Families grieving the loss of a spouse or parent killed during war will bond with one another over the next few days.
And they hope to have some happy moments in a time when they usually struggle.
Kelly Estep lost her husband in an IED blast in 2005.
?Thanksgiving has really kind of gone down the drain,? she said.
It?s a loss understood by all the families about to travel together to ease the pain this holiday season.
?It?s stressful because you?re always thinking about that loved one that?s not here anymore,? said Ava Bradley, whose husband died in 2008 after a mortar struck near his truck. ?So, when you get to go away and do something with others that understand what you?re going through, it makes it fun.?
About 130 people are taking the Snowball Express from Fayetteville. They?ll join 1,700 other spouses and children from around the country all headed to Dallas. American Airlines is providing the trip with the staff volunteering time.
?I just want to have fun, that?s it,? said Preston Estep, 10.
?It gives me an opportunity to spend time with my mom,? said Charlee Watts, whose father was Donovan Watts. ?That?s like all I want to spend time with her because she?s like all I have.?
As soon as they are greeted boarding the plane, the party begins on the plane ? bound for Texas-sized fun, with a parade, concert and rodeo.
?It means a lot because there?s people out there that take their own time and volunteer and they haven?t forgotten the sacrifices our family has made,? said Charlotte.
The families will return to Fayetteville Tuesday.
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