The other day when I left Seattle I got to see Santa at the airport. He was there as part of the first flight of the "Snowball Express."
Regardless of your feelings about the war in Iraq, and the general war on terrorism I have to say this gesture by American Airlines to bring some joy---during the Holidays----to the kids that lost a parent in the war efforts since 911, brought a tear to my eye.
All over the country, American Airlines was donating flights to take these kids and the remaining parent on a three day trip to Disneyland. While nothing will ever come close to adequate compensation-----what a treat for the kids. To me this group of primarily single moms seemed barely more than kids themselves, and seamed to be enjoying the gesture as much as the kids.
Santa can bring all kinds of gifts----including the gift of helping people to move on in their lives.
Charles Buell
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How pretty.
It is nice to see the spirit alive and well. Merry Christmas to you and have safe travels. cw
Charles, Now we know one airline that has the true spirit of Christmas! Thank-you for sharing this news...
Charlie,
Interesting post. Glad you were awake on the flight.
It's nice to hear about some true kindness in the world. I know it's out there. We just have to look behind all the other junk that gets thrown in our faces everyday. Thanks for bring us some happy news!
I guess all that is done is not bad.
There is still some kindness in the world.
Thanks Charles
I saw on the news today that an airport in Texas, I believe, had a karaoke spot set up for passengers to have a good time if they were waiting. That was nice too.
Kenneth, thanks for the comment
Cheryl, thanks and a Merry Christmas to you
Paul, they sure seemed to be
Steve, actually, I almost always sleep on the flight
James, you sure got that right----not only do you have to know where to look----we have to remember to look
Jack, life is often about silver linings
Barbara, I hear you go to Karaoke every Friday night:)
Mr Charles,
I will meet you at the airport with the new Buell Inspections snow vehicle. May not have room for the wife too.
I have always liked American Airlines and now I am proud that I do. What a wonderful and giving thing for them to do. Happy Holidays.
It's great that even in a tough economic time, there can still be this knid of giving.
I have heard of a water-skiing squirell, but this is rediculous!
Speaking of planes -- Mr Charles called me last night, Sunday. He was at about 20 below in Chicago airport. Just boarding a plane. They could not get him back to Seattle yesterday. They had him confirmed as getting in on December 24, which was not sitting well with Mr Charles. He did assure me that he was breathing easy having me firmly in charge of his firm while he was away.
Nutsy
Contemplating spending an unknown number of days stranded in the Chicago airport did not sound like a great idea so we decided to fly to San Francisco where at least we could go sight-seeing and see my daughter that lives there. We still don't know if we are going to be able to get into Seattle on Wednesday when our flight is booked-----a new storm is headed into Seattle. All I can say is that if Nutsy doesn't have my office cleaned up by the time I get there he can count on becoming our first meal when we get there.
Charles, you are having a prolonged vacation! San Francisco! You can have loads of fun. Be sure to visit Alcatraz if you haven't already! I can put the words in Nutsy's mouth regarding your office. "You've gotta catch me first!" I hear he's on his way to Mr. Q's anyway.
P. S. You're better than my friend Mary's husband. They were on their way for their second Florida vacation in 2 months and he had a heart attack. That's truly bad.
Barbara, we are having a blast in San Francisco----walked across the Golden Gate bridge today. Had dinner with my daughter last night. We hope to be able to get back to Seattle tomorrow even though it seems like it might be nicer to stay here:) I think I will be forgoing the heart attacks thought!
Dear Mr Charles,
Due to the heavy inspection workload, it may not be possible for me to clean the house/office prior to heading to see Mr James in Connecticut. My uncle Almondo and I plan to spend some quality time explaining to Mr Q how to better run his firm, ideas I shared with you.
Over and out,
Your pal Nutsy (in transit to Connecticut)
Charles,
As the Chairman of Snowball Express I appreciate you sharing your first hand experience with the send off of these special families. The AA SEA-TAC employees went above and beyond in building this castle...3500 volunteer man hours!!....and creating a wonderful memory for these children.
Snowball Express is a group of volunteers who are in it for one reason, to honor the fallen heroes of these children and to let these children know these heroes and them will always be remembered by Americans. Next year's event will be in Dallas but we know there will be families from the Seattle area attending again. Thanks and good luck in the new year.
Roy White, Chairman
Snowball Express
Flower Mound, TX
Roy----this is too cool for you to find this post. Thanks----it was indeed my pleasure to have witnessed the event----as well as report on it in my small way.
Charles,
Many thanks for posting this. I happened across it while doing a Google search on Snowball Express Chairman Roy White. I work for American Airlines and was involved in building the castle in Seattle. The idea was that of our Station Manager who realy knew how to pull people together for such a project. She deserves much credit.
It was for a great cause that so many of us participated. I think a lot of great memories were made that day! Regards, Paul B Seattle
Paul, it was my pleasure---it was obvious watching from behind the camera how engaged all involved were with the project.