Her ears perked up as the words over the speaker echoed around her. As she scanned the room she felt her heartbeat a little faster and her eyes filled with tears.
A hush fell across the waiting area and Gillian realized that everyone was collectively holding their breath. All she could do was wait and see what happened next, however, she already knew that starting from now her life would never be the same.
Domestic Airline Travel
Gillian Rodgers flew domestically for work all the time. As an entrepreneur, she met with different clients across the states. She was in an airport at least once a week and figured she had seen everything possible the space could offer.
On a regular Saturday, Gillian was walking towards her gate when an announcement started over the airport speakers. She would normally ignore the message but she saw people around her stop in their tracks. She took out her earphones and started running towards an exit!
It’s Never Too Early
Arriving at an airport is tricky. You need to coordinate with friends or family or even arrange a taxi. When you enter the terminal it’s a race against the clock to check-in and gets through customs. Needless to say, travelers are usually fixated on several other things than announcements.
Gillian was feeling confident and had left more than enough time to leisurely sip a coffee before boarding her flight. She had her earphones in but suddenly realized everyone around her had stopped moving. Time was standing still for circumstances Gillian could have never predicted.
Getting Caught In The Crowd
Gillian was used to hearing airport announcements and knew most of the time they had nothing to do with her. She liked to keep her earphones in and listen to music or a podcast while she navigated the crowds of people.
Gillian felt a shift in the air as everyone began to intensely listen to the announcement. She saw mothers pulling their children close and men removing their hats. What had she missed and would she make it to safety?
There Was An Instant Hush
There were hundreds of people around Gillian but no one was moving. She knew something was happening but couldn’t figure out what she had missed. Anxiety crept into Gillian’s shoulders and she froze.
She had to take her earphones out and figure out what was happening. It was time for her flight or fight instincts but when she heard the words spoken on the loudspeaker, she realized the strength in others and stood her ground.
The Words Took A Minute To Sink In
The announcement began with a simple greeting. Gillian was flying with American Airlines, and she thought the announcement was to welcome passengers to the lounge. She assumed it would be mundane information, but this was the furthest from the truth.
The speaker was a flight attendant and not an automated recording. Her voice was warm and friendly. She was telling the passengers that American Airlines worked with the Gary Sinise Foundation, but what did this have to do with Gillian’s flight?
Gillians Brain Went To Worse Case Scenarios
Gillian’s heart instantly sunk into a panic. She had missed the beginning of the announcement but if she missed this flight it would cost her business thousands of dollars. At that moment she realized the crowd was making way for an unbelievable sight.
Gillian had to pinch herself. This felt like a dream. She stared in shock at who was walking down the airline hallway and quickly realized she was standing at the wrong place. Gillian scrambled to move but she was already getting dirty stares from other passengers.
Who Was Flying Today?
The Nashville airport was at a complete standstill. Every single person in the area around Gillian was trying to listen and grasp what was happening around them. The speaker continued to say the following.
“American Airlines and the Gary Sinise Foundation would like to welcome aboard the children of our fallen heroes.” Gillian’s jaw dropped. As she turned her head a path was beginning to clear and a wave of bodies was marching in her direction.
The Panic Was Replaced With Pride
As Gillian really soaked up what was happening and listened closely to the announcement, her heart swelled with pride. It was an incredible day to witness this patriotism and salute the lives of America’s military.
To honor those that have fallen American Airlines works with The Gary Sinise Foundation and gives a Christmas miracle to several families in need. Gillian took out her phone, she had to record what was happening around her, but she needed to answer one burning question first.
What Is The Gary Sinise Foundation?
The foundation “honors our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.” The US Military soldiers sacrifice everything for American freedom, including their own lives.
The announcement revealed that today American Airlines was flying with very special guests. Gillan’s pulse quickened and she began scanning the area. She couldn’t believe who was about to walk directly in front of her.
