Backup for crises

U.S. Military families worldwide visited Orange County this week for the second annual Snowball Express, a local program aimed at bringing together families who have lost a mother or father in a post-9/11 conflict.

The program, which provides free transport, lodging, and meals for nearly 1,500 people, will bring these families together for mutual support, concerts and even a trip to Disneyland.

The Rotary District 5320 first thought of the idea two years ago, said the chapter’s governor, John Brainerd.

“However, we’ve got a lot of people in charge of organizing this,” he added. “The Rotarians are working the airports, hotels, dinner tomorrow night, and trying to get people to come out and welcome the families.”

Indeed, a number of volunteers, waving flags, signs and even free oranges to the arrivals, lined the street outside of John Wayne Airport Thursday afternoon.

Bruce and Sharon Birkeland were spending their second year at the event, welcoming the families as they queued onto a bus transporting them to an Anaheim hotel.

“It’s the least we can do for the sacrifice these people have made,” Bruce, a Vietnam veteran himself, said. “They gave their lives for their country.”

Sharon added that the couple made a point of honoring the families during last year’s festivities at the Spectrum, despite a downpour that would have drove the less committed away.

“Hearing them and their stories it’s very powerful,” she said.

As the families descended an escalator into the main lobby of the airport, volunteers screamed and yelled, waving banners that declared “Welcome to Orange County!”

Many seemed overwhelmed, but mostly pleased, with the hero’s welcome.

Kathy Kennedy and her young son Kevin, who flew to Orange County from Hopkinsville, Ky., said they were both excited about the trip — especially Kevin, who jumped with excitement.

His father, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kyran E. Kennedy of the 101st Airborne Division, was killed when his Black Hawk helicopter crashed near the Tigris River in Iraq on Nov. 7, 2003.

“It’s truly overwhelming that so many people did this — it’s amazing,” she said, watching her son play. “It almost makes you cry, it really does.”

HOW TO HELP

Snowball Express encourages donors, both corporate and individual, to “dig deep” to help families make next years trip.

 $500 sponsors a child’s trip

 $1,500 sponsors a family of three, according to the Snowball Express website.

To make a donation, visit www.snowballexpress.org, or send a check to Snowball Express a 501(c)3 organization 2973 Harbor Blvd. No. 401 Costa Mesa, CA 92626

CHRIS CAESAR may be reached at (714) 966-4626 or at chris.caesar@latimes.com.