New Military Family Registration
Are you a Family of a Fallen Military Hero who served on or after 9/11? Complete our preliminary registration form.
How We Serve
Honoring Families Of Fallen Heroes
The loss of a parent never gets easier. We’re serving the surviving spouses and children of fallen military & first responder heroes, our "Snowball Express" families, through year-round programming and support that reminds them they are never alone and their hero is never forgotten.
The Need
Enduring Unimaginable Grief Alone
losing their hero
The Knock On The Door Everyone Fears
Families of our fallen heroes endure nearly unbearable trauma. Children are left without the safety only a parent can provide and spouses are left without the comfort of their partner. Too often these families are overlooked, lacking the love and support they require to navigate their grief.
living in darkness
Surviving Spouses Enduring Tragedy Alone
In an instant, the life they envisioned with their partner is gone. While struggling with their personal devastation, many find themselves masking their own pain to provide stability and support for their children. For these spouses, it is a harrowing and lonely journey of survival.
Everyone’s Grief Journey Is Unique
Too often these families are left to navigate their grief alone. Lending a helping hand involves individual consideration and special attention.
The Sudden Loss Of Community & Security
Adding to their loss, these families also lose their connection to the support networks they shared in their military and first responder communities.
Government Programs Are Not Enough
While they provide general assistance, government programs are not tailored to provide relief or support to our families of fallen heroes.
Not Knowing Where To Turn For Support
Grieving families often find their loss is too heavy for others to carry, leaving them feeling hopeless. Tragically, they decide their only option is to go it alone.
The Cost of Freedom
37k
Over 37,000 active duty personnel and veterans who served after 9/11 have died in combat or by suicide.
Will you help us support the loved ones they left behind?
DonateSource: Brown University
Program Impact
Honoring Their Heroes With Hope In Their Hearts
stronger together
New Memories With New Friends
We're bringing families of the fallen together for curated experiences within their communities. By sharing their stories in a safe environment, they find strength and resiliency within themselves. With the support of new friendships, they honor and remember their heroes, knowing they’ll never be alone on their healing journey.
Holidays Are The Hardest
Hope During The Most Difficult Time Of Year
We host five-day experiences of healing, remembrance, and fun for these special families at Walt Disney World® Resort. We will never fill the void left by the loss of their loved one, but we can show the love of our nation, especially during the holidays when grief hurts the most. We’re proud to offer this incredible event for both our military and first responder communities.
Taking Time To Heal
Often these families don’t have the time or resources to process their loss. We offer a respite from the stress of their daily lives to focus on growth.
Building Support Networks
We’re connecting families within their local communities so they can form lasting friendships and lean on one another through their healing journey.
Empowerment Workshops
Three-day workshops where surviving loved ones gather to process life after loss and strengthen their resolve to move forward.
Remembrance Garden
We’re creating a safe space to grieve with a beautifully moving tribute. Each fallen hero is represented by a flag and placard to honor their sacrifice.
Jennifer Hanson , Military Widow
It Was The First Time I Went Five Days Without Crying Since Losing My Husband.
It isn’t easy to put into words what this retreat meant to my daughter and me. There were a few moments of tears, of course. But they were tears of gratitude and pride. Thank you.
New First Responder Family Registration
Are you a Family of Fallen First Responder who served on or after 9/11? Complete our preliminary registration form.
Volunteer Registration
Ready to join the Gary Sinise Foundation Volunteer Team? Start by filling out our volunteer signup.
Current Snowball Family
Access your Snowball Express family profile.
Our Impact
22k+
22,425 loved ones of America’s fallen heroes have joined us for our retreats and community events.