LAX
0430 - Meet families and assist in loading baggage
0500 - Est KSU to Terminal for departure
Part 2 Wednesday 13 DEC 2023 TBA
Ride Captain
John "Major" Gretzinger
Major, US Army (Ret.)
Assistant State Captain - SoCal
jdgretz@gmail.com
818-314-5039
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.
