(KCEN) -- It's a chance for the families of fallen soldiers to forget their worries, if only for moment.
The holiday celebration is called Snowball Express.
And this year's trip to Dallas is helping Fort Hood families bond with others suffering the same loss.
Dancing isn't really something you expect at the airport.
Neither is a Santa cow.
But this is what the Casica family had in store for their 6th Snowball Express take-off.
They lost father and husband Sgt. Kenneth Casica in Baghdad nearly seven years ago.
Although they wear his memory around their necks, this trip is a way to embrace his memory.
Connie Renee Casica-Mabingnay, Kenneth's wife, said, "For the children it allows them to hang out with their friends and do something fun. It tells the kids, we'll never forget your hero."
Once the families load the planes in Killeen they will head to Dallas were they're going to be for four days doing activities that are all provided by charities and volunteers.
Those 24 Fort Hood families will head to Six Flags, march in a parade and even get a special performance from the Lt. Dan Band, all courtesy of charities, volunteers and American Airlines.
American Airlines Regional VP Dale Morris said, "At this holiday season it's such an awfully tough thing but it's just the least that we can do as an airline to help ease the pain."
The trip also lets them talk others about their loss.
And to the Casicas it's better than talking to someone who has never experienced their pain.
Shilin Renee Casica, whose father was killed in Iraq, said, "You can see them and talk about it and to them its okay if you cry in front of them cause they've been though the same thing."
This is the start of a joyful trip, helping hundreds of families.
Over 1,700 people will be flown into Dallas for the event.
They'll enjoy the trip for the next four days.
