Malmstrom Airmen take a ride on the Holiday Express

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Korry Leverett
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Malmstrom Airmen and their families received an early start to the season when the Holiday Express arrived Dec. 9.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway offered train rides on the Holiday Express Dec. 9 and 10 to nearly 500 military members and their families from Malmstrom and the Montana Air National Guard.

"It was so exciting, especially for my kids. I know they enjoyed seeing Santa," said Dawn Olijnek, whose husband is deployed from the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron. "What better way to celebrate the holiday's than on an old fashioned train ride."

Military members and their families boarded the train at 3:30 p.m. and departed on an hour and a half ride that led from Great Falls through the picturesque Montana countryside and back.

"I've never been on a train before so I really enjoyed the ride," said Staff Sgt. Cheryl Harding, 341st Missile Wing Staff Agency client support administrator. "My daughter really enjoyed looking out the window as the mountains went by."

Passengers on the train were treated to hot chocolate, snacks and goodies, and were given a commemorative ornament when Santa Claus stopped to visit each family.

The Holiday Express is a unique, vintage passenger train decorated for the holidays. It features 11 passenger cars from the 1940s and 1950s that have been updated with modern equipment such as GPS and computer equipment. Powering the train were 440 horse power diesel engines.

"Our goal was to recognize those who serve, and most importantly, the families of those who serve," said Gus Melonas, spokesman for BNSF railroad. "This is the first time the Holiday Express train has been designed specifically for the military."

Matthew Rose, Chief Executive Officer for BNSF, also presented more than $5,000 each to Malmstrom's Big Sky Top Three association and the Montana Air National Guard support fund which provides assistance to morale and welfare programs for Airmen and their families.

This year, BNSF has contributed more than $40,000 to organizations that support military families, and has provided the Holiday Express train rides to more than 1,800 military members and their families throughout in Montana, North and South Dakota, and Wyoming, according to BNSF officials.