More than 350 Central Texas military families were all aboard for an evening Holiday Express train ride.
One of the nations leading railway transporters, gave service member's and their families a ride, they'd never forget Wednesday.
It was an evening filled with holiday cheer and family fun.
"It's been really nice, the USO and the people that did this did a really nice job," said military wife Sarah Cruz.
For Sara Cruz and her daughter Sophia, the past year has been far from easy.
"He's with the 720 MP Battalion and they're currently stationed in Afghanistan," said Cruz.
With her husband deployed, events like this train ride mean more than she can express.
"Typically these things are about 100 dollars a person and so it's nice to know that the things we can't afford that they are very generous and they offer it to us," said Cruz.
"This is our first train ride all of us, so it was definitely a fun experience, we're enjoying it," said military wife Nicole Bland.
For the past five years BNSF Railway has provided a Holiday Express train rides to honor those who serve our country.
"Ho ho ho Merry Christmas," said Santa Clause.
With Santa, presents and sweet treats, the railway said this is their way of saying thanks.
"What could be more fun than that? We love having people on the railroad, and we want to thank them for what they do for our country," said BNSF Railway President Carl Ice.
Over the course of two weeks more than 3,000 military families in four different states will be able to take a trip of a lifetime, but that's not all the railroad company is doing to give back.
The railway also donated 30,000 dollars to local non profit organizations that support military families.
"For BNSF to give a holiday treat to these children at this time of year I think just re affirms to families of our military men and women that we do understand the sacrifice," said Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples.
Which is more than appreciated by this military mom.
"These are things that she would never get to do otherwise," said Cruz.
Since 2005 BNSF has hired more than 5,000 veterans, accounting for 15-percent of their workforce.
