Annual BNSF Holiday Express Pays Tribute to Military Families in Southeast

About 350 riders boarded BNSF Railway’s Holiday Express passenger train at Springfield, Mo., on Dec. 3, as the annual train trip, a tribute to families of the U.S. military, got underway. Other stops included Jonesboro, Ark., on Dec. 4, Memphis on Dec. 5, Amory, Miss., on Dec. 6, and the final stop at Birmingham, Ala., on Dec. 7.

During the five-day train trip, approximately 2,000 members of military families took part in the event. In addition, the BNSF Railway Foundation donated $100,000 to organizations that offer support to military members and their families. Since the Holiday Express’ inaugural trip seven years ago, the BNSF Railway Foundation has donated more than $500,000 to organizations that support the troops and their families and has donated $3.5 million to the USO.

“The Holiday Express gives BNSF an opportunity to honor military families and those who serve our country as we usher in the holiday season,” said Carl Ice, BNSF president and CEO, at the Springfield stop.

While on board the Holiday Express, families will enjoy special holiday snacks, receive a commemorative holiday ornament and be visited by Santa.