Photos: Children of fallen service members board ‘Snowball Express’

Families of fallen service members prepare to board the Snowball Express on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 at Reagan National Airport. The all-expense paid trip to Dallas was part of an effort meant to help the children of fallen service members have a festive holiday season. (WTOP/Dennis Foley)

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ARLINGTON, Va. – Saturday would have marked five years since the Hamilton children last saw their father.

“It’s just tough because you have that person in your life and they go do their job,” said parent and widow Miriam Hamilton. “Yes, they’re in danger and whatnot, but you always expect them to come home and then all of the sudden, your life changes.”

For families of fallen service members, holidays can be tough. But this weekend, families like the Hamiltons were given a reason to celebrate.

On Saturday, families of fallen service members received all-expense paid trips to Dallas, an effort meant to help their children have a festive holiday season.

At Reagan National Airport, Hawaiian music blasted in Terminal C as passengers prepared to board the Snowball Express, one of 10 charter flights across the country taking the family members of fallen soldiers to Dallas.

“We’re transporting 1,700 children and families of individuals who may have lost their spouse or father or mother serving our country,” American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein told WTOP.

The kids received gifts from the volunteers in the terminal, as well as snacks and a visit from Santa, who was dressed in a Hawaiian shirt.

Miriam Hamilton was sitting with her three children outside of Gate 40.

“I’m excited to hang out with my friends that I met last year and everyone that has really helped us through everything,” Miriam’s daughter, Elizabeth, said.

It was the second time Elizabeth and her brothers have taken the Dallas trip.

“It’s really amazing for people to do this for all of the people that this has happened to,” she said.

When they get to Texas, the families will visit museums, watch knights jousting at Medieval Times, get a private concert from Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, and have plenty of games and snacks.

Volunteers and organizers say it’s a very special event for them, as well.

“As an airline, it’s great to do,” Feinstein said. “But as Americans serving other Americans, it’s the most important thing to give back to them and thank them and let the children have a really good time today.”