TriWest Sponsors Lt. Dan Band Performance for Families of Fallen Service Members at Snowball Ex...( - Counselors from TAPS also provi...),Health

- Counselors from TAPS also provided at event courtesy of TriWest -

PHOENIX, Nov. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- TriWest Healthcare Alliance will spread holiday cheer to children and spouses of fallen Service members as a presenting sponsor of Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band concert at this year's Snowball Express gala. TriWest will also sponsor counselors from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) at the event.

"We want to show our eternal gratitude to the families of the men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country," said TriWest President and CEO David McIntyre, Jr. "Snowball Express is an opportunity for families to remember their loved ones, celebrate their lives and share their grief with each other. It will also be a time to smile, share joy and create new memories."

The Snowball Express is an all-expenses paid event in Southern California from November 30 through December 3, with the purpose of bringing together nearly 1,500 military family members who lost spouses, fathers and mothers in the Global War on Terror.

"Snowball Express is a life changing experience for the military families and we wouldn't be able to do this without the support of organizations like TriWest and TAPS," said Roy White, president of the Snowball Express Foundation and a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel.

On Friday, Nov. 30, TAPS counselors will conduct voluntary morning gatherings for children and spouses at the families' local hotels. Later in the evening, all of the families will attend a special dinner in their honor, including a private performance by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band at The Grove in Anaheim, Calif.

On Saturday, Dec. 1, families will be taken to Oakley Corporation headquarters for entertainment and visits from celebrities, and on Sunday, Dec. 2 they will go to Disneyland.

For more information on the Snowball Express, visit