BNSF Railway paid tribute to U.S. military families during a special Holiday Express train ride on Sunday, Dec. 4. Service members and their families were treated to a half-hour train ride from Downers Grove to Chicago aboard vintage passenger cars decorated for the holidays.

The BNSF Foundation also presented $10,000 to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund and $10,000 to Operation Support Our Troops.

Congresswoman Judy Biggert, R-13, and Congressman Dan Lipinski, D-3 were in attendance and addressed the families during the event.

While on board the Holiday Express, families were treated to holiday snacks, given a commemorative holiday ornament and a visit by Santa.