I recently flew back to Orange County on Southwest Airlines. I boarded very late and to my surprise the plane was filled young children. I sat next to a young mother and her daughter Mika who were with group called “ Snowball Express” a group that provides a Christmas vacation to families who have lost a parent in the Iraq conflict.

I recently flew back to Orange County on Southwest Airlines. I boarded very late and to my surprise the plane was filled young children. I sat next to a young mother and her daughter Mika. I found out they were all with group called “ Snowball Express.” This group provides a Christmas vacation to families who have lost a parent in the Iraq conflict. Ten year old Mika’s father was a marine and lost his life in Iraq. I found it very humbling and hard to sit and be cheerful. She was so excited to go to Disneyland. Her mother said that the mixing with other children who have suffered the same loss really helps her deal with the pain and sorrow.

I encourage readers to check outwww.snowballexpresss.org. This is a real group doing a great service for our heroes.

Merry Christmas to all and especially the families of our fallen heroes.