Utah Members Help Send Off Families of Fallen

Showing respect

Utah Wing members from across the state gathered Dec. 2 at Salt Lake City International Airport to escort, honor and salute Gold Star Families boarding a  holiday season flight to Florida provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express. 

The Utah members had the opportunity to mingle with the families of the fallen and hear their stories. As the families boarded their plane, the Civil Air Patrol contingent gathered on the tarmac alongside active-duty military, first responders, youth program participants, and other volunteers.

The ranking officer called the color guard and officer to attention and gave the command to present arms and salute the Gold Star Families as the airplane taxied to the runway.

The Gary Sinise Foundation  supports spouses, guardians and children of the nation’s fallen. According to its website, “We are committed to year-round programming and support for families that honor their fallen hero, encourage them to make new memories, and provide opportunities to connect with others who know what they have been through.”