Incredible Outreach And Support
The Gary Sinise Foundation worked with active military, veterans, and also the family of fallen soldiers. It’s hard to imagine the life of a military family or how much small gestures and acts of kindness can resonate.
Gillian considered herself patriotic but she was blown away by the next words over the loudspeaker. The flight was about to have very special guests and Gillian began to run towards the gate for a closer look.
Gold Star Families
A gold star military family is on that has lost a relative in combat or during service. The families will receive a special pin from the U.S military to wear with pride and remembrance. While a military family understands the risk, it always helps to get something back and help with the pain.
Gillian saw people around her stop and freeze. Everyone wanted to see the families and honor their lost loved ones. Gillian felt her feet moving before she even realized and soon found herself filming one of the most special events of her life.
Her Heart Was Bursting With Emotion
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks but at that moment, Gillian felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It wasn’t just for her business and success, or her family and health. This feeling of gratitude stretched to strangers she would never meet.
As Gillian watched the scene unfold around her she knew there would never be a way for her to thank every service person. It was a career that guaranteed her life and liberty. Who was organizing this heart-stopping event?
The Man Behind The Movement
Actor Gary Sinise is well known for his role as Lieutenant Dan in the famous movie, ‘Forrest Gump’. Many of his family members are veterans and he saw the terrible treatment and hurdles they faced after service.
He vowed to make a difference and has now spent decades fundraising and supporting Veteran Aid. What Gillian and other passengers were witnessing was just one slice of the pie that Sinise served in support of military families. Gillian was frantic to understand what she was witnessing and listened even closer to the airport announcement.
The Snowball Express
Every year the Gary Sinise Foundation worked with multiple airports to send hundreds of children and families to Disney World. The one thing they all had in common was losing a member to military service.
When Gillian had read about the Snowball Express online she never thought she would witness the event or the swell of emotion she would feel in the crowd around her. Her eyes turned and tears began to fall instantly.
The Sound Of Community
The Nashville airport had filled the boarding area with balloons and there was a live band. The musicians got ready and suddenly Gillian’s ears were filled with the national anthem. She instantly took out her phone to record and share with her social media followers.
She opened her phone and clicked the camera into video mode. Her hands were shaking as she began to film the emotional moment. All Gillian could hear was the sound of the anthem and she was overwhelmed with emotion.
Sharing On Social Media
Gillian wasn’t the only person who captured the magic happening at Nashville airport. Facebook user Jen Tringale was quick to upload a video and a heartfelt caption. “I witnessed an international airport come to a complete stop today ..."
“At the Nashville airport, I walked out into the concourse to this scene courtesy of American Airlines. Turns out I was flying a plane full of children who had lost a parent in combat…” The posts, tweets, and live streams were taking over and everyone watching had something to say.
Posts About The Event Went Viral
Social media user Jen Tringale continued her post by saying, “when they announced them over the loudspeaker and they lined up to board the plane the whole airport literally stopped and sang the national anthem.”
“I was standing next to the active military who were all in salute. Every person standing around, myself included was bawling at the sight of these kids and spouses who have paid so great a price for our country. “ The festivities weren’t over yet.
Everything Is Bigger In Nashville
The airport had gone all out to make sure the passengers on this flight felt honored. There was a band, balloons, and games. It’s hard to imagine what any of these passengers are feeling but thanks to the Gary Sinise Foundation, today will be a happy memory.
These passengers and their flight did not impact other domestic travel. Flight attendants shared on social media the lengths their airlines went to decorate the interior cabin and make the experience magical from take-off to landing.
A Magical Memory
The Snowball Express always happens at Christmas for these mourning families. Instead of feeling blue, they get swept away to the happiest place on earth. At every airport, other passengers applaud and salute them as they board their flights, and then the families turned to be blown away.
When they step foot on the plane, no detail or decoration is spared. From ceiling to storage and even plane aisles, everything is covered in the holiday spirit. The brave men and women who fight for our freedom are never forgotten by this amazing generous celebration.